The fast-moving, smart zombies from The Walking Dead season 1 are finally coming back after a decade-long absence. A few scenes in from the first season indicated that some zombies were capable of running and experiencing intelligent thought. However, the zombies encountered since those days have only been the traditional kind.
For years, the AMC series has relied on the classic definition of zombies. But a tease in The Walking Dead: World Beyond and plans for The Walking Dead season 11 part 3 reveal that the show is about to offer more than just the lumbering, mindless zombies viewers have become so accustomed to over the years. It’s been confirmed that the last eight episodes of The Walking Dead’s final season will bring in zombies who move faster than usual and behave with some degree of intelligence. This was made clear by footage in The Walking Dead season 11 part 3 trailer that showed zombies performing tasks previously thought to be impossible, like opening doors and climbing walls. Aaron acknowledged in the trailer that he’d “heard stories” of these zombies, but had never laid eyes on them.
Comments from those involved with the series shed light on where these zombies have been all these years [via EW]. Apparently, the fast zombies were only in season 1 because the writers were still developing the show’s zombie rules. As the series settled on the walkers it’s known for today, it drifted away from the ones that were glimpsed a few times in season 1. According to Walking Dead executive producer Greg Nicotero, the series decided to revisit them by exploring the idea that there might be “certain walkers in certain regions that might have different abilities that we really haven't seen before.” In other words, the fast zombies haven’t been in the locations where the show takes place, but will apparently make their way to Virginia shortly.
How The Fast Zombies Can Fit Into Walking Dead Season 11’s Story
It’s likely that adding faster and smarter zombies is about more than just creating new challenges for the main character in The Walking Dead season 11 part 3. Instead, it stands to reason that their presence ties into the story in one way or another. The Walking Dead: World Beyond’s France scene hinted that new running zombies have been created by science. That, combined with the reveal that Daryl’s show is headed to France, is indicative of there being a larger plan at work here. All three storylines could be linked together somehow.
Either way, the show going down this road speaks to an interest in evolving The Walking Dead universe right as the main show is coming to a close. For over a decade now, the show has clung to a very specific interpretation of the zombie concept, so bringing them back – even if the decision is based on pre-existing ideas that date back to season 1 – is sure to shake things up in a huge way not only for the final season, but also Daryl’s show and any other series affected by the changes. Dealing with zombies capable of running and a more advanced level of brain function can make survival even harder than it already was.