Tracing Rick’s Early Steps in the Zombie Apocalypse
Summary
– “The Walking Dead” series begins with Rick Grimes waking up to a world overrun by walkers.
– Rick’s journey starts in a deserted hospital, leading to his first encounter with the undead.
– The series, based on Robert Kirkman’s comics, diverges in parts but stays true to key elements.
“The Walking Dead,” a series that redefined the undead genre, began its journey on Halloween night in 2010. Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic story, the show introduced viewers to Rick Grimes, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who became an iconic character in the series. The first episode, “Days Gone Bye,” holds a special place in the hearts of fans, marking the beginning of an era in television.
The series opens with Rick Grimes, dressed in his King County Sheriff Deputy uniform, searching for fuel at an abandoned gas station. This scene sets the tone for the series, as Rick encounters a reanimated little girl, a walker, in a moment that signals to viewers that “The Walking Dead” is not an ordinary series. The decision to feature the first death of the series as that of a child was a bold move, indicating the show’s willingness to push boundaries.
Before the outbreak, Rick was shot in the line of duty and fell into a coma for about a month. During this time, the outbreak occurred. His best friend and coworker, Shane Walsh, visited him in the hospital but found it too difficult to save him, leading to Rick waking up alone in a world overrun by walkers. The iconic scene of Rick emerging from the coma to find the hospital deserted and the world in chaos is a defining moment in the series.
As Rick navigates this new world, he encounters Morgan Jones and his son Duane, who help him understand the state of the world. Despite the shock and horror of the situation, Rick’s training as a sheriff’s deputy kicks in, and he immediately switches to survival mode, determined to find his wife and son.
