How visually scary and gross is walking dead? How much pop-up-BOO! type scary stuff is there?

[unsinkable]

I want to watch this show but I get so into movies and TV I about have a heart attack any time there is a pop-up-BOO! type scene.

 

I'm the only one in a theatre that will scream. (Blush) It's embarrassing.

 

 

[I.Dup.]

The scenes are terrible, truly. Disgusting. There aren't too many pop up scenes, but they do happen occasionally.

[Joker]

It's really gross. When dh first started watching it, I couldn't even be in the same room due to the sounds. Now, I'm in the same room but I don't watch the gross stuff. I'm interested in the story now but can't watch the whole thing. The pop up type stuff doesn't happen often.

[unsinkable]

The scenes are terrible, truly. Disgusting. There aren't too many pop up scenes, but they do happen occasionally.

 

Oh, yeah. It might not be for me.

 

My kids usually have to tell me "it's not real, mom" and pull my hands from my face in shows like House.

[Aslana]

Scary? Depends on how you define that. If the thought of shadows following you is scary, then this will give you a heart attack. But gross? IN SPADES. I mean we are talking about rotting dead walking corpses here. :D

 

Themes? I honestly think the themes in the show would bother people more than the blood, guts, and nasty stuff oozing... But we all love the show here. :D So your mileage may very well vary.

[unsinkable]

It's really gross. When dh first started watching it, I couldn't even be in the same room due to the sounds. Now, I'm in the same room but I don't watch the gross stuff. I'm interested in the story now but can't watch the whole thing. The pop up type stuff doesn't happen often.

 

OOOOOH, the sounds.

 

I just urped a little.

 

Thanks for the warning.

 

I actually watched most of the Blair Witch project with the sound off. It wasn't as scary.

[Word Nerd]

It's the grossest show I've ever seen (or rather watched with my eyes covered much of the time), but I rarely watch horror so YMMV. I have only watched the first season and though I thought the story was intriguing, I decided I didn't have the stomach to continue the series. I don't recall many pop-up scares, but there are definitely a lot of tense chase scenes.

[unsinkable]

Scary? Depends on how you define that. If the thought of shadows following you is scary, then this will give you a heart attack. But gross? IN SPADES. I mean we are talking about rotting dead walking corpses here. :D

 

Themes? I honestly think the themes in the show would bother people more than the blood, guts, and nasty stuff oozing... But we all love the show here. :D So your mileage may very well vary.

 

Themes? I thought it was just like Toy Story with zombies?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOL! I'm kidding. My son showed me that meme.

[unsinkable]

It's the grossest show I've ever seen (or rather watched with my eyes covered much of the time), but I rarely watch horror so YMMV. I have only watched the first season and though I thought the story was intriguing, I decided I didn't have the stomach to continue the series. I don't recall many pop-up scares, but there are definitely a lot of tense chase scenes.

 

Tense chase scenes get me too. premium rush about did me in.

[Aslana]

That meme was pure awesome sauce (as my daughter would say). :D

[sassenach]

It's too much for me. I try to watch every once in awhile, but usually retreat back into a book. The sounds are way over the top.

[Paige]

It's not really scary at all but definitely not for the squeamish.

[unsinkable]

It's too much for me. I try to watch every once in awhile, but usually retreat back into a book. The sounds are way over the top.

 

Thanks. I hadn't considered the sounds...

[mommymilkies]

I don't usually have a problem with it, actually, as far as pop up stuff. It isn't for the squeamish, though, and emotionally it is more difficult because of the psychological effects on the characters.

[unsinkable]

I don't usually have a problem with it, actually, as far as pop up stuff. It isn't for the squeamish, though, and emotionally it is more difficult because of the psychological effects on the characters.

 

Uuughh...your last part really makes me want to watch it!

 

But I am so squeamish...

[PachiSusan]

I could not stay in the room when my SIL was watching it. I tried but when an eyeball popped out of the socket and rolled onto the ground and they filmed it? I was DONE. No need for that in my life.

[unsinkable]

I could not stay in the room when my SIL was watching it. I tried but when an eyeball popped out of the socket and rolled onto the ground and they filmed it? I was DONE. No need for that in my life.

 

Thank you...I think, LOL

[Slartibartfast]

I think it is the most violent show ever on TV.

 

There are some pop-up startle moments but not excessive.

[Aslana]

Oh I can think of a few that are very much MORE violent than the Walking Dead. One just finished its 5th season and I just watched the last episode.

(Spartacus: War of the Damned)

(Game of Thrones)

 

Just to name two that are WAY more violent.

[unsinkable]

I think it is the most violent show ever on TV.

 

There are some pop-up startle moments but not excessive.

 

So the violence is the walking dead killing the regular people? Or vice versa? Or both?

[Slartibartfast]

So the violence is the walking dead killing the regular people? Or vice versa? Or both?

 

All of the above.

[Slartibartfast]

Oh I can think of a few that are very much MORE violent than the Walking Dead. One just finished its 5th season and I just watched the last episode.

(Spartacus: War of the Damned)

(Game of Thrones)

 

Just to name two that are WAY more violent.

 

I haven't seen Spartacus but I don't think Game of Thrones is more violent. At least not until later books. It is a bit of a joke in my family about how each of those books is more horrific than the last. :lol:

 

I am not sure I will be able to get through the next one if it is worse than the last.

[Aslana]

zombies eating (which does kill them, but zombies don't kill first, they eat it) people, people killing zombies, people killing non-zombies, and people killing people who might turn into zombies--lots of mercy killings, killings, fighting, language, very tough decisions made.

[Aslana]

I haven't seen Spartacus but I don't think Game of Thrones is more violent. At least not until later books. It is a bit of a joke in my family about how each of those books is more horrific than the last. :lol:

 

I am not sure I will be able to get through the next one if it is worse than the last.

 

Haven't read the books (don't feed me to the zombies for that), but the newest season? Yeah, rapes, killings, hangings, war, animals killing people, etc...

 

Spartacus--well, let's just say that I'd truly wager most of this forum would not watch it. It's got it all --in spades and then some.

[mommymilkies]

Oh I can think of a few that are very much MORE violent than the Walking Dead. One just finished its 5th season and I just watched the last episode.

(Spartacus: War of the Damned)

(Game of Thrones)

Just to name two that are WAY more violent.

 

I agree. It's not the most violent, IMO.

 

OP, what about reading the graphic books first? That way you get less of the scariness, and more of the psychology and then you can decide if it is for you? They are great, really. It cured me of my (literal) zombie phobia.

[unsinkable]

 

 

I agree. It's not the most violent, IMO.

 

OP, what about reading the graphic books first? That way you get less of the scariness, and more of the psychology and then you can decide if it is for you? They are great, really. It cured me of my (literal) zombie phobia.

 

Ooh, good idea. Thanks.

[Aslana]

I don't mean to dampen your newly found enthusiasm but there are a few things you need to know about the graphic novels:

 

1--they are way ahead of the seasons.

2--they can be just as graphic. Full color, something a zombie takes up an entire page.

3--Some of the graphic novels don't follow **exactly** what you watch.

 

Just be aware that the zombies are just as in your face on paper. Though being on paper may just help you deal with on screen. PLUS! Almost forgot. You can google behind the scenes for the show. That helps alot to see just how they did it, when trying to overcome the issue of the zombies.

[PachiSusan]

zombies eating (which does kill them, but zombies don't kill first, they eat it) people, people killing zombies, people killing non-zombies, and people killing people who might turn into zombies--lots of mercy killings, killings, fighting, language, very tough decisions made.

 

Truly, I don't get the appeal of this show. Even if it was better than Shakespeare and it was the greatest story writing ever told - the above will keep me from ever seeing it.

[Word Nerd]

 

 

I agree. It's not the most violent, IMO.

 

OP, what about reading the graphic books first? That way you get less of the scariness, and more of the psychology and then you can decide if it is for you? They are great, really. It cured me of my (literal) zombie phobia.

 

I may try those too. I am still quite curious about the characters and what happens after I left off, but the show is too much of a sensory overload for my taste because of the in-your-face gore.

[Aslana]

 

Truly, I don't get the appeal of this show. Even if it was better than Shakespeare and it was the greatest story writing ever told - the above will keep me from ever seeing it.

 

 

I think the appeal is the end of the world scenario. People watch as almost a how to kind of thing. Plus, zombies in movies have literally been done to death. This show is an extremely unique show in terms of the zombie genre. It has more humanity and realistic what ifs, how to's, and so on.

 

It's just more---human, if you will, than the movies.

[PachiSusan]

 

 

I think the appeal is the end of the world scenario. People watch as almost a how to kind of thing. Plus, zombies in movies have literally been done to death. This show is an extremely unique show in terms of the zombie genre. It has more humanity and realistic what ifs, how to's, and so on.

 

It's just more---human, if you will, than the movies.

 

Just don't get it. Once you see something, it's in there forever. I don't want to see these scenes when I close my eyes at night. I can still see that eye ball bouncing. I can still hear the sounds of an ax splitting the head.

 

I don't believe in Zombies. I don't think they will EVER take over the world, so really, what's there to watch as a how to thing?? Seriously. I'm not being snarky. Do people really think Zombie's exist? Do they really think the Zombie Apocalypse is coming? It's a fictional show about fictional characters.

 

I truly just don't get it. Like I don't get "Twilight" <shrugs shoulders>

[Aslana]

 

Just don't get it. Once you see something, it's in there forever. I don't want to see these scenes when I close my eyes at night. I can still see that eye ball bouncing. I can still hear the sounds of an ax splitting the head.

 

I don't believe in Zombies. I don't think they will EVER take over the world, so really, what's there to watch as a how to thing?? Seriously. I'm not being snarky. Do people really think Zombie's exist? Do they really think the Zombie Apocalypse is coming? It's a fictional show about fictional characters.

 

I truly just don't get it. Like I don't get "Twilight" <shrugs shoulders>

 

*I* don't get Twilight. But how about this--it's a tv show. Don't think so much into it. :D No snark meant either but you know what--some of us like having that brain-numbing stuff once in a while.

 

I could see this happening if I were trying to justify watching Spartacus (trust me on this one). You would NOT get wanting to watch it. In fact, you'd probably think it too pornographic for television. Yet, I watch it, enjoy it, and mourned the loss of certain characters at the right moments.

 

I'm the same with books. Brain numbing is a good thing. I know many who disagree with that and you seem to be one of them, but that's okay. :D I'm not mad.

 

As for whether people actually believe in zombies and what not.... you do know zombification is a real thing, right?

(maybe not exactly as it is shown, but it is very real-human and animal).

[PachiSusan]

 

*I* don't get Twilight. But how about this--it's a tv show. Don't think so much into it. :D No snark meant either but you know what--some of us like having that brain-numbing stuff once in a while.

 

I could see this happening if I were trying to justify watching Spartacus (trust me on this one). You would NOT get wanting to watch it. In fact, you'd probably think it too pornographic for television. Yet, I watch it, enjoy it, and mourned the loss of certain characters at the right moments.

 

I'm the same with books. Brain numbing is a good thing. I know many who disagree with that and you seem to be one of them, but that's okay. :D I'm not mad.

 

As for whether people actually believe in zombies and what not.... you do know zombification is a real thing, right?

(maybe not exactly as it is shown, but it is very real-human and animal).

 

Where we differ, I think, is that violent, gory stories aren't mind numbing to me. They make my mind go NUTS with not being able to shut them off.

 

As to the zombification, I do not believe in it. Period. Nor do I believe in Vampires (Bella Lagosi turning into a bat type...I realize there are people who drink human blood)

[Aslana]

 

Where we differ, I think, is that violent, gory stories aren't mind numbing to me. They make my mind go NUTS with not being able to shut them off.

 

As to the zombification, I do not believe in it. Period. Nor do I believe in Vampires (Bella Lagosi turning into a bat type...I realize there are people who drink human blood)

 

 

Allow me to be of service then. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralis

 

Zombification is very real. The whole point to the Walking Dead is not necessarily zombies and gore, but biological warfare and what could happen if it all went wrong. The ants are just an example. That fungus is ground up and used as a tool in Voodoo rituals for the express purpose of zombifying the person they want to control.

 

Now, zombies as in what you see on tv? Not exactly. But zombification is very real and does happen.

 

Likewise, there are people who suffer from Vampirism-called Porphyria. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porphyria

Are they "bat turning Bela Lugosi" types? Not exactly. But Vampirism is real too.

 

And, so is Lycanthropy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_lycanthropy

Do they actually manifest into fur covered, smelly, fanged dogs? Nope.

 

But they are all real. :D

 

This has been your PSA for the day.

[PachiSusan]

Allow me to be of service then. :D

http://en.wikipedia....ps_unilateralis

 

Zombification is very real. The whole point to the Walking Dead is not necessarily zombies and gore, but biological warfare and what could happen if it all went wrong. The ants are just an example. That fungus is ground up and used as a tool in Voodoo rituals for the express purpose of zombifying the person they want to control.

 

Now, zombies as in what you see on tv? Not exactly. But zombification is very real and does happen.

 

Likewise, there are people who suffer from Vampirism-called Porphyria. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porphyria

Are they "bat turning Bela Lugosi" types? Not exactly. But Vampirism is real too.

 

And, so is Lycanthropy.

http://en.wikipedia....cal_lycanthropy

Do they actually manifest into fur covered, smelly, fanged dogs? Nope.

 

But they are all real. :D

 

This has been your PSA for the day.

 

 

 

Thank you, but actually not. I know of all of those things. It's the depiction of them in our books, movies, etc...that I am saying do not exist. ;)

 

There are no such things as "undead". As people who have DIED and only their body is moving. The zombification you mention above is doing something that gives the appearance of Zombie behavior, but they are not truly DEAD and reanimate.

 

There are no such things as Bella Lagosi Vampires - there are those who drink blood and THINK and ACT as if they are.

 

There are no such thing as La chupacabra.

 

Lycanthropy is about people who *think* they transform.

 

All the things you posted to me are about behavior, not fundamental transformation. :)

[mommymilkies]

Just don't get it. Once you see something, it's in there forever. I don't want to see these scenes when I close my eyes at night. I can still see that eye ball bouncing. I can still hear the sounds of an ax splitting the head.

I don't believe in Zombies. I don't think they will EVER take over the world, so really, what's there to watch as a how to thing?? Seriously. I'm not being snarky. Do people really think Zombie's exist? Do they really think the Zombie Apocalypse is coming? It's a fictional show about fictional characters.

I truly just don't get it. Like I don't get "Twilight" <shrugs shoulders>

 

 

I have never met anyone who believed that movie zombies were real. And if you haven't seen the show through or read the novels, then you have no idea what zombie means in regards to this show. I do not know a single person who watches this as a how to. Really, what is fascinating about it is psychologically watching how people change under extreme circumstances. THAT is the point of the Walking Dead. THAT is what most people find fascinating. Sure some survivalists find the show interesting. But if they're getting their ideas from a fictional show, who cares? I'm sure there are people who believe in aliens that watch Doctor Who, too. If you don't care about it, don't watch it.

 

I had a zombie phobia. The rational part of me has never believed in them, but that didn't stop the irrational part of my brain from having anxiety attacks when zombies were in movies. No different than a fear of the dark.

[PachiSusan]

I have never met anyone who believed that movie zombies were real. And if you haven't seen the show through or read the novels, then you have no idea what zombie means in regards to this show. I do not know a single person who watches this as a how to. Really, what is fascinating about it is psychologically watching how people change under extreme circumstances. THAT is the point of the Walking Dead. THAT is what most people find fascinating. Sure some survivalists find the show interesting. But if they're getting their ideas from a fictional show, who cares? I'm sure there are people who believe in aliens that watch Doctor Who, too. If you don't care about it, don't watch it.

 

 

 

I was responding to a previous poster who said the underlined, not me.

 

I have talked with my SIL who is a Walking Dead FREAK. I have talked with my best friend in the entire world about it. I know what the story line is. I know the particular "bent" about these Zombies. I know what it's about.

 

To the bolded - thank you. That's the response I get from everyone. *I* personally don't want to look at zombies to get that. I'd rather have a different medium to get that result. Simple as that.

 

I'm not offended that you watch it - don't be offended that I don't. :confused1:

Edited April 14, 2013 by Moderator
Removed unnecessary snark.

[Aslana]

 

There are no such things as "undead". As people who have DIED and only their body is moving.

All the things you posted to me are about behavior, not fundamental transformation. :)

 

 

Have you ever seen a dead body get up and walk or sit up and throw up? I know many who have. Legitimately.

(But in all fairness, I'm being silly, even though it does happen).

 

As to your second quoted sentence, psychologists would vehemently disagree with you. Again, they don't actually turn into bats or full fledged fanged werewolves, but some people who experience these things DO turn. Mentally. That's as fundamental a transformation as you can get.

 

(But again, I'm being silly too. Not argumentative, just keeping the discussion open).

 

And to further espouse on what Mommymilkies has said--it's not so much a how to shoot zombies type flick. It really is about the future--bio warfare, what if.. that sort of thing. The show is highly emotional for the human interaction part. The Walking Dead aren't exactly the zombies. :D

[PachiSusan]

 

Have you ever seen a dead body get up and walk or sit up and throw up? I know many who have. Legitimately.

(But in all fairness, I'm being silly, even though it does happen).

 

As to your second quoted sentence, psychologists would vehemently disagree with you. Again, they don't actually turn into bats or full fledged fanged werewolves, but some people who experience these things DO turn. Mentally. That's as fundamental a transformation as you can get.

 

(But again, I'm being silly too. Not argumentative, just keeping the discussion open).

 

And to further espouse on what Mommymilkies has said--it's not so much a how to shoot zombies type flick. It really is about the future--bio warfare, what if.. that sort of thing. The show is highly emotional for the human interaction part. The Walking Dead aren't exactly the zombies. :D

 

LMAO. Okay. They fundamentally change MENTALLY. I'll give you that. However, they do not physically change. ;)

 

I think maybe the discussion should be done though, because I have a feeling i"m in a for a world class dog pile if I keep talking. :lol:

 

I don't watch the show, so I should just drive on outta here.... :driving:

 

Of course, I rarely listen to my own good advice about leaving threads...

[Ghee]

That show disturbs me. I don't like violence for the sake of violence, I don't like gore for the sake of gore. From the little of it I've been unfortunate enough to witness, the whole story IS about how violent and gory it all is.

[Aslana]

 

LMAO. Okay. They fundamentally change MENTALLY. I'll give you that. However, they do not physically change. ;)

 

I think maybe the discussion should be done though, because I have a feeling i"m in a for a world class dog pile if I keep talking. :lol:

 

I don't watch the show, so I should just drive on outta here.... :driving:

 

Of course, I rarely listen to my own good advice about leaving threads...

 

Nah.. I'm not dogpiling you. :D You don't like it--no biggie. It's not like you are telling me I'm gonna go to hell for liking it. Nope, you are just expressing the fact that you don't get it--which is cool.

 

But you are being a bit pedantic about the mentally/physically thing. :D Many psychologists, when reviewing past medical histories (I'm talking waaaaaay back) have come to the conclusion that the physical change did not actually exist and it truly was all mental. It's truly a fascinating read, this stuff.

[Aslana]

That show disturbs me. I don't like violence for the sake of violence, I don't like gore for the sake of gore. From the little of it I've been unfortunate enough to witness, the whole story IS about how violent and gory it all is.

 

 

I'm correcting you on one thing:

 

The show is absolutely NOT "for the sake of".. not one bit. Violent and gore yes. But absolutely not gratuitous and "for the sake of".

[mommymilkies]

 

 

 

I'm correcting you on one thing:

 

The show is absolutely NOT "for the sake of".. not one bit. Violent and gore yes. But absolutely not gratuitous and "for the sake of".

 

Exactly. Even the author has a note at the beginning of the book about it. It's like saying Troy was only to show off Brad Pitt's wonderous rear. You're missing the point of the show entirely if you only think it's about violence. Many episodes have nearly no violence. I have not seen the newest season, unfortunately, but as far as what I have seen, I think the books may be more gory. However, it seems to not be as...stressing to me as seeing it in action on a screen.

[PachiSusan]

 

Nah.. I'm not dogpiling you. :D You don't like it--no biggie. It's not like you are telling me I'm gonna go to hell for liking it. Nope, you are just expressing the fact that you don't get it--which is cool.

 

But you are being a bit pedantic about the mentally/physically thing. :D Many psychologists, when reviewing past medical histories (I'm talking waaaaaay back) have come to the conclusion that the physical change did not actually exist and it truly was all mental. It's truly a fascinating read, this stuff.

 

Just a clarification - I wasn't thinking you were dogpiling me. I could see that my comments would eventually draw others into the thread who DO like the show and that has a potential for dog piling. :)

 

Carry on Zombie lovers!! :) :ack2: :p

[butterflymommy]

The gore is pretty bad. I covered my eyes a lot (when the groaning and slurping sounds end I uncover my eyes). But the character development and plot are excellent in the first season, goes wayyyy downhill through the second and third season, but picks back up in the last few episodes of season three. If you're not into gore it may not even be worth watching some of the season 2 and 3 episodes but definitely give season 1 a try.

[elegantlion]

It's one of my favorite shows. I'm personally hanging onto my idealism by about a thread and Rick Grimes is my worn out, half-sane superhero. The gore pushes my comfort level a bit, but the story keeps me watching. It does make you question what you would do if you were pushed to the limit.

[Shawna in Texas]

Gruesome as it is, the undead bit is completely secondary. The show completely stresses me out and it has nothing to do with those afflicted. I continue to watch though because I can't not.

 

I tend to like my gore with a bit of comedy: Shaun of the Dead and Evil Dead.

[Word Nerd]

That show disturbs me. I don't like violence for the sake of violence, I don't like gore for the sake of gore. From the little of it I've been unfortunate enough to witness, the whole story IS about how violent and gory it all is.

 

I disagree with that assessment even though I stopped watching because of the gore. If the show were only about the gore, I wouldn't have watched more than a few minutes.

[DawnM]

I watched season 1. After some sleepless nights while DH was out of town, I have opted not to continue watching.

[Paige]

I saw an interesting article about scientists creating zombie cells. They take a living cell, put something on it to kill it, then turn it back on somehow to perform functions while dead. The zombie cells are kind of like machines. I'm sure nothing can go wrong with that...

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/zombie-cells-sandia-national-labs-university-new-mexico_n_2730166.html

 

As for the show, I watch it for the story not the zombies. I usually tune all the zombie stuff out while I'm doing something else and pay attention to the non-zombie parts. The special effects don't bother me but it's not for everyone. i think it is similar to the UK show Survivors which I also liked. It's kind of a sci-fi end of the world survival story.