Of course, character-driven does not mean there wont be any action.
The season premiere features one of the biggest and most intricate action scenes the series has ever filmed.
(Note: Read through both pages for the full Q&A.)
Credit: Gene Page/AMC
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Before we get into this season, lets talk about last season a bit.
Do you all ever discuss internally that maybe this is a little bit too much, too quickly?
SCOTT M. GIMPLE: Its a high-wire act, really.
You do whats best for the story, first and foremost.
That is the number one thing that we are serving.
Theres a big loss there.
Thats generally the metric that weve always sort of followed.
EW: Does that mean we can expect the same in season 4?
Its the same world.
Its absolutely the same show, so nobody is safe.
How did you handle that?
GIMPLE: I loved working for both guys.
Im really proud of the work I did under both guys.
Im really trying to pursue a greatest hits approach.
I did Pretty Much Dead Already, and I was so happy and proud to do that episode.
And Im so excited about the stories that are upcoming that are inspired by the comic book.
But the way I look upon it is that its sort of like a remix of the comic books.
So absolutely, were going to see all sorts of things from the comic book.
Some of the things will be very direct as we move forward.
Its undoubtedly that moment.
With season 4, you dont have those hooks to grab people in before they see the episodes.
Its very much like a remix.
EW: Lets talk about some of the specifics of season 4.
Whats going on here?
It looks like this group is building a little mini society in the prison.
GIMPLE: Very much so.
Theyve obviously reached a certain stability in the prison.
Ricks decision to allow people in has had benefits.
And that was one of his major journeys last season, was just letting people in.
EW: And as he lets people in, that changes the group dynamic.
Hes stepping back from the leadership role.
Is he trying to sort of take himself out of this Ricktatorship position?
His name is Jody, actually.
He seems to be putting down his gun.
Thats a real wake up call.
His son did reach that point in episode 16 last year.
Thats a wake up call.
GIMPLE: And this stuff will be kind of well established by the time we jump in.
EW: Is that lulling them into a false sense of security?
GIMPLE: I dont think so.
I think they are that much more capable.
They put procedures into place.
They even have their arms distributed throughout the prison for once.
I dont believe theyve evolved into a false sense of security.
But, there are some threats that you just cant count on.
Can you talk about that?
Obviously there are all these Woodbury people now and these different groups.
GIMPLE: You actually answered it quite well actually.
EW: In the comic book theres a difference between a group of zombies and a full-blown herd.
There have always been more zombies than humans.
Is that something were going to see more of this season?
GIMPLE: I will say an emphatic yes.
It will be very, very noticeable in the first few episodes.
The flip side is, we will see some herding.
We will see some very arresting examples of how zombies own the world now.
A non-frightening zombie is a lame zombie.
I will say Greg did a couple of things this season, especially in episode 1.
Theres even some later in the season that are a little bit difficult to shake from my brain.
EW: Thats the only way we want it.
We never really saw those two really fight it out.
I think maybe some people expected a resolution to that but didnt get one.
Its a long story.
EW: At least we know that the Governor is coming back.
What do you want to say in terms of when and how and why?
GIMPLE: As little as possible.
EW: Saysomething, dammit!
GIMPLE: Okay, okay.Ifhe comes back, it will be in service to an incredibly satisfying story.
But I guess the second half of that sentence doesnt really serve the if of it too much.
EW: Well, the fact that David Morrissey was at Comic-Con is a bit of a spoiler.
So we know the Governor is out there.
But Michonne clearly is still upset about what happened to Andrea.
How much has she been able to let go of that?
GIMPLE: I think that is very much alive in her story this season, that question.
EW: She looks badass on the horse, man.
GIMPLE: She does, and Ill tell you this Danai can ride that horse.
She does an amazing job.
Initially I was a little afraid.
I think she was a little confident about it, but I was pretty amazed.
GIMPLE: I think Daryl Dixons fans are pretty awesome.
Theres a lot of Twitter handles with like Dixon and/or Reedus at the end.
They generally post a lot of funny stuff.
Im going to look at the positives with a passion.
EW: Theyre coming afteryounow if anything happens to him.
GIMPLE: Maybe Norman will protect me.
And for moreWalking Deadscoop, follow Dalton on Twitter@DaltonRoss.
