The Walking Dead: Every Season 1 Episode Ranked Worst To Best

The Walking Dead is coming to an end, so let's go back to the beginning...

The Walking Dead
AMC

It may be hard to believe now, but The Walking Dead aired its first season eleven years ago. It proved to be a massive hit, and from just six episodes it spawned an entire TV empire.

Initially developed by Frank Darabont and based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Robert Kirkman, the show's first season is a strange one to watch now, knowing where the characters would end up and how big things would be become, but it's remarkable to see just how well the episodes have aged.

The first season is concerned with one thing above all others: Rick Grimes attempting to find his family, and then fighting to keep them safe in a radically changed world.

There are no major threats other than the walkers (though Shane shows his twisted side throughout), and there are no massively extravagant set pieces, plot twists or grand insight into just how cruel and desperate people can be. Instead, it's a meticulous slow burn with brief splashes of violence, setting up a story that has currently entered its landmark eleventh season.

In honour of both its anniversary and the premiere of what's said to be the show's final instalment, here's every episode from The Walking Dead's first season ranked worst to best.

6. Vatos

The Walking Dead
AMC

Vatos watches like a teaser of things to come, as Rick, Daryl and T-Dog come face-to-face with a rival gang who've stolen their weapons and kidnapped Glenn.

This leads to some tense sequences, including a stand-off between our three heavily outnumbered heroes and their intimidating new foes. It also finds Daryl working with Rick for the first time, and is the first episode to really highlight how much danger Glenn puts himself into for his friends.

On the other side of the episode, Shane and Lori struggle to put their affair behind them now that Rick has miraculously returned, and Shane begins to crack under the pressure of his new life.

It's a thrilling episode overall, despite being slightly let-down by the reveal that the titular Vatos Gang aren't bad people at all, but equally desperate survivors looking after a home of old people. Aside from the tacky and unearned twist, it's solid enough stuff as far as filler episodes go.

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