In the Flesh 2×1 Review

‘In the Flesh’ started Season 2 with an amazing episode this week. It didn’t let the increase in the number of episodes weigh it down. The scope was expanded, and new characters were introduced, but it still retained the style and feeling that made Season 1 a critical success.

I was worried and excited when I found out season 2 would have double the number of episodes from the first season. It takes skill to move a TV show forward and expand on the groundwork. If the season 2 premiere is anything to go by, I know it will definitely end up being better than the first. The plot points from the previous season were built upon this week. It immediately told about the high stakes for the humans and the PDS (Partially Deceased Syndrome) sufferers. Two extremist groups have risen since The Rising. There’s the ULA (Undead Liberation Army) who want the undead to rule the world, and then there’s Victus, who are anti-PDS. Nine months have passed since the finale of the previous season and both parties have grown strong. Due to the two opposing forces, polarization between people has occurred. Even Roarton Valley is feeling the effects.

They have definitely amped up the scare factor this season. The episode opened with a terrorist attack on a public transport where PDS sufferers took the drug Blue Oblivion in order to regain their vicious nature. Two new characters came to Roarton, each from an opposing party, Maxine and Simon. I was really impressed by Victus MP Maxine Martin. The actress Wunmi Mosaku did a great job with the character. She had a strong presence on screen and I couldn’t figure out her motives. It’s good to see a female character that has layers. Simon was introduced as one of the twelve disciples of the Undead Prophet, and I just know he’s going to stir up trouble. Amy also came back. She’s still her jolly self but there was something different about her nonetheless. I can’t wait to see why she brought Simon to Roarton and introduced him to Kieren.

Coming to the familiar characters, the lead, Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry), was shown trying to get out of Roarton and start a new life in Paris. His sister Jem, a ‘war hero’, faced trouble settling in school, and their father was trying to be more open about sharing his emotions. I was happy to see Kieren trying to move on, but I could see he hadn’t fully accepted himself. The scene where he took off his makeup and refused to see his actual face was depressing.

The world has grown this season and you can see that PDS sufferers are an issue for everyone. Some people want them gone, while some are waiting for another uprising. Like the previous season, this one, too, uses the paranormal in order to show troubles our society faces, whether it’s about LBGT rights, or the political discord that seems to occur everywhere. Read my recommendation post to know all about what the show contains and why you should be watching it.

Did you watch this week’s episode? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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