Interview: Hal Cumpston talks TWD: World Beyond season 1 episode 8

We talked with Hal Cumpston about where Silas stands after TWD: World Beyond 108

Things do not look good for Silas after The Walking Dead: World Beyond episode 108. With Tony dead and Percy presumed dead, Silas doesn’t have many options by the end of “The Sky is a Graveyard” so he decides to set out on his own. Undead Walking had a chance to talk with Cumpston about the episode and what it all means for Silas moving forward.

“The Sky is a Graveyard” was a big episode for both Cumpston and his onscreen counterpart. Cumpston got to show a vulnerable side as fans learned about the trauma Silas endured and how he has been paying the price for it ever since, even though it was ruled that he had been acting in self defense.

Now, Silas is stuck between a rock and a hard place, unable to defend himself and unable to have the fresh start he’d been hoping for with his newfound family, who now look at him like he’s a monster.

(Undead Walking) How much did you know about Silas’ back story when you started out? 

(Hal Cumpston) I’d slowly gather more info from Matt (Showrunner) from the start. I understand why some actors would rather not know everything but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted all the gossip straight away.

It really seems like Silas is more concerned about being like his dad than being blamed for the things that have happened. Could you talk about what that means to him? 

It’s an extremely scary moment for him.  He would never want to be anything like his father after what he’s been through himself. He definitely cares more about the immediate safety of the others than the blame game. 

What does it mean to Silas that Elton wants to exonerate Silas so much? 

It makes the situation more complex as it hurts Silas to see Elton so distressed but it’s even harder that Silas doesn’t know whether to believe in Elton or believe the more realistic situation that he did in fact commit the murders.

This episode represents a major turning point for Silas, who decides to go off on his own instead of being left behind. What guides him to that decision? 

It’s a matter of picking the best possible situation in a very crappy predicament. It also seems like the only option that makes life a little easier for the group of people he cares about more than he cares for himself.

We know that forgiveness plays into World Beyond in a big way. Do you think Silas believes that he deserves forgiveness? 

No I don’t think he does believe he deserves forgiveness or anything nice for that matter. It’s definitely a really shitty time for Silas at the moment.

Silas leaves his headphones behind. What does that represent for him? 

The headphones are a sign of how he’s feeling and as I’ve already said Silas doesn’t think he deserves any niceties at this point.

We want to thank Hal Cumpston for talking with us! With two episodes left in the first season of TWD: World Beyond, there is still a world of possibilities for Silas (and Elton) now that they have set off on their own. Be sure to tune into the two-hour season finale of TWD: World Beyond on Sunday, November 29 on AMC.