WALKING DEADHere’s some news you totally saw coming: AMC is renewing The Walking Dead for a fifth season. I’m sure you were  holding your breath about this one.

AMC President Charlie Collier praised the zombie drama in a press release about the news:

“This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently – and most notably – with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history.”

Collier also confirmed that current showrunner Scott Gimple will stay on, which is good news considering the series goes through showrunners like Greg Nicotero goes through fake blood.

No big surprises here. The show was obviously heading for a fifth (and sixth…and seventh…) season but one wonders where they are going with the series. Will this be a show that just focuses on these nomads bouncing from location to location and problem to problem every season? Will they settle down? Will the series retain the dramatic stability and consistency that it desperately needs? Do Gimple and his crew have a long-term goal in mind, are they actively heading in an planned direction?

Also: will Rick ever adjust to living in the zombie wasteland? I know it’s hard to see so many people (and animals) die but, come on Rick, it’s been awhile now. Every setback can’t send you into a despondent depression. Let’s buck up and stop being such a whiney baby.

I apologize Rick, that was too harsh. Sorry for you loss(es).