The Walking Dead Season 8: 7 Ways To Win Back The Fans
1. Jump Ahead In Time
The biggest takeaway from the five-minute-long AMC Season Eight trailer is the image of old-man Rick, grey-bearded and seemingly requiring the use of a cane to get around.
From the unoriginal - Rick wakes up from his coma still in hospital, to discover that the virus had been merely a terrible nightmare - to the most underwhelming - it is simply a vision Rick is having in the present day - many theories have been offered as an explanation.
Among the most plausible is that Rick’s ageing signifies an upcoming time jump in the series, which would fall in line with the narrative of the graphic novels. On paper, the story skips several years (believed to be between 3 and 5) after the war with Negan ends.
This would be an excellent way to carry the plot forward without as much of the repetition that has burdened the show in recent seasons. It would also give characters the chance to develop off-screen - Carl would be the greatest beneficiary of this - and leave the group needing new leadership. Rick cannot be the same all-action hero if he needs a cane, can he?
This fast-forwarding might occur in the series finale to set up the ninth season, or it could take place mid-season (would a whole season of heavy machinery and gun-fights be too much?) Whenever it comes, it would be the fresh start that the Walking Dead needs.
What do you want to see from Season 8? Share your thoughts down in the comments.