iZombie (2015–) tv series review, story and analysis
History of Construction
“iZombie” is a television series that premiered in 2015 on The CW network. Developed by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, the series is based on the comic book series of the same name created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, published by DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. The show is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Bonanza Productions. Constructing “iZombie” involved adapting the comic book source material for television while maintaining its unique blend of genres, including comedy, drama, and horror. The production team faced the challenge of bringing the fantastical elements of the comic book to life while grounding the story in a relatable and engaging world. Despite these challenges, “iZombie” successfully debuted to positive reviews and gained a dedicated fanbase over its five-season run.
Actors and Their Roles
The cast of “iZombie” features a talented ensemble of actors who bring their characters to life with humor, depth, and charisma. Some of the main cast members include:
- Rose McIver as Olivia “Liv” Moore: A medical resident who becomes a zombie after attending a party that turns into a zombie outbreak. Liv uses her newfound abilities to solve crimes by consuming the brains of murder victims, which temporarily gives her access to their memories and skills.
- Malcolm Goodwin as Clive Babineaux: A Seattle police detective who forms an unlikely partnership with Liv as they work together to solve homicides.
- Rahul Kohli as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti: Liv’s friend and confidant, who discovers her secret and helps her navigate life as a zombie while searching for a cure.
- Robert Buckley as Major Lilywhite: Liv’s ex-fiancé and former social worker who becomes entangled in the zombie underworld as he investigates a string of disappearances.
- David Anders as Blaine DeBeers: A charismatic and manipulative zombie who becomes a prominent figure in Seattle’s underground zombie community.
These actors, along with a supporting cast of recurring characters, contribute to the series’ success with their dynamic performances and chemistry on screen.
General Concept
“iZombie” follows the story of Olivia “Liv” Moore, a medical resident who is turned into a zombie after attending a party that goes awry. To cope with her new condition and avoid becoming a mindless monster, Liv takes a job at the morgue, where she has access to a steady supply of brains to consume. However, she soon discovers that by eating the brains of murder victims, she temporarily gains access to their memories and personality traits. With the help of her friends, including her boss Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti and Seattle police detective Clive Babineaux, Liv uses her newfound abilities to assist in solving homicide cases.
The series combines elements of procedural crime drama with supernatural and comedic elements, creating a unique and engaging premise. As Liv navigates the challenges of her double life as a zombie and a crime-solver, she must also contend with the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from her actions, as well as the larger conspiracy surrounding the existence of zombies in Seattle.
Full Story
“iZombie” unfolds over five seasons, each consisting of multiple episodes that follow a serialized format. The series begins with Liv Moore’s transformation into a zombie and her subsequent decision to use her abilities to help solve crimes. As she consumes the brains of murder victims, Liv experiences flashbacks and visions that help her piece together the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Along the way, she forms a close partnership with Detective Clive Babineaux, who is initially unaware of her true nature but eventually becomes a trusted ally in her investigations.
As the series progresses, the scope of the story expands to include larger arcs involving Seattle’s zombie underworld, as well as the development of a potential cure for the zombie virus. Liv’s relationships with her friends and allies are tested as they confront new threats and challenges, including rival zombie factions, government conspiracies, and personal betrayals. Throughout it all, “iZombie” maintains a balance of humor, drama, and suspense, keeping viewers engaged with its fast-paced storytelling and quirky characters.
The series concludes with a satisfying finale that ties up loose ends and provides closure for the main characters, while leaving the door open for future adventures in the “iZombie” universe.
Criticism and Analysis
“iZombie” received generally positive reviews from critics throughout its run, with praise for its clever premise, witty dialogue, and strong performances. Critics applauded the series for its inventive twist on the zombie genre, as well as its ability to blend humor and drama seamlessly. The show was lauded for its diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and motivations, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and friendship.
However, some critics felt that the series struggled to maintain its momentum in later seasons, with certain storylines feeling repetitive or overstretched. Additionally, while “iZombie” was praised for its creativity, some critics felt that it failed to fully capitalize on its potential, particularly in terms of exploring the larger implications of its supernatural premise.
Opinion of Critics and Position Among Other Similar Series
“iZombie” occupies a unique position among other similar series in the television landscape, offering a fresh and innovative take on the zombie genre. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as other shows like “The Walking Dead,” it has nonetheless garnered a dedicated fanbase and received critical acclaim for its originality and creativity. The series is often praised for its sharp writing, engaging characters, and inventive storytelling, which set it apart from more conventional procedurals and supernatural dramas.
Similar Series
For viewers who have enjoyed “iZombie” and are looking for similar series to explore, there are several options to consider:
- “Pushing Daisies” (2007–2009): This quirky fantasy series follows a pie-maker who can bring the dead back to life with a touch, leading to a series of whimsical adventures and investigations.
- “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997–2003): This cult classic series follows Buffy Summers, a young woman chosen to battle vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces in her hometown of Sunnydale.
- “Veronica Mars” (2004–2007, 2019): This mystery drama follows a teenage private investigator as she solves crimes and navigates the social hierarchy of her high school and hometown.
- “Dead Like Me” (2003–2004): This dark comedy series follows a young woman who becomes a grim reaper after her untimely death, guiding souls to the afterlife while navigating the challenges of the afterlife.
- “Santa Clarita Diet” (2017–2019): This horror-comedy series follows a suburban couple as they adjust to life after the wife becomes a zombie, leading to a series of comedic misadventures and moral dilemmas.
