You may question Ricks decisions over the years, but you certainly cant question Andrew Lincolns fiercely committed performance.
Where did you fall on that character moment?
Did you both agree that Rick made the right choice?
Greg Nicotero:That sounds like an Andy Lincoln question!
Andrew Lincoln:Well, I obviously fell into the Rick camp because I had to do it.
That was the only way he could process this trauma and it just got shaped into this fury.
Its also deeply cool to go on a rampage!
When that is principally why Im employed on this show, as a zombie slayer.
Will that give it a more hopeful tone?
GN:I think so.
[laughing] Im glad to see your day job isnt affecting your children!
GN:She exclaimed Hes a Walker!
AL:Thats absolutely brilliant!
GN:But no its a happy ending and its hope.
There is a bit of a lightness in tonights episode [The Next World].
Are we doing this?
How far in advance to have to plan each season, especially in terms of knowing the tone?
Where does your drive and constant devotion come from?
Is it a love for the show, or professional dedication?
Lets give it everything weve got and see what happens you know?
[laughs] It was like [exasperated] Oh my god!
It was more relief than anything, there wasnt any celebration, it was just relief.
And I just love this story.
GN:I dont think its neurotic, I think its passion.
GN:I think we all share that.
Lets go, come on seriously!
and I said Stronger than ever, really just trust me on this one.
and he said I want to get back, I miss everybody!
And thats what this show is, it kind of seeps into you… you get infected!
Was it a conscious decision to move away from that TV tradition and really explore that area?
[laughs] I went Oh Ive done that!
GN:It was agonising.
If a fantasy, if a story can help you feel something I think thats really cool.
But I was just honouring what the script was really.
GN:And then the entire next episode…
AL:Oh I went bat-shit crazy.
I remember me going to Andy and saying [in hushed tones] Lets just do it all.
AL:[Laughing] Its so vile, insanely so!
Andrew Lincoln and Greg Nicotero, thank you very much!
The Walking Deadairs on Mondays at 9pm on FOX
