How "Days Gone Bye" Was the Perfect Pilot for The Walking Dead

While we’re waiting on the last few episodes of TWD to hit our screens, it’s hard not to imagine all the great highlights and moments that we’ve seen over the years. I’ve covered a few episodes that I consider to be highlights, and there’s a lot more to come, but given that we’re almost to the final ever episode of the Walkling Dead, I think it’s only fitting that we take a look back at the episode that started it all, Days Gone Bye.
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Outro:
Late Night Driving - Broke In Summer
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[@callumbliss3731]

To introduce us to the apocalypse through the POV of Rick whose missed the beginning of it due to being in a coma was a genius decision. Help keep the show 'realistic' if that makes sense in a zombie apocalypse, as no long-winded introduction to what caused the apocalypse was needed, Rick was learning about the rules of the world at the same time as us, great pilot episode.

[@Zeroshiki]

The main series definitely started off perfectly with Rick's perspective, throwing us into the world and learning about it along with him. This choice is actually why I enjoy the first few seasons of Fear so much, too. I always wanted to see the show's take on the beginning of the apocalypse, like we got with the Telltale game (which got me into the series itself), and I think Fear does that fairly well.

[@winstonpoplin]

It is a good idea. But they quite literally stole it 100% from "28 Days Later" where the main character has the exact same experience. Both are flawless enactments of the idea though and I love them both.

[@victoriabeck2357]

Wasn’t that made later?

[@immortalretard9787]

I like to think walkers could run more commonly at the start of the show because they hadn't decayed as much.

[@BreadTeleporter1968]

same, it do wish some fresher walkers still moved quickly later in the show though as seeing them almost sprint towards Shane and Otis in season 2 made my heart skip a beat

[@revilno]

That’s what lots of people think about it, but to me, I feel like if they were decaying in a way that they couldn’t move as fast later, they’d all die within a few years, because their flesh would rot off and they can’t just be skulls (except for later on which makes no sense but ok)

[@LindseyStudios]

This pilot was perfect. To get someone (like me) who has absolutely no interest in zombies or supernatural creatures to instantly be hooked wasn’t easy. If it wasn’t for this amazing writing I would never have found my favorite show

[@_Devil]

I really hope we see Rick in the final episode. Or at the very least, we get a massive hint as to where he is and what hes been up to. The series started with a scene of Rick and it would only be fitting for it to end with a scene of Rick.

[@dougwilson6778]

I believe we will see rick briefly, you wouldn't think they would end the main show without reuniting rick with the kids and if they do it will put a huge black eye on the entire series!

[@johnjungkook2721]

Yeah, I agree. I have mostly lost interest in this show since Rick left. He's always been the heart and soul of it, in my opinion.

[@patwick7351]

I mean they're making a show for Michonne and Rick soooooooooo, but yes I gets ya I'd like to see em at in the end

[@ImaginaryNate]

@@patwick7351 Even though they’re making a Rick Michonne show, if they don’t include Rick in the Walking Dead’s series finale, it’ll be the biggest mistake they ever make. The new show doesn’t matter, they HAVE to include Rick in the final episode.

[@patwick7351]

@@ImaginaryNate read my comment and you'll see that ya don't need to explain it to me

[@boqndimitrov8693]

with a minimum of actors they achieved the maximum. and Rick's entry into the new reality in the style of 28 days later was simply a genius idea.

[@Kallah_DaughterOfYAHUAH]

“Days Gone By” was a perfect example of how you perfectly and effectively pace a 45 min episode.

[@rob_patrick1]

The walker variants were so human like they can even quench their thirst under that Atlanta heat 😂

[@Jamushu]

Definitely a Top 10 if not Top 5 for Best TV Show Pilot. One thing you didn't mention, but didn't need to mention, is Morgan reflecting and supporting Rick's belief that his wife and son are still alive, *_because his wife did the same thing as Lori._* *_"My Wife...same thing. There I am packing Survival Gear, and she's grabbing...PHOTO AL-(chokes)"_*

[@ShesquatchPiney]

I think the scene where Shane and Rick are having lunch in the car is very telling. They're having burgers and fries when Shane dips his fries into the ketchup on Rick's burger. To me, its a clear signal that Shane already covetted Lori. He has his own life, a professed attitude towards women, and his own ketchup, but he reaches for Rick's. I havent seen it yet, but apparently, in a later season, their meal turns to dust in one of Rick's nightmarish flashbacks because Lori, and the ideal domestic family life she represented to Shane, has been long gone. I like that the show keeps Rick and Lori's pre-apocalypse marital problems deliciously vague. We don't know for sure whether Shane and Lori were messing around before Rick was presumed dead, but I think Shane definitely wanted what Rick had in Lori before the apocalypse.

[@N3on320]

Bruh that's such a small detail to pick up on that I had never noticed, 💀

[@TheRubberMatch]

Best episode of the series in my opinion. I feel it is the only episode of the entire show that could stand alone as it’s own movie. Season 1 overall has such a unique feel compared to the rest of the show, it feels more real somehow, idk how else to describe it. Maybe it’s the dialogue

[@danielstudart2062]

It's the director, he was replaced after season one and only made the first season 2 episode.

[@andrewc3267]

I’m pretty sure Darabont worked on the show up to the S2 mid season finale. Right up to the Sophia barn scene

[@handsomeman9433]

@@andrewc3267 no, only up to 2x01

[@TheRubberMatch]

@@danielstudart2062 I know , I guess what I meant is I can’t describe what about darabonts style makes the show feel so different

[@xavierramirez1911]

i think it’s because of the landscape of the first season. there was still remnants of what the world used to be. it looked like something that would happen tomorrow

[@PzVox]

Nothing beats Shane absolutely dunking that bag into the garbage can

[@idkwhattohaveasausername5828]

It's crazy to look back at the early seasons and see how great they were. Contrary to popular belief, season 2 is actually one of the better ones. I grew up on this show and have a weird nostalgia for it, even though I was way too young at 8 to be watching it. My dad always let me watch it and my mom would always get mad at him for it. Good times and an excellent breakdown of the pilot.

[@koulor315]

i hated season 2 the first time watching it every week, but after re watching as a marathon, yeah season 2 is actually a great season

[@perryiscool]

@@koulor315 sameee

[@seldomsane5278]

haha, that reminds me of my parents. Dad would always tell me to hide/sit next to his lounge chair out of the view of mum so I could stay up and watch certain shows/movies.

[@norbertbluhm6999]

I always loved S2 and am happy that more and more people now start to realize how good it is. S2 actually includes my favorite Episode of the entire Show. S2E10 "18 Miles out" Nowadays it's kinda crazy to think that Gimple was the Co-Writer fir this Episode since he later became one of the main Reasons the Show declined

[@Zeroshiki]

​@@koulor315I figured it would feel that way to people who had to wait a week for each episode. Kinda glad I got into the series after the Telltale game came out, which was right before Season 3 started. So, by the time I started watching, I only had to start waiting every week around mid Season 3.

[@xwormbonesx]

I think TWD Pilot needs so much more recognition, it’s an absolutely phenomenal episode on its own, as well as an amazing establishing episode and it’s one of my favourites. A pilot episode that good is really hard to do and it’s a work of art

[@MrSSnoMAN]

For me it's genuinely the best episode of the whole series. Especially the first moments after Rick wakes up and sees what the world has become and how well he potrayed the shock and confusion. The beginning has this eerie and mysterious atmosphere, almost horror-like. I wish they kept that going a while longer.

[@tenthaep625]

We would have if they haven't fired frank

[@otherwize12]

I really miss the eerie feeling of the earlier seasons. It always felt as if at any time a walker could approach you out of nowhere and bite you. And Rick actually thinking he might be in a nightmare when he visits his home looking for his family really potrays how insane this new reality is he woke up to.

[@gagetaylor192]

@@tenthaep625 Frank was looking to deviate more and more from the comics which would have been bad. He already made a very drastic change right off the bat by making walkers fast and somewhat intelligent. They even retconned those walkers.

[@xboxbabydude34]

@@gagetaylor192 Ya by adding them back in in the last season lol. Also hasn't the show majorly deviated from the comics? I think Frank's direction would have been way better than what we got honestly. But that's just my 2 cents.

[@eobardthawn6903]

@@xboxbabydude34 Agreed. The Last of Us was interesting because their were different zombie types, making it a lot harder then just slow ass zombies. Honestly wish I could watch the show in an alternate universe with the director of the first two seasons. They made the zombies too easy to kill. Made it boring in the long run.

[@wBlrLive]

I remember Halloween night watching the premiere of this and thinking it was the coolest/scariest thing I’ve ever seen. I was also like 12 lol

[@thethriftytypewriter]

Haha same here I stayed home so that I could watch it!

[@bridgethammond7]

I remember watching the first episode with my brother but being scared shitless but the reveal of the walkers in the city. Sure, it’s hinted at but the magnitude of the threat was terrifying. I went back to rewatch a few months ago and it truly is such a great pilot episode. I was invested in Rick’s story from the very moment.

[@twistedno1knows736]

Gosh these videos are so well planned, filmed, and executed. You really got me back into watching TWD, it's amazing. You showed me how hard they worked on some of these episodes! I fell back in love with this show.

[@thethriftytypewriter]

Thank you so much! Glad I could help you get back into the show!

[@kaiiids815]

The music score to the first episode is so chilling and beautiful. No other episode captures the feeling of the pilot quite the same

[@viddog6457]

Loved how you shouted out Korotos, you two are the best walking dead content creators

[@kys7720]

I think about the show still being directed by Frank Darabont everyday and how much we lost with him being removed from the show.

[@Mitsurifan357]

Very cool of you to shout out Koroto. He currently has the best retrospective series going for The Walking Dead right now. At the same time you have the best Walking Dead breakdowns for specific episodes. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@_Cambo__]

if they don't name the first episode of the rick spinoff "Years Gone Bye", I don't wanna see it.

[@bloodyraptor6251]

I've been binge watching your Walking Dead content and just subscribed. It's pretty awesome and deep. This show was basically my whole adolescence. Im 25 now, and sad the show will be gone forever, but I still have the Walking Dead universe shows to watch which is fine w me. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this world I've watched for so long.

[@TheMarine316]

I don’t like to use the word perfect but… yea the pilot was perfect, I didn’t even realize the walking dead was a comic book until after I finished the first season, love the series & this pilot got the show off & running perfectly.

[@holymolystudios8467]

Love this channel

[@jamescarr8196]

Same

[@nikkicole54321]

Lennie was so great as Morgan. Im glad that his role grew throughout the series.

[@z.incognito6259]

We need an episode analysis of “them”

[@Mikehowarth1988]

This was the greatest pilot episode ever in my opinion. I wasn’t a zombie movie or show guy but Rick reeled me straight in. Amazing performance.

[@DoableSine]

I love these videos. Walking dead has basically been most my childhood

[@abramsullivan7764]

Yes mine as well

[@chasingstars4]

damn thank you so much for all these twd video essays recently, i just binged them all and you're great. keep it up :).

[@starsroof_1633]

thanks to your videos i started rewatching some key episodes of the show. the good ones/good scenes are so good... last night i watched negan telling rick to cut carl's arm and i was struck by andrew lincoln's acting. it's an amazing episode.

[@jrdb04]

Just watched this episode and think it’s one of the best sets up the apocalypse really well first off the talk with Shane and Rick and finding out about marriage issues sets up great conflict for the future and Rick meeting Morgan and his son and slowly learning what’s happening and having the episode generally focused around those 3 is great

[@VaderPopsVicodin10]

One of the best, if not THEE best pilot in the history of television. It's very very good and Bear Mcreary's music from this episode is some of the greatest he has ever done. The scene of Rick searching for, and then sympathizing with, the bicycle walker juxtaposed with Morgan's struggles to put down his zombified wife are my most favorite moment from the tv adaptation.

[@relax9286]

This Episode and season is my favorite. You made a video that gave me feeling with the show's background music. Thank you!

[@missautumn764]

You and Koroto are my two favourite TWD content creators!

[@gabisuciu6785]

TWD had some good and (a lot of) bad episodes but Days Gone is unbeatable. Such a good introduction! And the atmosphere! They really nailed the isolation of the zombie apocalypse.

[@MrJonnyVan]

"Rick has to put down Deacon St John." Love it.

[@bens7552]

Amazing video, didn’t realize the same song was used for the tank and the helicopter ride. I’m about to rewatch lol

[@Samsonsamurai]

Also, when they are trying to get into the tank, they are attempting to open the hatch on the top as well

[@CP4521]

The first episode of the richonne spinoff should have been named "Years Gone Bye"

[@nathipad1237]

You clearly deserve more subs. Nice video btw.😊

[@carsonwroten6867]

I just started rewatching yesterday after finishing the show, and the biggest thing I've noticed that I haven't heard anybody address, is that they didn't quite have the soundtrack figured out yet. I love once we get to season 6 or 7 when they start using Hosier and Colter Wall style music

[@gerardogaxiola]

Your TWD videos are the beat bruh💯

[@MidNiteR32]

I want the last episode of Ricks spin off show to be called “Days Gone Bye”. A very fitting title to sum up Ricks entire journey. Much like the pilot shows up that Rick’s normal life are just days gone by. Rick’s journey in the Walker apocalypse are also Days Gone Bye.

[@Esteban_b1]

Bro. That’s so clever! They should hire you at AMC.

[@MidNiteR32]

@@Esteban_b1 lmao. Good one.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Thank you so much. Your Videos are so cool. You made my day!

[@KaiLikesArt]

I love this episode so much sometimes I'll just watch it like a movie without watching the rest of the show after.

[@regent2125]

A fantastic start to one of my favorite shows

[@RedAnimal100]

Love these type of vids! They got me back into TWD after years

[@thethriftytypewriter]

Ah that’s so cool to hear! Glad I could have that effect!

[@RedAnimal100]

@@thethriftytypewriter Honestly you brought back my love for the show and got to watch a ton of good new scenes. I just hit season 9 midway so still some to go!

[@thethriftytypewriter]

@@RedAnimal100 that’s awesome! 9 is pretty great and I think 10(minus the covid episode besides Here’s Negan) is all really solid and then I have absolutely loved 11 so far

[@RedAnimal100]

@@thethriftytypewriter I am definitely intrigued with how the story is going. I cant wait to check out season 11 with how its going to end the show. Thanks for responding btw! Whats your favorite season overall currently?

[@nonamebro6658]

The biggest enigma of the walking dead: "Don't Dead, Open Inside" or "Don't Open, Dead Inside"

[@Noob_Guy2k]

I just realized that’s why ricks called officer friendly him and Shane were like good cop bad cop

[@wolkenmann377]

The don't dead Open inside message is my favorite from the entire show

[@TheDespicablePatriot]

I think that the "lingering memories" aspect was an intentional inclusion in the show, since it happened relatively soon after the virus took over the world. There are probably residual synaptic connections that haven't quite died out yet. That's my reasoning for the lack of any future instances.

[@kingtarly499]

Me for 5 minutes “ don’t dead open instead” 😂thanks

[@riden905]

i actually watch days gone bye from time to time, it just fills my zombie genre cravings

[@18iletravka85]

Nice days gone reference

[@craigsmith5630]

If there has to be a name other than some thematic element (Fear TWD, TWD World Beyond) I’d call it The Walking Dead: Grimes since it’s focused on the Grimes couple, both Rick and Michonne

[@Zombiesrule93]

I still remember watching that first episode like it was yesterday, when it showed that birds eye view of all the zombies surrounding the tank, I remember telling myself “I found my new favorite show” 12 years later and it still is

[@TheMightyCookieShow]

Days gone by is easily my favorite episode of this show

[@joeylodes]

Just rewatched it on Netflix Amazing show

[@MrOgge50]

They also gave us a hint as to how brutal and graphic this show would be, the only really graphic scene we get to see are the zombies eating the horse which was a little disturbing to me ngl, but it was only a horse. Deaths caused by walkers would just get more and more brutal as the show went on.

[@bishbosh4815]

Nice shoutout to Korotos Mystery Shack 👌

[@Nathan-gaming-12]

I have only seen episodes one and two (I’m half way through episode three.) and I’m watching this show because one of my most early memories and watching (apparently) season 3/4 of the walking dead. So I plan on watching up until it gets off of Netflix. But yes, I would say that “Day’s gone by” was an amazing start to the show.

[@captaincvo]

I've been binging this channel and it scratches that nostalgic itch while hitting on details and themes i don't always notice. I hope you cover some fearTWD as well at some point, i cant speak for later seasons but i finished the first 4 and they have a lot to unpack and some pretty great characters!!

[@JWS1985]

The pilot episode is still my favorite episode. I've watched it many, many times.

[@alexdetweiler418]

I was just thinking about how this was the greatest pilot. This couldn’t have been better timing

[@Mrchill7299]

I appreciate that “deacon st john” joke you made in the tank

[@jameslewis3379]

Loved Days Gone bye got me hooked, love your videos, Great monologues, however I do have a question why are you unsure if you would recommend korotos mystery shack 🤔

[@goinghollywoodpod]

Yes, we all know they later tried to give a lame explanation of how Rick survived alone in a coma so long but it was just plain ridiculous. And that is evidence of how brilliant this episode was. We're forgiving because Lincoln makes us feel how confused and disoriented it would be to wake up in that world. Morgan explaining to Rick what happened felt real rather than a checklist description. The acting and emotions were spot on. Season 1 and 2 worked because there wasn't just conflict with outsiders (there weren't any) or because of fear of walkers, but there was conflict in the personalities in the group. As well as love and compassion and every other emotion.

[@gabriellelytle8537]

Space Junk is my favorite song. I will always associate it with the show and how formative it would be for me. Every time it comes on I BLAST it.

[@teamatfort444]

definitely most favourite episode

[@karmitdafruge1]

the pilot is one of the best episodes of any show ever imo. its perfect

[@kaylemjoseph8727]

It wouldnt have become my fav show without this pilot.

[@johnnewhouse5326]

I assumed the reason the walkers don't run is because their muscles have rotted so much that they don't have the capability to run. But fresher walkers could

[@shyloscharn]

Always love a new Thrifty Typewriter video

[@gwendyp125]

Don't dead open inside. It will forever crack me up 🤣

[@tytybaby06]

Yes I remember watching this premier as a OG zombie fan since night of the living dead. It was so good & I was so hooked wish they did more with Morgan on TWD tho cause I don’t watch fear or the other one. It also perfectly showed Rick & Shane’s relationship & gave us a glimpse into Rick & Lori’s marriage & she’s always been a problem.

[@divadwerdna4624]

The feeling of early walking dead was so immersive I love it so much

[@Unfathered]

First seasons were The Jogging dead era, pure gold

[@quthi7001]

Your non walking dead vids deserve more attention most of your vids are really good

[@GoldenSunshineKY]

I love the fact you introduced Sam witwer as deacon saint John, easily my favorite zombie/freaker game, slightly overtaken by the walking dead games

[@meganwatson2923]

the smile on my face when you said deacon st john ahhhh

[@bishbosh4815]

They're definitely reconning the walker variants

[@scctt5641]

Waiting for the day when The Thrifty Typewriter uploads "Why The Walking Dead's last episode was the perfect season finale"

[@kobe3941]

5:30 that guy also plays maul in all the animated Star Wars series

[@Cheetowitcheese]

It really was. There’s was nothing like it at the time.

[@OldLadyintheShoe]

I was late to TWD, really late, but the first episode sucked me in for sure! Have you done a video on Pretty Much Dead Already yet? That’s one of my ABSOLUTE favorite episodes…so good in my opinion. S2:E7

[@gamerwithglasses2562]

i started watching Walking Dead over again and i forgot how far the group came.from the street, to the farm, to the prison, to the streets again, to Alexandria, then like 5 other communities

[@joeypowell8025]

Hey I just went and looked and didn’t find one but I think a summary on the new world or the distance. I personally enjoy it it’s when they first meet new friendly people and I just think a video on how the group met with Arron would be good.

[@mclovinlife4018]

I wish they would’ve continued to end the episodes the same way they did in season 1. It pulled you in so much

[@Submissive-Soul]

i got over surgery recently and was in bed for weeks and u don't just get up out of bed especially after weeks of being in it

[@Mr_Kian_Kane]

I always thought days gone bye was a beautiful episode definitely agree with you on this vid couldn't have asked for a better pilot

[@logancadle1711]

Deadass tho probably the best premier ever made

[@Mr.Epstein]

Man I keep forgetting Rick almost took off his head with a .44. Jeez. Came a long way

[@thatvrdude1856]

I heard him say “Deacon St. John” and I’m like, what’s he doing here? Then I look over to see Sam witwer. I had no clue that was him until he made that reference LMAO

[@DourFlower]

Once we get the end of Eugene's arc please do a video on him! Hes been a great character since he was introduced

[@tomfrakking9426]

Pleas cover The Calm Before

[@jinxysaberk]

Man I can't wait for the Rick show. Sorry but I stopped caring almost entirely about the the main show when he disappeared. We started the show from his point of view for crying out loud I just could never be as invested in the story like I was in this pilot. I love our sheriff boi

[@hellknight1338]

I know this is random but you should talk about the Grove 4x14.

[@awardedaqua580]

It’s my favorite episode by far

[@marlzhoneybee]

Awwww… the good ole days of the walking dead❤