Review of “The Walking Dead: Season 12” First Trailer (2024)

Tone and Setting

The trailer opens with a bleak, ominous atmosphere, highlighting a world that feels even more desolate and worn than before. Abandoned cities and devastated communities show that, despite the years of survival, society has not rebuilt; it’s only become more fractured. This sense of ongoing decay gives the impression that the show will explore even darker themes, emphasizing that civilization remains fragile and vulnerable.

New Threat

A new antagonist or faction is introduced, with a mysterious leader speaking to a large gathering. This figure, potentially shrouded in shadows or bearing unique symbols, introduces a different philosophy — perhaps a cult or group that worships the walkers or views them as part of a “new natural order.” Their philosophy likely revolves around using walkers as tools, strategically harnessing them for attacks or psychological warfare. This would add a fresh twist to the series, moving beyond simple survival and into a war of ideologies.

Character Development and Relationships

The trailer would highlight the return of beloved characters like Daryl, Maggie, Judith, and Negan, who are now seasoned survivors with deep, complex histories. There could be hints of tension between characters, particularly surrounding Negan’s role as a leader or ally, with scenes showing him in critical moments that reveal both his lingering ruthlessness and his struggle for redemption.

The growth of younger characters, such as Judith, would also be a focal point, positioning her as a strong, capable leader in her own right, likely embodying her father Rick’s spirit and her own unique moral code. There’s a glimpse of her with Maggie, symbolizing the mentorship and evolution of a new generation.

Conflict and Intensity

The trailer builds tension through scenes of coordinated attacks, chases, and intense combat both with walkers and other groups. It seems that, rather than isolated skirmishes, Season 12 would feature larger-scale battles. Explosive traps and high-stakes survival tactics suggest that the stakes are higher than ever, with enemies who are more organized and brutal.

The visuals would emphasize suspense and intensity, showcasing the characters not just fighting to survive, but waging a full-scale war for control, resources, and territory. Shots of Alexandria or Hilltop under siege, with characters scrambling to protect their homes, underscore the idea that these last strongholds are at risk of falling.

Mystery and Teases

The trailer ends with a hint of unresolved questions and mystery. Daryl, standing alone against a massive horde or observing an ominous signal, mutters, “This isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning.” This line signals that, while previous seasons dealt with personal survival and rebuilding, this new chapter might be about something much larger — potentially hinting at a new world order or even the beginnings of a more organized human society outside of the small communities they’ve known.

Visual Style and Cinematography

With darker, washed-out tones and gritty, almost documentary-style camera work, the trailer would likely convey a sense of realism and exhaustion, reflecting the characters’ psychological and physical toll. Slow-motion sequences of walkers overtaking once-familiar settings, combined with eerie silence or whispered voiceovers, could build a haunting atmosphere that reminds viewers of the early days of the series.

Potential Themes for Season 12

1. Legacy and Generational Conflict: As older characters reflect on the world they leave behind, younger survivors step up, bringing new ideologies and approaches to survival.
2. Ideological Warfare: With a new faction that worships walkers or advocates for coexistence with them, Season 12 could explore the clash of ideologies between those who see walkers as a threat versus those who view them as part of humanity’s evolution.
3. Survival vs. Rebuilding: The series could address a critical question — can they continue surviving indefinitely, or must they rebuild society on a larger scale?
4. Family and Redemption: Characters like Negan, Judith, and Maggie face their pasts and seek meaning and reconciliation in a world that has taken so much from them.