LEADING THE WALKING DEAD: PORTRAYALS OF POWER AND AUTHORITY IN THE POST-APOCALYPTIC TELEVISION SHOW

Abstract

This multi-method analysis examines how power and authority are portrayed through the characters in The Walking Dead. Five seasons of the show were analyzed to determine the characteristics of those in power. Dialogue is important in understanding how the leaders came to power and how they interact with the people in the group who have no authority. The physical characteristics of the leaders were also examined to better understand who was likely to be in a position of power. In the episodes in the sample, leaders fit into a specific demographic. Most who are portrayed as having authority over the others are Caucasian, middle-aged men, though other characters often show equivalent leadership potential. Women are depicted as incompetent leaders and vulnerable, and traditional gender roles are largely maintained. Findings show that male conformity was most prevalent overall, though instances did decrease over the course of five seasons. Instances of female nonconformity increased over time, while female conformity and male nonconformity remained relatively level throughout.