I happened to stumble upon "In the Flesh" by sheer random luck while browsing zombie titles on Amazon. And the synopsis really had my interest peaked. And of course, anything just even remotely zombiesque does catch my interest.
And as the first episode was coming to an end, it was clear that this was going to be a hidden gem. And it took very little time to sit through both seasons of the series. Mainly because there were only three episodes to season one and six episodes to season two, but also because the series was just so captivating and interesting that you simply keep watching episode after episode.
I thoroughly enjoy the approach that they took upon the zombie genre. It was a much needed take on the genre, and it was somewhat of a gamble I assume. But it was a gamble that was well rewarded. It was really good to see the end of a zombie outbreak and to see what could essentially happen in the wake of such a horrid event. The thing with the formerly risen (aka zombies or infected) to be medicated in order to reproduce brain activity and brain cells, and thus in turn return to their former humanity and start the progress of being reinserted back into society was really thought provoking and interesting.
And the thing about referring to the returned as PDS sufferers (Partially Deceased Syndrome sufferers) was a stroke of genius, especially as it would be likely to happen, as society and law need to slap a label on just about everything.
There are so many different angles to the storyline in the series that it would be a shame to even just attempt to delve into detailing these. I will say that "In the Flesh" should be watched and experienced to be fully appreciated and taken in, talking about it hardly do it any justice.
One thing that really made "In the Flesh" come to life, pardon the expression, on the screen was the fabulous ensemble of acting talents. There were a lot of really good actors and actresses in the series. I was especially impressed with Emily Bevan (playing Amy), Emmett J Scanlan (playing Simon), Luke Newberry (playing Kieren) and Steve Evets (playing Bill). Even though some of these people play characters that you will dislike, it is hard to ignore the talent that the actor or actress possess in bringing such a character to life (or unlife) on the screen.
The special effects team did a great job in bringing the PDS sufferers and the PDS sufferers in their untreated condition to life (or unlife, as it is) on the screen.
Don't expect this to be a run-of-the-mill addition to the zombie genre, with heaps of blood, gore and vicious dismemberment. If so, then you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, expect a clever, thought provoking series that delves deeper into the zombie genre than previously seen. And expect a series which is fueled by a myriad of different aspects and angles to the storyline.
I can more than strongly recommend that you take the time to sit down and watch all 9 episodes of "In the Flesh", because it is really a gem in the zombie genre. I am rating it a solid eight out of ten stars without hesitation.
