“Who’s Negan?! The whole family?! Poor Carl! I didn’t know how to react,” junior Sidney Brinker describes her reaction to the mid-season premiere of “The Walking Dead.”This TV show is in its sixth season and has millions of fans including some North Platte High School faculty and students.

English teacher, Phil Willey, watches “The Walking Dead” with his wife because he thinks it’s a good show and likes how the producers aren’t afraid to do anything. Whereas Willey enjoys the storyline, senior Jacob Geilenkirchen is connected to the characters. Geilenkirchen said, “Rick Grimes’ [main character] progression as a character is what keeps me watching.”

Senior KyAnn Kreutzer was shocked when one of the main characters got shot in the eye. “I freaked out, period. This episode was definitely one of the more action packed ones,” she said.
After the following episode aired, Kreutzer said, “I was so shocked to see Rick and Michonne get together. It blindsided me. I’m hoping Michonne will stay alive unlike Rick’s other loves.” Brinker responded, “I was very surprised because I viewed Rick as a protective father to Michonne.”

Rick’s group recently vowed to take out a violent, competing group in return for half of their newest ally group’s crops and animals. Senior Cristina Bravo believes the interactions with other surviving groups is going to end badly just as every other time before.

As more characters are getting mixed into the chaos, many NPHS fans are uneasy. Brinker said, “I’m skeptical of this, and I don’t think the fight will go over very well. I have a feeling the next episode is going to be one where a main character will die in the fight. I just wish they would stay out of the other group’s business.” Bravo was flustered about this upcoming fight. “If Daryl dies, I will seriously riot,” she said. “I swear!”

Within the newest group, who quickly became allies to Rick’s group, a character named Jesus is growing on some fans. History teacher, Jimmie Pack, said, “I like this Jesus character, but I’m not sure I trust this guy.”

Pack has been an avid fan since episode one; he watches for the characters’ fight for survival and to see what’s in store. Pack thinks ingenuity and taking no guff from anyone are the most important qualities in order to survive a zombie apocalypse. “Oh yeah, no question, hands down I’d survive,” he said. “I’ve watched almost all zombie movies ever made, so I know the do’s and don’ts during an apocalypse.”

Geilenkirchen believes he would also survive, “I would be willing to do what’s necessary. I’d be a real life Rick Grimes.” Willey, however, doesn’t feel as he’s prepared. “There’s no chance for me,” he said. “I’d miss Taco Bell too much, and I’m way too sheltered.”