I've been watching since day 1. The very first episode of season 1, "Days Gone Bye" is directed by Frank Darabont and stands as a fine piece of work. Darabont also was a major creative participant in TWD. Other directors of less weight have since participated and not done as well. And after season 1, Darabont's role was curtailed ... and TWD suffered. The story line remains interesting but the directing and writing have been inconsistent and smack of TV-soap operas rather than of film. A whole season was spent looking for ... Sophia. It was almost comical at times. Now I hear new characters are coming with an eye towards maintaining and increasing TWD's market share and while I understand the commercial aspects, I do not believe that the quality will improve ... but, I'll be watching.