It’s official – I am obsessed with the AMC show, The Walking Dead. After seven seasons on the air, I have finally succumbed to the hype and started watching it on Netflix. In less than two weeks, I am already finished with the first three seasons.

There is a tiny little part of me that feels bad about myself for this recent obsession. How could I be wasting so much time watching a TV show about a zombie apocalypse? I should be reading more to get ready for my directed study during the fall semester. I should be focusing my energies on writing more and watching TV less. At the very least, I should be more evolved by now, watching a more intellectual TV series like Downton Abbey or NOVA. But that tiny little part of me that feels that way is losing…

I can’t stop! I must know what happens next!

And here’s the thing – this is not a show about zombies. Sure, there are some really gross scenes where zombies with decaying teeth rip the flesh from screaming human beings; but for the most part, this is a show about how people treat each other in times of crisis – and when not in crisis. I am fascinated by the relationships of the survivors, and the development of some of the characters. I am intrigued by the way my mind has started to work as I have binge-watched these first three seasons. I find myself sitting in meetings at work and wondering who at the conference table would be able to survive the first week of such an apocalypse. I look at strangers walking down the street and question whether or not I would have the courage to help them if they were being attacked by a zombie. Most importantly, I find that my gratitude list is becoming filled with the daily conveniences that I often take for granted, like freshly brewed coffee, hot showers, and a private place to go pee whenever I need to!

Yes, I could be studying more to prepare myself for the upcoming semester. But, isn’t summer supposed to be about “going on vacation?” In a way, that’s what I’m doing every time I hit that Netflix button on the remote control and start the next episode. I’m taking a vacation from the reality of going to work to pay the bills. I’m hanging out with some new people for a couple of hours, hoping they find their way and crying like a baby when some of them bite the dust. I’m routing for these two to get together and that one to get what’s coming to him. And I’m learning how to kill a zombie, just in case. ‘Cause, ya know, it could happen…and I like to be prepared.