The Walking Dead has become a runaway success due to its ability to present a bleak, post-apocalyptic universe where zombie flesh-eaters, known as Walkers, are the most feared enemies of the survivors. One crucial element that has made the franchise a continuous source of intrigue is how AMC keeps improving the Walkers’ storylines, which has raised the level of threat from mere mindless, undead monsters to something that requires much more from the protagonists.
That element is Intelligent Zombies, which have changed the game and transformed walkers from undead creatures into sentient beings with an ingenious sense of adaptability. It has become apparent on numerous occasions that zombies can be “aware” of themselves and their surroundings to a point where they develop strategies to outwit their prey.
This new concept introduced in The Walking Dead, however, doesn’t just apply to individual zombies. We have witnessed entire herds working together through more developed vocalization and a stronger grasp of group behavior. This aspect has been a crucial factor in several of the show’s most noticeable set-pieces, including the iconic season 5 opener when Rick’s group tries to lead a herd of zombies away from Alexandria.
Some scenes show just how close to humans these creatures have become, with some indications of their being cognitively advanced. For instance, in the Season 7 finale, Negan tied a bag over a walker’s head, and the creature began to walk in the other direction, seemingly understanding its predicament.
Intelligent Zombies are a game-changer for the series, as they bring an additional layer of tension and mystery to the show. Traditional zombies were already enough of a threat to the human survivors, but these entirely new beings with developing skills and unpredictability move the storyline to another level.
Is There a Limit to Their Intelligence?
Despite the exciting prospects this idea presents, it is essential to point out that prolonged thinking and decision-making are generally not compatible with being undead. Therefore, could there be limitations to how far zombies can develop their intelligence?
Overall, the idea of intelligent zombies in The Walking Dead franchise is a game-changing concept that adds a new dimension to the series. Their ability to learn, communicate, coordinate, and plan introduce an entirely new level of tension and complexity to the show’s narrative. It’ll be interesting to see how this concept develops and how the human survivors respond to this new level of enemy threat.
