iZombie
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Shows with a female lead are always a good idea, and more often than not they kick serious butt. Whether this is because they have to try harder to get on television in the first place, thanks to patriarchal road blocks, or because women are hardcore awesome to begin is a loaded question often asked. Lately I have been binge watching any feminist or women appreciatory programs, which is how I stumbled across this great series, “iZombie.” While the title may throw you off, as well as the goofy premise, this show actually has a lot of cred.
The concept was adapted from a DC comic, through Vertigo, written by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred. The creators of the show include Diane Ruggiero-Wright and Rob Thomas, who co-wrote the “Veronica Mars,” movie and worked on the show. Their use of sharp wit and frank ability to write realistic female characters is evident in “iZombie,” which feels like a cross between “Veronica Mars,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” If my first paragraph hinted that this is a “women’s show,” (whatever that means) do not fear, this show has something for everyone: star crossed lovers, zombies, murders, psychic visions, edgy humor and references, and a ton of well written, lovable characters.
The premise of the show follows former medical student turned zombie Olivia Moore (McIver) as she breaks up with her fiancé, becomes an assistant ME, and tries to solve crimes, all while also trying not to eat the people she loves. She’s completely cognizant, and remembers her life before she was a zombie, but she also has white blonde hair, pale skin, a barely there heartbeat, no taste buds, and she takes on the personalities and memories of the people she eats, which enables her to help solve their murders. It’s a bit goofy, but using this premise the show builds nicely throughout the 13 episode run of the first season. There’s a baddie named Blaine (Anders) who is turning people into zombies, and could possibly be causing a major outbreak, as well as being shady as all else. There’s also the medical examiner (Kohli), who understands everything and helps Liv with her cravings, and a detective partner (Goodwin) who thinks she is a psychic because she has visions.
The show pays homage to its graphic roots by having drawn panels at the beginning of each section of the show, and there are puns galore (probably why it reminds me of Buffy). This show builds its tension really well, has really dramatic character transformations throughout the show’s first season, has really interesting mysteries, and is another great installment in the world of female driven television shows. It’s great that the CW, which has become a mecca for smart, female driven programming (“Buffy,” “Jane the Virgin,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Veronica Mars.”) has added it to its lineup with an eighteen episode second season The entire first season is currently streaming on Netflix if you want to check it out, and the second season is on Hulu.
