hitmanjules

I realize the budgets of the two most popular shows on television right now, 'The Walking Dead' and 'Game of Thrones' are not equal, but it bothers me how immersive and detailed the world of 'Game of Thrones' is whereas 'The Walking Dead' tries too hard for some kind of 'timeless' or 'Anywhere, USA' motif. It takes me out of the story, given where they are now, which is in Alexandria, Virginia.

This is the only establishing shot that tells us where we are, geographically in the Walking Dead universe right now. It's seen when Abraham is driving the RV on highways you'd think would have been clogged as they close in on Alexandria.


They did a very good *smaller* version of this in the premiere of Season 2, but as the story has now left the rural backdrop of middle Georgia, they should be coming across more of this:


This is from the comics, and helps show the real remains of the area they've settled into:


Would it kill them to open up their world beyond the whole "Everytown, USA" theme they're aiming for when the story has them moving to an area RIGHT NEAR THE WHITE HOUSE? This is what Alexandria, VA looks like:


Even digitally inserting the skyline in some scenes would enhance the show's production values:


Youtube is chock full of videos showcasing abandoned malls and other locations that would be perfect to film in if they'd get out of Georgia to film a scene or two. Also, is it THAT difficult to show us the seasons of winter and fall on the show? There is so much more they could do with the world they've built and I'm tired of the same empty forested roads and (whole other topic) unrealistic decisions made by the characters. But, I admit, I'll still watch it.

Anyone else hope 'The Walking Dead' will open up its scope?

Josh-da-man

They aren't actually in Alexandria. They're in a real estate development somewhere ambiguously near Alexandria, VA. It's a pre-planned sustainable community with a solar grid and sewage filtration.

It's actually the "Alexandria Safe Zone" but they just call it "Alexandria."

Count Dooku

And I'm pretty sure there's a Walking Dead thread that you could post this stuff in

Jackskeleton

This thread;
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bluetoast

That first image with the road overlooking the Washington Monument - no such road/vantage point like that exists. So even though it established they were nearing D.C., it was pretty laughable to a resident - (like seeing Mountains in Rumble in the Bronx)

Having lived one town over from Alexandria most of my life, and being familiar with the surrounding towns/D.C., it's nowhere near as woody/rural the show portrays. But I've long since gotten used to weird depictions of the D.C. area.

PhantomStranger

All the money on Walking Dead goes to the ensemble cast. They barely have anything left for production values.

Dr. DVD

I think I need to start a thread asking how Maggie and Negan wound up married and siring Batman.

hitmanjules

Thank you for letting me know that they composited that establishing shot. Why on earth couldn't they have designed their locale better? From what I understand, myself having last visited Atlanta in 2006, that the quarry they escape to in Season 1 and Grady Memorial hospital in Season 5 are all genuine. Why not do the same for "Alexandria?" I hope they make excursions into the D.C. area at some point, and get a good look at the Sanctuary and the Kingdom.

Regarding the budget that's being pulled away from the production values, I think that's ridiculous. I don't need to see more empty roads flanked by forest every episode. It's a cheat, an attempt to make filming easier for the production at the expense of realism (yes, I know, it's a TV show this zombies...)

Anyway, some poster gave good advice and I'd like the ask if the Mods can either post this in the current Walking Dead thread or eliminate it.