I recently realized (I know, late to the party) that there will not be a new “Walking Dead” episode until Q4 2012, leaving us waiting seven to nine months after the season finale aired in March to see what happens to Rick and his band of survivors.

Isn’t it enough that we had to wait nine months for “Game of Thrones,” or a year and a half (!) for “Mad Men,” or that we’re still waiting for “True Blood” (June 10)?

Makes me long for the days when I didn’t watch television, on television. “The Wire,” “Deadwood,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Dexter,” “LOST,” all viewed at least a season or two behind on DVD or iTunes. As it is, I’m still at least a week or two behind and watching on OnDemand.

Anyway, am I really going to hang in for months and return a loyal fan when the next season of “Walking Dead” begins? Yeah, probably.

Networks are working hard to keep fans engaged throughout these extended intermissions with original and exclusive content, and it’s working. SXSW had a session last year solely on True Blood’s content strategy and success in keeping their fans coming back for more.

The session focused on “a ‘True Blood’ drink campaign for a beverage that had yet to exist, creative that ‘hacked reality’ and spoke to the vampires living among us, a Jessica Hamby character video blog, opposing web sites for the American Vampire League and Fellowship of the Sun, and merchandise ranging from Lafayette’s ‘L’ necklace to Sookie’s Merlotte’s apron.”

Although they didn’t mention it, I feel inclined to include Snoop Dogg’s “Oh Sookie” video for a laugh:

So, what are we “Walking Dead” fans to do while we wait to find out what the heck was up with the spooky hooded figure with the “walkers” chained to either side? For those of you familiar with the comics – Yes. It is surely the badass character Michonne. But, still, the question remains what will AMC do with her?

Michonne

Here are a few suggestions to pass the time:

Take the Walking Dead personality test to find out which character you are most like.

Choose wisely

Or play the Walking Dead Dead Reckoning Adventure Game.

Adventure Game

And soon, you’ll be able to play the highly anticipated Walking Dead Social Game on Facebook (if you can get over the fact that “Walking Dead Social Game” is the worst name ever).

Facebook Game

Or, like me, you can just be grumpy and wait. Well,OK. Full disclosure: I DID take the personality test.

Personality Test Results