5 TV Shows That Went Bad In 2018 (So Far)

For many viewers, The Walking Dead hasn't been compelling television for quite a while now. The hit AMC series has been less than stellar for a few years, but that was okay because the show was playing the long game, setting up future storylines.

In fact, the eighth season was starting to show signs of improvement, however, with significantly better storytelling methods implemented. It was as if the showrunners had finally listened to the viewers, and discarded the major problems that plagued the show - namely those boring episodes which centred around less important characters. Also, the pace rapidly picked up between Season 7 and 8, with more action and more at stake for the leading characters. What's more, Rick's attack on Negan in the opening episode was a great way to start the season. It seemed as if The Walking Dead was finally returning to form. But when the show returned from its midseason break earlier this year, it became apparent that there was no hope for the AMC series.

A protagonist needs a goal, and Carl's death removed Rick's primary objective, leaving the character wandering aimlessly. Carl had been the reason Rick got this far in the apocalypse. He was fighting for his child, and would do anything to ensure his son's survival. Losing him gives Rick's survival less meaning. But not only does this loss effect Rick, it also effects the show. Carl's existence provided a great plot device, whereby the show could continue with Carl as the protagonist if Rick ever died, bit losing the character means that this is no longer an option. The unpredictable death certainly made us question why executive producer Scott Gimple would make such a decision. If this wasn't bad enough, the all out war between Negan and Rick that has been teased for several seasons proved to be a colossal disappointment.

Gimple's departure from the show could've been promising, but with Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan leaving after the ninth season, there is little hope for The Walking Dead. Furthermore, Norman Reedus - who plays Daryl - is in talks to take over as the show's protagonist, which also doesn't bode well for the post-apocalyptic drama. A protagonist needs to be able to emote, and Daryl isn't very good at communicating his feelings. Much like its signature walkers, it's about time that this beloved drama bites the dust once and for all, as there's no going back.