I have no shame in admitting that I'm addicted to TWD. I started w/ the first episode and have been intrigued w/ it ever since. Of course, I'm a sucker for zombies.
TWD has ups and downs, like every show does, but I enjoy a story line that keeps me wondering what will happen next. I'll admit that some events were lame and predictable, but others kept me on the edge of my seat. Like the scene w/ Shane in the bus. I thought for sure his ass was toast!
As far as the characters, they're "rough", no argument there. Some drop out of character, (loss of accent, straining to show a natural emotion, repetitive dialogue, etc.), but they have individuality. The worse thing writers can do is have the majority of their characters be similar. The comments on this thread is enough proof that the writers did a good job at making hateful/likable characters.
Not everyone will like this show *cough* beer me *cough*
, but I do and I'm happy I can get me fill of zombies on a Sunday evening!