'The Walking Dead': Keep Abraham off the show -- for now
There will be a comic book fan-favorite character introduced on the Dec. 2 episode of "The Walking Dead," according to Entertainment Weekly. The article speculates about either Tyreese or Abraham being the new character. While it would be a good time to introduce Tyreese on the show, it is way too early to bring in Abraham.
Why Tyreese
Tyreese had a strong run in the comics and was an important member of the group from issue #7 through issue #46. During this time, he became one of the group's top fighters, helped Rick in the running of the group, and became Rick's closest friend. After Lori's death on the show, Rick needs someone to talk to and someone new to rely on. In the comic, Tyreese was present throughout most of the time in the prison, so his storyline from the comics could meld easily with what is currently happening on the TV version of "The Walking Dead."
Abraham's story
Sgt. Abraham Ford met up with the survivors shortly after the final attack on the prison in issue #53 and lasted until issue #98. The first few months of the zombie infestation were extremely difficult for him as his wife and daughter were raped and killed by other survivors they were staying with at the time. Later, he met up with Rosita and Eugene, and began a trek to the nation's capitol to see if the center of government was still secure. They crossed paths with Rick's group and the collective group continued on towards Washington.
Abraham's personality
The military man and Rick frequently bumped heads since both led their perspective groups in the same direction. Both men saw themselves as the only person who could make the proper decisions for their survivors. It was not until Rick and Abraham began to tell the other about the darkness they had dealt with in the past that the two men gained a mutual respect.
Why it's too early for Abraham
Currently on the TV version of "The Walking Dead," Rick needs a friend and not extra opposition. He needs to become grounded again after snapping, and it could take a handful of episodes until the former police office regains his humanity. Opposition from the inside could push off his recovery, so a character like Tyreese, who can act as a friend to Rick, makes more sense.
The final raid by The Governor on the prison in the comic book version of "The Walking Dead" proved Rick's group was not safe anywhere and that they could be overrun by other human groups. It was a huge hit to Rick's sense of security and proved how Rick could lose miserably. Introducing Abraham right now, with his military training and overwhelming fighting style, could give the appearance of Rick's team having too much of an advantage over the survivors in Woodbury. Abraham should be released later, when Rick and the remaining survivors need more help trying to deal with living out in the world again.
More from this contributor:
'The Walking Dead': Why Tyreese's absence is important
'The Walking Dead' characters least likely to die in Season 3
