To my great colleague,

May I share with you my recent horrifying realization? “The Walking Dead” comes back from hiatus on Sunday. If you ask me, we’ve been nearly LIVING in a “Walking Dead” scenario since the Democratic and Republican national conventions. I’m not sure my delicate sensibilities can handle more group-think drama. At this point, I need something really far out, like the HBO’s wonderful “Westworld,” where the robot hosts are more humane than their human creators.

To recap, “The Walking Dead” left us with what we called a cheap trick: from the victim’s point of view, we saw Negan execute him or her. After toying with his captives from Rick’s crew like a cat with so many bedraggled mice, Negan makes his pick, which the showrunner elected not to share with us faithful viewers. I believe we quit the show in protest, but we at LEAST have to find out who bought the big one, right? I fear for Glenn, he of the nine lives who might have to finally pay the proverbial piper.

I can’t help but wonder who Negan might support in this election. He’d probably write himself in. You know Carol’s a Hillary gal.

Big sigh,

M.

*** 

Dear Marisa

Alas, I swore off “Walking Dead” in May after the monumental cliff hanger. I was never going back. I was done. They will not manipulate me.

Well, alas again. Now I need to delve into the undead world to get away from our current political climate. I’ve gone through four of the five stages of grief during this election so far — denial, anger, bargaining and now depression. Don’t think I will ever reach acceptance.

So to keep my mind off one of the most grotesque presidential candidates in my lifetime ( I read that Andrew Jackson was a piece of work) I’m going back and all in on Sunday to see which of our remaining beloved characters will no longer be with us.

But really, this is it. If I do not get any story satisfaction Sunday, I’m done. Stick a fork in me.

On the other hands, we’ll always have “Westworld.” Just love this new sci-fi concoction on HBO, also on Sundays. It’s “Jurassic Park” meets “I Robot” meets “The Truman Show” (dear lord, that movie made me sad) in a Disney World/Club Med setting.

I love this show. The western scenery is beautiful. There’s horses. The laboratories that create the robots are dark and angled and pristine. Most of the humans are inhumane and horrible. Most of the cyborgs are sensitive and empathetic.

Can’t wait for both. But first, I have to get through Wednesday’s presidential debate.

Sadly for now,

K

*** 

Sad K,

May I recommend a little cocktail for the debate? Say, a glassful of vodka and a few ice cubes? Gets the job done for me.

I’m with you, re: “Walking Dead.” My TV-watching time is getting spread quite thin — I have yet to crack “Divorce,” also on HBO, helmed by my darling Sarah Jessica Parker — and if I feel played even a little, I’m Audi 5000.

Still, any thoughts on who’s gotten the ax...or, barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat? I’ve seen Internet theories that have argued for Glen, Maggie, Glenn AND Maggie, Aaron, Daryl and, actually, nearly everyone caught in Negan’s trap. Then I saw some distressing headlines: “‘The Walking Dead’ boss reveals why that big Negan kill is unlike anything we’ve seen before” and “‘The Walking Dead’ Star: Negan Kills More Than One Person in Premiere” and “‘The Walking Dead’ season premiere will upset you, says director Greg Nicotero.”

Absurd length aside, we can’t quibble much about what these headlines reveal: it’s going to suck on Sunday. And I’m tired of suckfests. I might even read some spoilers out there, just to get it over with. I’ll note that it’s Glenn who meets his end at Negan’s bat in the comic book.

So, officially, I’m going with Glenn, because his number’s been up for some time, and I can’t bear to think of a Maggie or Daryl death. Tell me yours thoughts, and then I’ll share with you a decent TV antidote for the election season. Actually, I have two.

Onward!

-M.

***

Dear Positive M,

Arrghhh. I read that instead of drinking, people will be going into yoga positions and Zen-like trances to get through the debate.

As far as who gets the ax, or, indeed, the barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat … it can’t be more than one. It just can’t. I mean if Democracy is crumbling before our eyes, as Donald Trump is prophesizing, and I can’t cheer for my heroic and strong apocalypse survivors, I may only have to watch “The Good Place” and “The Real O’Neals” to maintain my sanity. (Both really funny shows.)

Could it be the pregnant Maggie? That would be pretty gruesome. Maybe no one is killed? Maybe Negan maims several badly and they have a long, excruciating death? Which, by the way, there should a lot more gruesome deaths from bacteria and such, what with their horrendous diets, lack of water and lax hygiene. Maybe the perfectly coiffed and adorably dress baby Judith gets it. THAT, would be gruesome.

IDK, I’m really getting depressed here. Calgon take me away. (Remember that commercial?)

Yours in an ever deepening depression,

K

*** 

Blue K,

I forget: where is our dear baby Judith at this point? SO glad they didn’t decide to add her to the mission party, since, apparently Rick still thinks it’s a great idea to put all of the heavy players in one basket, so to speak.

Fantasy speculation? (I haven’t read the comics and therefore feel wildly free to stray from the script, something I usually hate in TV adaptations of books.) Rick gets the bat to the face, leaving the path wide open for Michonne to take over as leader and therefore lead our group to victory. Hers is the type of temperament Alexandria needs, in this voter’s opinion. Rick’s far too unhinged at this point — I rewatched the final scene of season 6; he’s a wreck! — and his reckless decision-making has brought the group to harm AGAIN. Negan’s deadly game could be the ultimate mercy killing.

Of course, Crazy Rick has his fans, so I doubt AMC will dispense with him. Some people will follow anybody, it seems.

But let’s lighten up a bit and talk about more upbeat things like the Revolutionary War. My husband and I have finally gotten around to watching AMC’s series “Turn,” based on the book “Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring” by Alexander Rose. I tell ya, there’s nothing like watching (a dramatic take on) the bloody pursuit of liberty on which our country was founded for political perspective. Plus, the early spycraft is terrific (watch Old Saybrook’s famous Turtle in action), and we get to watch the man everyone in the region loves to hate, Benedict Arnold, come to his traitorous boil. It’s fun! Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix; season 3 eps are available through Comcast.

Recommendation #2: “Luke Cage” on Netflix. Because everybody needs a bulletproof (handsome) hero, particularly in a time of turmoil. The series is shaping up to be as well-crafted and -written as fellow Marvel series “Jessica Jones,” which shares some storyline with “Luke Cage.” The story is set in Harlem, far, far away from battleground states and Negan’s woodsy, down South-ish enclave; it’s beautifully shot, and the music is perfect.

Netflix, take ME away.

Lovies,

M.