The Incredibly Impactful Transformation of The Walking Dead's Zombie Girl that Revolutionized the Show

Summary

The creators of The Walking Dead strategically introduced Summer, a zombie girl, in the pilot episode to establish the overall atmosphere of the series and emphasize the brutal reality of the post-apocalyptic world, where individuals of any age are not exempt from danger.

Her initial appearance as the show's very first zombie, clad in her pajamas and clutching her teddy bear, effectively startled viewers and primed them for the impending episodes of violence and darkness.

Although Summer was not a character from the original comic books, her addition to the show brought an element of darkness that was justified, considering the comics also featured harrowing and shocking ordeals for children.

The Walking Dead made numerous alterations to the comic book storyline for its adaptation to television, and one of these changes involved the character of Summer, the zombie girl. As the TV series was based on Rob Kirkman's original comics, discrepancies were inevitable when Frank Darabont brought the story to life on screen. Some notable differences include Sophia, a character who survives and does not turn into a walker in the comics, Rick never experiencing the loss of his hand, and the absence of Daryl Dixon in the comics. While these changes were unexpected, the introduction of the zombie girl in the first season was even more surprising due to the realistic depiction of her appearance in the midst of an apocalypse.

In The Walking Dead universe, zombie children have been relatively scarce. This may be attributed to the limited availability of child actors or the rarity of child zombies due to their smaller size. Nonetheless, when child zombies do make an appearance, it can be particularly startling for viewers accustomed to seeing adults in such a state. Summer, the zombie girl in the pilot episode of season 1, holds a significant role in the series. Her presence as a zombified character is considered one of the most crucial changes made in The Walking Dead.

Summer The Zombie Girl Set The Tone For The Walking Dead

Summer, the zombie girl, was introduced in the first episode of season 1 to establish the tone for the entire series. The Walking Dead has kept child zombies as a mystery, but their inclusion in the show has a significant impact on both the characters and the audience. Summer, being the first zombie seen by viewers, creates a profound shock and reinforces the realization that no one, regardless of age, is safe in this world. Her appearance immediately adds a darker element to The Walking Dead, as she is still in her pajamas and clutches her teddy bear.

By featuring a young girl as the show's initial encounter with a zombie, it also prepares the audience for the brutal and grim episodes to come. Witnessing Rick Grimes shooting a young girl, even though she is a zombie craving his flesh, adds an additional heart-wrenching dimension to the pilot episode. Moreover, Summer's appearance in her pajamas and disheveled state implies that she may have been on a family road trip or that they had to flee their home in haste during the night. Despite her brief scene, Summer's presence signifies that this is an entirely new and devastating story, effectively priming the viewers for what lies ahead in The Walking Dead.

Why Summer Wasn't In The Walking Dead's Comic Books

Summer did not appear in The Walking Dead comic books. Originally, Robert Kirkman intended for the first zombie to be an adult, although he did contemplate making it a child. Additionally, Kirkman initially planned for Rick's first zombie kill to involve a child. However, he ultimately decided to keep the zombie as an adult and instead suggested that a child be included in the pilot episode of the TV show. By having a disheveled little girl run towards Rick, The Walking Dead immediately established its dark tone.

Despite Summer's absence in the comics, Kirkman successfully depicted the same level of darkness towards children in the source material. Certain characters experience brutal and shocking fates, such as Lori dying from a gunshot wound while unintentionally crushing baby Judith. Similarly, Ben, like Lizzie in the show, unexpectedly kills his younger sibling. These instances are among the most emotionally intense deaths in The Walking Dead comics. Although Summer does not exist as a zombified girl in the comics, her inclusion in the first episode of the TV show effectively added to the overall darkness, making the change worthwhile.