Madison IS the heart of the series in my opinion and killing her off was a writer/producer blunder. Not only that but now the Madison/Strand dynamic is destroyed, another important element of the show.

I wish Kim the best and I hope its onward and upward for her.

I suppose the "retooling" of FTWD will find support with some fans, but I'm mystified. I dont see the new cast or Alicia carrying this. This could quickly slip in to obscurity for me. Right now, I dont see the " Alicia & Strand show" taking off here.

@Rudd-12 said:

Madison IS the heart of the series in my opinion and killing her off was a writer/producer blunder. Not only that but now the Madison/Strand dynamic is destroyed, another important element of the show.

I wish Kim the best and I hope its onward and upward for her.

I suppose the "retooling" of FTWD will find support with some fans, but I'm mystified. I dont see the new cast or Alicia carrying this. This could quickly slip in to obscurity for me. Right now, I dont see the " Alicia & Strand show" taking off here.

I actually really like Alicia and Strand and I'm glad they are still around. However, I more or less agree with you about everything else. Killing off Madison is a huge mistake. She's a great performer and an important part of the series. I don't think they'll make Alicia or Strand the lead. It's likely going to be Morgan and John with Strand and Alicia supporting them. That's how it feels anyway based on the first half of season 4. Ultimately, I'm not a fan either of this retooling the new headwaiters are doing.

@TheBayHarborButcher said:

Is anyone else finding season 4 to be a really strange season? There's been such a shift in storytelling this season. They've brought in a new group of characters, and I'll be honest I like the actors who are playing these characters (maybe not so much Jenna Elfman, but the others are good). However, these new characters are now being treated liked the protagonists while the characters who have been there all along are being treated like supporting characters. Their POV and screen time has been drastically reduced? I can't really think of any other TV series that have done this unless you count anthology series.

Also, I understand why they killed off Nick. Frank Dillane asked to be written off the show. When an actor asks for this I think it's best to grant his wish. Keeping him around could result in him being a problem on set or giving poor performances because deep down he doesn't want to be there. Also, story wise it works for the TWD because losing a big character fits with their narrative. However, killing off Madison makes almost zero sense to me. In many ways I felt like she was the heart of the series. I love Lennie James, and I think it's great they have brought Morgan on, but I don't agree with getting rid of Madison as the lead. Especially since Kim Dickens didn't want to leave, and because Rick is leaving TWD. If they wanted to make Morgan a lead they could have done it with The Walking Dead after Rick departs this upcoming season. Kim Dickens was written off FTWD against her wishes. To me it just doesn't make sense to kill off such a good actress who's such an important part of the show and wanted to be there. Plus with Nick being killed off it just seems like too much is happening death wise in one half season.

I actually HATE the new people. I am not in the least interested in them. Wish they hadn't come along. I like Morgan, but sadly, he is given nothing to do. He is an ancillary character. The whole thing pisses me off! Now that two main characters are gone, so am I.