The Walking Dead Mid-Season Premiere: 2 Ups & 4 Downs From ‘Adaptation’

1. The Whisperers Are A Truly Great Threat

Although the hit series is primarily about living in a world surrounded by the deceased, it's become apparent over the years that the real threat lies in those that are still living. There have been quite a few antagonists, but the fact of the matter is that the two most significant bad guys thus far have been remarkably similar.

No matter the show or the setting, being faced with the same archetypal character becomes boring after a while, which is why it's great to see the series trying something different with The Whisperers. Although our heroes might think otherwise, these guys are a breath of fresh air for the show, because they offer something new and original that we've not seen yet.

It's also really interesting that, should our heroes have any chance of defeating The Whisperers, they'll need to band together with all of their fellow communities, which will no doubt prove difficult for some, given that they're more segregated than ever.

It's not just The Whisperers themselves that are great, but also the mystery that they've brought to the show. Adaptation further develops this mystique, as we learn of how they like to hunt in groups, and fool their prey into believing they're nothing more than lone walkers - something that Alden and Luke discover the hard way.

The Whisperers really are a step in the right direction for TWD. Having said that, if past antagonists have taught us anything, it's that the showrunners have a problem - or fear - of letting them go, so let's hope they've learned this time that, in order for the show to thrive, it's important that the bad guys do not outstay their welcome - no matter how compelling they are.