The Walking Dead deals with dark subject matter. The world as we know it is over, and those who managed to survive live day by day in an existence where death can be around any corner. This setup is potentially heavy stuff, so its no surprise that the show lacks humor. Characters rarely crack a smile or laugh around each other, and who can blame them? There isnt much to be happy about. However, this is also a show about corpses that go around eating people. The apocalyptic premise may be darkly serious, but the cause is inherently silly. The Walking Dead has the ability to play with that and have some fun with the situation, but it never does. It is relentlessly bleak even when we are witnessing something as silly as Michonne chopping off countless heads with a samurai sword. There are people who will defend this bleakness, and that is understandable. But even the darkest of dramas have moments of brevity and light. Shows known for their tragic storylines (The Wire, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad) are full of genuinely funny moments. Its not like The Walking Dead doesnt try sometimes, but when it does even that manages to feel dull; like the characters are only half-heartedly involved. Maybe that is the point, but it only makes the show feel stale. It lacks color, literally and figuratively. Of course the show shouldnt be silly and goofy, but contrast matters. A little light here and there would make the darkness feel that much darker. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments!
