The Walking Dead S04E01: "30 Days Without An Accident" Review

Finally... After months of excruciating patience and wait, The Walking Dead has returned, or is about return, to AMC and various television networks across the globe, bringing about its much anticipated 4th Season and continuing the ongoing story of survival of Rick Grimes and his group of survivors in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Now on its 4th season and going strong as ever, what other threats lie in store for the living in this savage environment? Plenty more, and that's what this review is going to explore and reflect on with the season premiere episode - "30 Days Without An Accident".



The Walking Dead S04E01: 30 Days Without An Accident Sneak Peek
Taking place about six to seven months after the events of the Season 3 Finale "Welcome To The Tombs", we find Rick and his fellow survivors in the prison joined by a whole number of other refugees, expanding the community and trying to build a sense of livelihood for all who live there. Daryl Dixon, Carol, Herschel, Michonne, Glenn, and Maggie return, as well as their new comrades in Michonne, Tyreese, Sasha, and Karen. Rick himself has reduced his responsibilities significantly, no longer acting as the sole leader of the group and relinquishing responsibilities to a council headed by his trusted allies. Life is seemingly peaceful and content... Until a mysterious new threat and mishaps encountered by the group remind them of the grim reality they are living in.

Directed by legendary make-up artist and George Romero zombie movie veteran Greg Nicotero, "30 Days Without An Accident" is a pretty good start to another new season of The Walking Dead. The fan favorite zombie TV series created by Robert Kirkman and developed into live action by Frank Darabont has seen several highlights over the past few years, including an impressive cast that grows with each new addition in every season that comes. Season 4 is no different, and introduces some new faces, including former field medic Bob Stookey and Beth's new boyfriend Zach. Rick's son Carl also gains a new friend in the form of Patrick, who thinks highly of Daryl and his contributions to the community. Speaking of Mr. Dixon, he is currently the new field leader of the Prison community, who leads a team on a run at an abandoned shopping complex that doesn't end on happy note. Meanwhile, Michonne still searches for signs of The Governor's whereabouts, while Rick settles for farming and crop growing duties under the tutelage of Herschel. This peaceful occupation doesn't come without trouble for Mr. Grimes however, as the first episode has him dealing with an unexpected encounter.

The Walking Dead Season 4 Extended Preview
Despite starting off with similar beginnings and origins, The Walking Dead TV Series has adapted its own continuity that keeps it unique and separate from its comic book counterpart, and its that freshness that keeps viewers hungry and expecting more with each new episode that comes and goes. The actors who have survived and reprised their roles like Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon boost familiarity and growth with each passing season, and the maturity and conflict with each new dilemma encountered by the group is felt by the audience that there's no telling what could happen next. New showrunner Scott M. Gimple and executive producers Gale Anne Hurd and Robert Kirkman certainly keep the pace of unpredictability going, especially with the introduction of the "new threat", which subtly makes its presence known throughout the entire episode. Make no mistake, this is something that's deadly and real, and will pose for some great storytelling throughout the entire season in addition to the walkers and the impending return of The Governor.

So after breaking records again on its premiere date in the US on October 13, is the Season 4 premiere worth tuning into? Absolutely, and any fan of TWD must see this and prepare for what's to come with the rest of the episodes in the future.

Be sure to catch The Walking Dead airs every Sunday on AMC in the US, and premieres on Fox Philippines this Saturday.