Summary
Newly turned zombies should be harmless in The Walking Dead because they lack harmful bacteria in their mouths, contradicting the show's logic.
Content must be written in English:
According to The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman, it is the bacterial infection, rather than the virus itself, that results in the death of humans, as everyone is already infected by the virus.
Despite its questionable logic regarding zombies, the plot twist in The Walking Dead, where reanimation occurs upon death regardless of being bitten or not, greatly contributes to the show's success.
Freshly turned zombies in The Walking Dead are relatively harmless when they bite people. This inconsistency in the story raises questions about the logic of zombies, but it's not surprising for a popular show like The Walking Dead to have some unexplainable incidents. The zombies in the series have always been a topic of discussion, with viewers speculating about their origins, intelligence, and the threat they pose in the newer variations in upcoming spinoffs. As The Walking Dead focuses more on the evolution of zombies and the increased danger for survivors, it's natural for small inconsistencies to arise.
Throughout the franchise, The Walking Dead has consistently portrayed zombies as slow walkers who don't pose a significant threat until they bite someone. Beloved characters have been bitten in unexpected circumstances and must either amputate a limb or succumb to a brutal infection as shown numerous times. It's reasonable to assume that the bacteria in a zombie's mouth would kill a survivor once it enters their system. However, this logic doesn't apply to freshly turned zombies who haven't been exposed to harmful microorganisms yet.
Newly Turned Zombies Should Be Harmless In The Walking Dead
According to Robert Kirkman, the creator of the franchise, the newly turned zombies in The Walking Dead should be harmless because they do not have enough harmful bacteria in their mouths to cause infections. Their bites should not transmit the virus to humans. The only way these freshly reanimated corpses can be dangerous is by causing blood loss through repeated biting. Therefore, being bitten by these recently turned zombies is no different from being bitten by a living person. Despite scientific evidence supporting these claims, The Walking Dead still portrays any zombie bite, regardless of their physical state, as fatal due to the bacteria on their teeth and gums.
In The Walking Dead, Kirkman stated that everyone is already infected with the virus since the zombie outbreak began. If someone dies without brain damage, they will reanimate shortly after because the virus "reawakens" the part of the brain controlling movement and eating. However, a zombie bite does not transfer the virus; it is the bacteria that compromises a human's immune system. Therefore, someone who has recently turned into a zombie should not have an infectious bite for some time. Kirman wrote in his Letter Hacks column in The Walking Dead issue #41:
"The principle is:
The Walking Dead Was Right To Ignore Its Zombie Logic
, which is something inherent in every individual. In the event of stubbing your toe, acquiring an infection, and succumbing to death, you transform into a zombie, UNLESS your brain sustains damage. If someone fatally shoots you in the head, you remain deceased. A zombie bite brings demise due to infection or severe blood loss, not due to the zombie "virus."Despite the lack of scientific plausibility, The Walking Dead introduced a plot twist wherein anyone who perished, regardless of being bitten or not, would reanimate. This unforeseen development emerged as one of the show's most significant surprises. Although it adds intricacy to the rules governing the Walking Dead zombie infection, it remains a compelling aspect. If the creators were to attempt an explanation of the current workings of zombies, it could potentially bewilder the audience, ultimately compromising the authenticity and captivating nature that this franchise portrays on television.
In addition to addressing the zombie plot hole, The Walking Dead is enhancing its storyline by introducing new types of walkers that possess distinct abilities such as running, climbing, and grasping objects. Although it remains uncertain how these variants will affect humans or if they will continue to rely on their infamous biting force, fans can look forward to upcoming spinoffs like The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which may provide answers to these lingering questions. Instead of dwelling on minor inconsistencies where recently turned zombies appear to be less contagious, audiences should anticipate the introduction of thrilling future variant zombies in The Walking Dead.