The Walking Dead vs. Coldwater: A Critical Comparison
Andrew Lincoln, forever etched in the minds of fans as Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead, has ventured into new territory with his latest thriller, Coldwater. While Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick was central to the success of The Walking Dead for many seasons, and he recently reprised the role in the spinoff The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, does his new project live up to the legacy? The answer, according to Rotten Tomatoes, is…complicated.
Rotten Tomatoes: A Tale of Two Shows
Coldwater currently holds a 73% score from critics and a 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. While these scores are considered “Fresh,” they fall short of the impressive ratings achieved by both The Walking Dead and its spinoff. The Walking Dead boasts a 79% Tomatometer score and a 78% audience score. The Ones Who Live, however, garnered even greater critical acclaim, earning an 88% Tomatometer score, with audiences giving it a 76% rating.
| Show | Tomatometer Score | Popcornmeter Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Walking Dead | 79% | 78% |
| The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live | 88% | 76% |
| Coldwater | 73% | 64% |
What is Coldwater About?
In Coldwater, Lincoln portrays John, a man who relocates his family to the remote Scottish village of Coldwater following a traumatic incident in London. The village is led by the seemingly idyllic Tommy (Ewen Bremner), who appears to be the perfect neighbor and community leader. However, John’s wife, Fiona (Indira Varma, known for her role in Game of Thrones), harbors suspicions about Tommy, creating a tense dynamic as her husband grows closer to him. This leads to the unraveling of dark secrets hidden within the seemingly peaceful village.
Where to Watch and Release Schedule
All six episodes of Coldwater initially aired on the British television channel ITVX. Now, the series is being released weekly on Paramount+, starting January 9th, and continuing through February. For viewers in the US, this offers a convenient way to catch up with Lincoln’s latest work.
The Future of Rick Grimes
With no current plans for a second season of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live – as it was conceived as a limited series – the future of Rick Grimes remains uncertain. However, the continued expansion of the Walking Dead universe, with new spinoffs in development, leaves the door open for Lincoln’s potential return. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is confirmed to conclude with its fourth season, potentially offering a final opportunity for a reunion between Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Rick, a pairing fans haven’t seen since season 9, episode 5, “What Comes After” (released November 4, 2018). There’s also speculation about Rick potentially crossing paths with Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Is Coldwater Worth Watching?
While Coldwater hasn’t reached the same critical heights as the zombie-fueled drama that made Andrew Lincoln a household name, it still holds a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its shorter, six-episode run makes it a less daunting commitment than the sprawling seasons of The Walking Dead. For fans eager to see Lincoln in a different role, Coldwater on Paramount+ is a compelling option. You can learn more about the show and its cast on Paramount+.
What are your thoughts on Coldwater? Share your opinions in the comments below!
