This is basically "The Walking Dead" mixed with "The Road" and has pieces of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "Z Nation," and a billion other post-apocalyptic movies. There is just enough originality though to keep most audiences happy.

The main characters are excellent. The girl is snarky and hilarious, but without the feeling that HBO is attempting to tailor TOO much to the younger generation. Joel is great too, but a bit too "Mad Max."

The plot is standard, and mildly predictable. There's a lot to be happy about, but a lot to make fun of. For example, why do the infected have to sound like the penguins from Futurama? And their movements are too.....exaggerated and typical. It's like it's too obvious they are just actors.

After the first couple episodes, it's apparent that it relies heavily on the dynamic between the two main characters. It does not disappoint. But again, I have to again think of the dozens of relationships in so many tv shows and movies that are almost exactly identical.

Despite my complaints of the show lacking in originality, it's fun and worth a watch. DO IT. But don't expect anything amazing.

My guess is the hype right now is high because of all the fanboys of the original game gushing over over the mere fact that the show was even made in the first place. I imagine it'll die down a bit over time, but not by a whole lot. I bet it is exciting for them to get one of their favorite games made into a show, as an avid gamer myself, I am a tad bit envious, because they still have yet to release the Borderlands movie.