The four episodes previewed from this six-episode anthology showcase a variety of tones and, thanks to the in-and-out requirement, the opportunity to attract interesting actors. The writing, however , feels particularly weakened, trying to tell small-scale stories that catch society falling apart while usually focusing on a pair of characters thrown together in some odd way.
One episode connections directly back into the mother ship, featuring Samantha Morton — who seem to played the villainous Alpha, whose reign of terror as leader of the Whisperers pulled on far too lengthy — in what amounts to a prequel to her tale.
After that, these tales provide a mixed bag, both qualitatively and stylistically. Parker Posey and Jillian Bell superstar in an hour that will traps a self-absorbed business owner and the girl employee in a strange time loop — easily the poorest of the bunch, sensation as if it parachuted in from yet an additional galaxy. It’s as if somebody said zombie tales aren’t overdone sufficient, let’s toss much more overused sci-fi time-bending conceits for good measure.
Somewhat better, if relatively predictable installments function Anthony Edwards portraying a scientist exploring zombies as some interesting new species; plus Olivia Munn and Terry Deck hands, the latter playing the doomsday prepper in whose fears of the annihilation have come to pass, not having accounted for the loneliness factor that complements it.
The fact that the AMC collection produced one long-running spinoff (“Fear the Walking Dead”), a lesser one (the teen-centric “The Walking Dead: Planet Beyond” ) and intends to further populate the post-“Dead” herd reflects that this network has committed itself to milking every last ounce of life from your concept, which would most likely benefit from at least temporarily resting in peacefulness.
Unfortunately, that’s not in the credit cards, with the return associated with Rick Grimes — shifted from originally planned movies back to television since a limited series — among the threads left to unwind. The real emphasis now, although, should be on “The Walking Dead” all things considered its ups and downs more than 11 seasons, and delivering that show off in a satisfying manner.
Charitably, “Tales of the Walking Dead” is simply another way to kindle the particular flame until the range topping program begins the final march in October.
With a world associated with stories from which to choose, in success it would be simple enough for these “Tales” to increase again. Still, presented with boundless possibilities, this particular opening salvo is an uninspired conjunction with a franchise in whose progeny — both too often and fairly ironically — possess just seemed to mindlessly follow the crowd.
“Tales of the Walking Dead” premieres Aug. 14 at 9 g. m. ET on AMC and AMC+.