"The Walking Dead" Episode 6 ("TS-19") and Melodrama: A Television Episode Review

Director: Guy Ferland.

Writers: Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Adam Fierro.

Season 1 ended with a much need bang in Episode 6 of "The Walking Dead." The series' writers have firmly entrenched this zombie styled show in the genre of drama, with any action or thrills added in as an afterthought. Here is going out on a limb, congratulations Frank Darabont for firing your writing staff, as a zombie apocalypse should not bet set in drama, but in horror. Where was the horror in Episode 6, "TS-19?"

For those who missed the show , you did not miss much. Agonizing dialogue, the same sub-plots, and little to no action leaves Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his dwindling crew on the road, this time, out of Atlanta. Their encounter with Dr. Jenner proves mostly pointless, with some explanations on the spread of the disease inside the brain offering the only few insightful tidbits. Jenner proves himself to be not the beacon of hope that Grimes was wishing for, but a man defeated by life circumstances and the death of his wife. The end result is a destroyed Center for Disease Control and the deaths of two more characters through poor decisions.

Zombies are merely a distraction to a show that could easily be compared with the now defunct "Lost," or many other dramas. They (zombies) are often only added into the conclusion of an episode, if at all. The focus of "The Walking Dead" is now entirely on the characters and their interactions amongst themselves. The zombie infection is hampering the characters movements and influencing decisions, but they are no longer the threat to the survival of Grimes' group. Instead, that threat to life is coming from humanity itself. Is man his own worst enemy?

The show would definitely say yes. But let us pause here for a moment to offer some suggestions for Season 2. Please, for the love of God, add in some action into the series! Also, drop the dialogue and start showing some of the carnage. If this reviewer wanted to see the possibility of infidelity , silly arguments between men, and happy smiles on children's faces he would watch an episode of the new "90210," or "Melrose Place." Save the tear jerking scriptwriting for soap operas and bring back the scares to zombie television. Are you listening AMC?

Sign the spontaneous petition below in the comment section to change the direction of "The Walking Dead" television series from boring bronze to gory gold. For zombies are meant to scare, dissect and disembowel, not care, shamble or be forgotten in scenes.

Also, for those interested in where the series will go to next, Jenner's whisperings to Grimes are likely the route to a safe location, or where other survivors where last heard from. Expect to see more Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) in Season 2 and for Shane (Jon Bernthal) and Rick to finally square off over misdealings with Mrs. Grimes (Sarah Wayne Callies). Hopefully, the future hiring of a new set of writers for the series will take this faltering show in a whole new, exciting direction!

Overall: 6 out of 10 (it feels like the "Bold and the Beautiful" in Atlanta).

More details on Episode 6 can be found at the AMC Blog, including quizzes, videos, pictures etc.

The Walking Dead Episode 6 at the AMC

For more details on the firing of the series' writing staff, visit here:

The Walking Dead Writing Staff Rumours at Screen Rant