So it's Tuesday, almost a full two days after the season finale. I've had time to assess some thoughts, read some opinions and come to terms with my own feelings on the matter.
So here they are.
After watching the 616 finale I was incredibly disappointed. I think my first text I sent to my friend and coworker went something like this : FUCKING BULLSHIT. and the credits hasn't even finished rolling.
So how is it a show is allowed to build you up to such a frenzied crescendo, only to leave you high and dry?
Well, if can't. Not really. TWD did this in previous seasons and twice in one season this year. Scott Gimple immediately stated right after "it will all be worth it, it will all be worth it". Problem is he's said it before and we've been let down before. This episode, this finale, this cliffhanger felt more like someone blew their load in your face and didn't ask first.
As a viewer I wasn't happy with the ending at all. It wasn't the acting. As usual it was very well acted and put together. I truly believe all the actors give their all for this show. They are an amazing group of artists who have come together to create the perfect storm. The problem with storms is, eventually, they blow out.
I watch TV a an escape. The problem for me was the intense buildup of the very pivotal #100 comic, then immediate blackout, which leaves the viewers with no closure to Season 6. So these thoughts and feelings have nowhere to go. For many they came out as anger. And understandibly so. People see this as an investment. People have invested two hours of their lives, every Sunday night in The Walking Dead. They have hosted parties, bought food, dressed up, run blogs, bought swag, t-shirts, dolls, keychains, books etc..... Spent enormous amounts of time and money as a fan of the show. And their thanks was a blackout #100. I'm surprised shit isn't burning down.
From a marketing point of view it may be a good strategy. Everyone is talking about it, social media is blowing up about it. From a viewer standpoint, it's not. The Walking Dead screwed their fans and pulled out before everyone came. Big no no.
At the moment of this writing, angry fans are drawing up petitions. Which of itself is a bit ridiculous, but Scott Gimple and Greg Nicotero had to know this might happen as a result of their, for lack of a better term, greed.
Here are my thoughts. This is how fans truly get even. If people are that angry, simply don't tune into the show ever again. DON'T WATCH THE SHOW. Their ratings will drop. They already are. When the ratings drop low enough the show is gone. BUT, be careful what you wish for. That also puts people out of work. It's not the actors fault, they are just doing their job. And they do it well. It's why we've all watched for as long as we have and why the show is as popular as it IS.
So how pissed off are you? Pissed off to never watch again?
I've posted my opinions of 616 on social media and been called horrible names, told I wasn't t a true fan and a multitude of other things, by people who consider themselves to be "hardcore" fans but probably wouldn't actually survive a zombie apocalypse if it ever happened. I think it takes an even bigger fan to stand up to the big wigs at AMC and TWD and say "Hey guys, I think ya blew it with that one".
As I said previously, I watch TV by choice. As an escape, a way to unwind. I have watched this show since day one. I repeatedly watch the episodes. To say I'm not a true fan is ridiculous. But I am an adult and I know when something is no longer working for me, and this isn't. In fact, I'm on the high end of their demographic, almost out of their demographic, and unlike a lot of younger fans, I know when I'm being played for ratings.
I say read the comic. Invest in the comic. I had never read comics before this and I LOVE the comic. I already have all the answers I need. And I'm probably a good 3 seasons ahead of the TV show. The good thing is this has opened up a whole new world of comics and reading for me and it rocks! So, If you have the comic which is what the show is based on, you don't really need the show.
You can only jerk your fans around so many times before people say "fuck it" and bail. LOST is a perfect example. I'd say to everyone at AMC/TWD they'd be well to remember that..... Fans are like zombies, they will turn on you and eat you alive at the drop of a hat.
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