Scott Gimple!
Where’s the applause? I get it, I get it. You can’t get too cozy with the guy since he won’t be around for an entire season probably. The life expectancy of a showrunner is getting more predictable than the actual characters. Gimple will replace Glen Mazzara when the rest of the third season is complete. Everyone’s question so far as been: Why kick the guy out when he’s brought so much to the series? There’s a couple of reasons floating around according to THR.
1. Mazzara and his vision were a major conflict with creator Robert Kirkman. It’s understandable that Kirkman would want to retain a certain amount of control. AMC believes that they need Kirkman to keep their fanbase going. So if Kirkman cannot do what he needs to do in order to feel like the show is running cohesive with what he has been creating then there’s a problem. Keep Mazzara or Kirkman? The answer is simple….at least to the network.
2. Mazzara’s shortcomings caused creative differences. Word has it that Mazzara’s lack of material forced production shutdowns on many occasions. The lack of experience finally drove the network to the edge so they gave Mazzara the boot.
This is all coming from an inside source so no matter what you have to take it all with a grain of salt. However, Gimple does have experience with the show. He’s already been on as one of the writers. Gimple joined the team in season two right after the departure of Frank Darabont. In season two, Gimple wrote “Save the Last One” and “Pretty Much Dead Already,” and co-wrote “18 Miles Out” with Mazzara. Episodes scripted by him in season three include “Hounded” and the upcoming “This Sorrowful Life.” Along with THE WALKING DEAD, Gimple has written for LIFE, FLASHFOWARD, and GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE. He probably wants you to forget the last credit.
Recently, LAST RESORT’S Shawn Ryan tweeted: “It’s a real question now why good showrunners should sell to AMC.” Then SONS OF ANARCHY creator Kurt Sutter followed with: “a gift basket filled with … broken promises and the marinated tongue used to lick Kirkman’s ass.” Yikes. Kirkman still remains a fan of Sutter despite what he said: “@sutterink is brilliant and Sons is my favorite show on TV. Still, it’s upsetting to see him ranting about things he knows nothing about.”