Re: The Walking Dead
remember, Rick mentioned "it's in all of us", so not contagious.
But of course it is still contagious. Personally, I believe that the amount of virus one's body is exposed to determines whether or not one will "turn" in a rather short time, or will be able to die of natural or violent causes before becoming zombified. Look at AIDS, although that might be an awkward comparison at best - get it in your bloodstream, and you're carrying the infection, French-kiss an infected girl, you most likely will not get it. Mostly every physician will tell you so.
ElectronGuru, you pointed that out very well!
So, in conclusion: The living are all carrying the infection, yet it won't break out until they actually die of whatever cause. They get bitten, and thus exposed to a high viral dose, and they turn rather soon. Just my opinion on things, rather reasonable and explainable. Yours may differ, feel free to chime in!
Amputation has been done before. First time I saw it was in a kung-fu movie. Master was poisoned in his arm, then demanded that one of his students cut off the limb before the poison could travel through his body and reach his heart.
Amputation would work indeed, given a few medical requirements. In case of slow tissue degradation, also known as necrosis, it is performed a hundred-fold across the US, the UK and Europe each and every day, to prevent sepsis and blood poisoning. Think of all the diabetes patients where limbs are being amputated – toes, mostly, sometimes feet and whole legs, even. Word of advice: quit smoking! – oh… and don't get bitten by a zombie.
I also hope they put in a mean weapon on Hershel as well.
Don't we all? – Besides, last time I saw Hershel, he carried what looked like an AR15 variant, an M4 probably. Imfdb might tell us what he really carried when they were securing the prison yard in E2.
Let's face it, so far, Hershel is the only one with profound medical knowledge in the series. Being a veterinary surgeon, he is of great value; knowing his way around organs, tissue, limbs, blood pressure and surgical instruments. Primarily, he is not a fighter, and episode 2 just proved that. Not that he would be useless with a gun – it is just that his medical knowledge is far more important than pulling a trigger.
As for the series itself – being fond of anything apocalyptic, dystopian, zombie-whatever in modern pop culture, I absolutely love the "Walking Dead". Permanently depending on medical drugs myself, I wouldn't last long in such a world, though. One good whiff of certain pollen, and I'd be gone for good. Can zombies get asthma, too?!?
It is a refreshing difference in today's media to see at least a bit of some common sense whipped into a TV series – like, ammunition won't last forever. Save your cartridges, don't even think of full-auto fire. Norman Reedus' crossbow is a sensible weapon, rather quiet (depicted a wee bit too quiet in the series, a 125 lb Horton Scout would still make quite some noise when fired. However, I was puzzled to see a riot helmet visor withstanding his bolts – medieval European crossbolts have been tested and proved to be able to penetrate bulletproof vests rated for 9x19 ammo).
The latest episodes were stunning. I am glad the producers dared to bring up questionable questions, and to show questionable things. It is rather realistic… and as much as I condemn the "Governor's" actions in episode three, I can understand his motif. Not that I would do the same if I was in his position…. But then again, probably ten months after the gov' is out, and when you've managed to secure a whole town, and keep it safe – what would you do... ?
This series is enthralling. It keeps one thinking; long after the TV set has been switched off.
I like that.
