I've read the comics too, so I know what to expect to an extent. But the wife/child abuser (who was thankfully killed off like what, ten minutes after being introduced?) felt very cliche. As if he couldn't find anything else more concerning than dinner not being ready on time. I suppose my main concern with the show is the characters not attempting to understand the situation they find themselves in. Last night's episode was a huge step in the right direction with the redneck hunter saving the black guy's life (don't feel like looking up the character names). That's not something I would have seen last season. In fact I am happiest with how Norman Reedus's character has moved beyond his initial hillbilly stereotype. Now if the female characters can do something beside 1) cry. 2) try to kill themselves 3)complain and 4)cry while doing steps 2 and 3, the show will be one of the best on air.
sidenote: anyone watch Talking Dead, that weird little live talk show about the night's episode? Not particularly enlightening, but a fun show nonetheless.
yeah, I lived in Oklahoma for 3 years. You're right...nothing is changing those people's minds. Sorry, "minds."