Benician competes to be ultimate ‘Walking Dead’ fan

Rhonda Imel is the harbormaster of the Benicia Marina, but when she is not overseeing the operations of the marina, she is watching people battle against zombies in a post-apocalyptic landscape. In other words, Imel is a huge fan of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” so much so that she is competing to be a guest on its live aftershow “Talking Dead.”

“Talking Dead” is a talk show hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick which directly follows “The Walking Dead” and its companion series “Fear the Walking Dead,” in which the host and various guests discuss their reactions to the episode which just concluded. Among the guests who have joined Hardwick are Robert Kirkman, the creator of the original comic book series; cast members Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride and Norman Reedus; and a plethora of celebrity fans, including Kevin Smith, Conan O’Brien and Marilyn Manson.

Now AMC is hosting a contest to find the ultimate “Walking Dead” fan to join Hardwick on the couch. The competition is seeking those with a wide knowledge of “The Walking Dead” and “Talking Dead” to shoot a short video to convince producers that they would be the best guest for “Talking Dead.” Visitors of AMC’s website can vote on their favorites, but the rules stipulate that while producers will take online voting results into account, they will ultimately have the final say.

Imel was one of several to submit. In her 30-second video, which was shot in her office at the Benicia Marina, she talks about how she has been a huge fan of “The Walking Dead” and “Talking Dead” since the beginning. She confesses to being a member of “Team Daryl,” but also says she has enjoyed watching Carol, Maggie and Michelle step up and take care of business. After this, she says “Time to clear the dock,” steps up on the desk with a weapon, jumps off and walks out the door. As she leaves, she makes one final request for people to vote for her. As of press time, Imel is in third place.

To view Imel’s entry, go to amc.com/shows/talking-dead/exclusives/ultimate-fan-search. Voting will run through Monday, March 19.