First time playing this so please no spoilers ๐ Whole Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-P2SCbr2FA&list=PLQTmUby5Dx3huxEoCzTYbSFuwjBCJMNVL
Cannibalism in Telltale's The Walking Dead
In Telltale Games' The Walking Dead, cannibalism is prominently featured through the actions of the St. John Family, who are introduced in the second episode titled "Starved For Help." This family becomes one of the primary antagonists early in the series and their descent into cannibalism raises significant questions about morality, survival, and human nature in a post-apocalyptic world. Background of the St. John Family
The St. John Family consists of Brenda, Andy, Danny, and their deceased patriarch Terry. Before the outbreak of the zombie apocalypse, they operated a dairy farm in Georgia and were known for their successful business. However, after the outbreak began, they faced threats from bandits known as the Save-Lots Bandits, which pressured them into desperate measures to ensure their survival12. Descent into Cannibalism
As resources dwindled and their situation became increasingly dire, the St. Johns resorted to cannibalism as a means of survival. They began luring unsuspecting survivors to their farm under false pretenses and subsequently killed them for food1. This act of cannibalism is not portrayed as a sudden decision but rather as a gradual acceptance of a horrific new reality where traditional moral boundaries have collapsed2.
The familyโs actions are particularly shocking given that only a few months have passed since society fell apart. Many players find it hard to believe that a family that once ran an award-winning dairy farm could so quickly turn to such extreme measures without significant psychological deterioration or desperation3. Critics argue that this portrayal may be unrealistic given the relatively short time frame since the apocalypse began; typically, cannibalism is depicted in media as a last resort after prolonged starvation4. Key Events Involving Cannibalism
In "Starved For Help," players witness several pivotal moments that highlight the St. John's cannibalistic practices:
Mark, one of Lee's group members, is shot by Danny and later discovered to have had his legs amputated for dinner. The dinner served to Lee's group turns out to be Mark's legs, leading to horror and confrontation. The family's violent attempts to keep their secret hidden culminate in confrontations with Lee Everett and his group12.
These events serve not only as shocking plot twists but also raise ethical questions about survival instincts versus moral decay.
