Congratulations are in order for Beta (Ryan Hurst), who has officially appeared in some capacity across all three The Walking Dead shows currently on air: The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond. It may not have been the crossover cameo we were hoping for, (cough *Rick Grimes* cough), but it’s an exciting milestone nonetheless
Beta appeared on seasons 9 and 10 of The Walking Dead as the second-in-command to the Whisperers’ leader, Alpha (Samantha Morton). Together, the two of them wreaked havoc across communities wearing the faces of walkers. I’ll never forget the first time the Whisperers appeared, and how creepy it was to hear whispering and murmuring coming from a group of zombies.
Beneath his zombie mask, Beta was a former country musician. Because he was famous, he was able to make some random appearances across the rest of the Walking Dead universe.
Where did Beta turn up on The Walking Dead: World Beyond?
For example, in this week’s episode of World Beyond, Silas (Hal Cumpston) and Dennis (Max Osinski) are working in the CRM Decontamination Center. Eagle-eyed fans spotted a copy of Beta’s album “Half Moon: Live in Concert,” which also appeared on The Walking Dead proper. Also, in a season 10 flashback episode we half see Negan’s wife Lucille (Hilarie Burton Morgan) wearing a “Half-Moon” concert tee-shirt.
In this universe, Beta was considered a “true American genius” and “the most prolific recording artist of our lifetime.” The guy was a big deal, so it comes as no surprise that he keeps popping up. The first time we saw Beta cross over to another show was in the fifth season of Fear the Walking Dead, where his face is seen maskless on the cover of a vinyl record owned by country music fan Daniel Salazar (Ruben Blades).
And that’s not all, folks! While we never learn Beta’s real name, in another episode of The Walking Dead season 10, we did hear Magna (Nadia Hilker) listening to one of his songs. Apparently, this song was inspired by TWD alum Emily Kinney, who played Beth Greene until her character’s death back in season 5. The song, “I Went to the Well,” was from the “Half-Moon: Live in Concert” album and was later officially released by AMC.
I don’t know what has the writers and producers so hyped about Beta, but clearly they love the guy. I’m curious to see if he continues to pop up across the universe and if there will ever be a flashback to one of his concerts.
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h/t Comicbook.com