The persistent cleanliness and pristine attire of characters in “The Walking Dead” universe, spanning the original series and its various spinoffs, creates a jarring disconnect with the grim reality of a zombie apocalypse. This pervasive issue, exemplified by characters like Maggie, Carol, Rick, and Michonne consistently sporting clean clothes, styled hair, and well-maintained appearances, undermines the show’s initial strength: its gritty realism. The abundance of readily available resources, such as electricity, fuel, and functioning vehicles, further contributes to this disconnect, diminishing the sense of scarcity and struggle that should define a post-apocalyptic world. This contrasts sharply with the inherent challenges of survival in a world devoid of basic necessities, where characters should be preoccupied with fundamental needs rather than aesthetics. Even Daryl, often portrayed as the most rugged character, maintains a carefully curated “hobo chic” aesthetic that belies the harshness of the environment.
The spinoffs perpetuate this problem, showcasing environments like neon-lit bars in “Dead City” and inexplicably untouched, fully powered apartments in “The Ones Who Live,” furthering the disconnect between the narrative and the expected realities of a collapsed civilization. The pristine, period-specific attire of characters in “Daryl Dixon” adds another layer to this issue, contrasting starkly with the dirt, grime, and wear-and-tear that should be ubiquitous in a world ravaged by the undead. This stands in stark contrast to the early seasons of “The Walking Dead,” where characters often appeared genuinely disheveled, covered in dirt and blood, with tattered clothing reflecting the harsh realities of their existence. The evolution of characters in “Fear The Walking Dead” also exemplifies this shift, with characters like Nick initially embodying the grime and desperation of the apocalypse, only to later adopt more polished appearances, even in dire circumstances.
“American Primeval,” a Netflix Western limited series, provides a compelling counterpoint to “The Walking Dead’s” sanitized aesthetic. The show’s meticulous attention to detail in depicting the harshness of the American frontier, with characters consistently covered in dirt, grime, and blood, underscores the power of realism in enhancing a story’s impact. The director’s insistence on portraying the characters’ physical state authentically, coupled with the extensive effort invested in creating realistic sets, costumes, and makeup, contributes to a visceral and immersive viewing experience. This dedication to verisimilitude extends to every aspect of the production, from the construction of a replica fort to the painstakingly aged and dyed costumes, creating a world that feels authentic and lived-in. This starkly contrasts with “The Walking Dead’s” approach, highlighting the missed opportunity to elevate the narrative through a similar commitment to gritty realism.
This discrepancy in visual portrayal highlights the crucial role of verisimilitude in storytelling, particularly within genres that explore fantastical or extraordinary scenarios. Verisimilitude, the appearance of truth or reality, establishes a set of internal rules within the fictional world, allowing audiences to suspend disbelief and accept the premise, even when dealing with elements like zombies or dragons. This doesn’t grant writers unlimited creative license; rather, it requires maintaining consistency and plausibility within the established parameters of the universe. Introducing elements that contradict the established internal logic, such as sudden superpowers or futuristic weaponry in a zombie apocalypse setting, disrupts the verisimilitude and can alienate the audience.
Often, the breaches in verisimilitude are more subtle, stemming from convenient plot devices or implausible scenarios. Examples include characters inexplicably acquiring skills or resources, or surviving improbable situations without logical explanation. While certain deviations from historical accuracy, such as the inclusion of a black female Viking jarl, can be debated, instances of blatant disregard for internal logic, like the unrealistic plane plot in “Fear The Walking Dead,” significantly detract from the narrative’s credibility. Maintaining verisimilitude requires depicting realistic consequences of the fictional scenario, such as resource scarcity, societal collapse, and the physical toll on individuals, which includes the expected dirt, grime, and wear-and-tear on clothing and appearance.
Strong verisimilitude reinforces the coherence of the fictional world, ensuring the audience understands its rules and how it operates. Even in fantastical settings, the magic or supernatural elements must adhere to a consistent set of internal rules to maintain plausibility. This internal consistency allows audiences to connect more deeply with the characters and the story, as their reactions and experiences become relatable within the established framework of the fictional world. The “realness” of the world enhances immersion and investment in the characters’ journeys. Ultimately, verisimilitude grounds the fantastical in the relatable, making the extraordinary feel plausible and engaging. The most effective genre stories often explore universal themes and human experiences within the context of the fantastical, and verisimilitude allows these themes to resonate more powerfully.
While not every detail needs to be meticulously realistic, attention to seemingly minor details, such as the condition of clothing and the presence of dirt and grime, contributes to the overall sense of authenticity. These details, though not always consciously noticed, create a subconscious sense of realism or its absence. The omission of such details can create a subtle but perceptible disconnect, diminishing the overall impact of the story. The meticulous attention to these details in “American Primeval” serves as a testament to the power of verisimilitude in enhancing storytelling. “The Walking Dead” franchise could benefit significantly from adopting a similar approach, prioritizing the realistic portrayal of characters and their environment to strengthen the narrative and deepen audience engagement. This commitment to realism, coupled with stronger writing and character development, could elevate the series beyond mediocrity and towards its full potential.
