AMC's The Walking Dead

Main character, Rick Grimes, inside an abandoned hospital.

Many have lamented the downfall of dramas made

for television. And, it's true, reality television programming seems to have eaten away at the creativity of many of the networks. But there are still some quality shows being produced. Showtime has Dexter, of course, which is beautifully filmed and superbly acted. And I'd argue that Dexter is the best thing on TV at the moment.

But, maybe, Dexter might have some competition. Released this past Sunday night, another haunting yet gorgeous drama, The Walking Dead, is now carving out a place for itself in the category of deadly dramas.

This first episode is not full of shocking novelties; a man awakens from a coma, in a hospital, and slowly comes to realize that while he was asleep, the world was overcome by zombies. Sound familiar? You're probably remembering 28 Days Later. But also like 28 Days Later, The Walking Dead tries to supply you with characters that you care about. The horror genre often has trouble with this, and while I am not yet completely invested in the characters, I can certainly see promise. And, this is a television series; there is time to become invested and to develop it beyond scare-tactics and gruesome scenes.

Don't worry, though. This isn't all drama. There is plenty that is dark and terrifying. Zombies, with their frightening stagger, litter the screen. And the piles of bodies, scarred and wasted away, almost seem benign in comparison.

Zombies having a bloody delicious snack during Episode 1 of the The Walking Dead.

Overall, the premiere was quite satisfying, and I believe it's worth taking a time out from Next B Celebrity Make Out to give this show a try.