iZombie

iZombie is a unique blend of crime procedural, comedy, drama, and horror that aired on The CW network from 2015 to 2019. The show, which is based on the DC Comics series, cleverly subverts traditional zombie tropes to create a fresh, engaging, and highly unique take on the genre, which not only deals with the horror side of the zombie culture but also presents the audience with a clever wit, that is as infectious as the zombie virus itself.

The plot of iZombie is anchored by the multifaceted character Olivia "Liv" Moore, a promising medical resident whose life is turned upside down when she's turned into a zombie at a boat party gone awry. She wakes up to discover that she's undead, is left with an insatiable hunger for brains, and has taken on a goth-like appearance. As she navigates the complex existential crisis brought about by her new status, Liv quits her job at the hospital and begins working in the morgue to satisfy her craving for brains without killing innocent people.

However, consuming brains isn't without its side effects. Each brain Liv eats allows her to access the memories of the dead, which sparks her realization that she can use this newfound ability to assist the Seattle Police Department in solving murder cases. Liv pretends to be a psychic, teaming up with roguish detective Clive Babineaux to crack the city's most perplexing murder mysteries, with each episode focusing on a different crime and a diverse set of character's memories and personality traits that she must navigate.

iZombie explores this engaging premise in a manner that's lighthearted and fun, filled with puns, humor, and takes on the popular culture. However, it's not all levity -- the show also delves into deeper themes, exploring what it means to be human, the importance of personal identity, and the existential dread that comes with being turned into the living dead. Liv’s transformation allows the showrunners to touch various elements of human nature and society as Liv adopts the traits of people she never could have understood in life, showing the effects of those traits on personal relationships and her work.

iZombie is bolstered by a talented ensemble cast that orbits around its compelling lead. Rose McIver shines as Liv, and her work is often the highlight of the show, delivering emotional depth and complexity. She manages to make the contradictory nature of her role as a wholesome zombie believable and relatable. Rahul Kohli plays Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, her boss at the morgue and confidant, who adds a unique blend of charm and humor, developing a serum in an attempt to cure her condition. Malcolm Goodwin delivers an earnest performance as Clive, the detective oblivious to Liv’s true nature.

As notable as the lead characters are the subplots that unravel throughout the series, including key supporting characters like Liv's former fiancé, played by Robert Buckley, who must navigate a world where his seemingly changed ex-partner is hiding a monstrous secret. The villainous characters in the series also do not disappoint, providing formidable adversaries for Liv and her friends, adding tension and depth to the show's story arc.

Another unique aspect of iZombie is how it captures the city of Seattle. The city is not merely a backdrop; it's an integral part of the narrative, acting as a living, breathing character that contributes to the overall atmosphere of the show. From the gloomy skies to the thriving tech industry, Seattle serves as the perfect location for a zombie outbreak story.

Running for five intriguing seasons, iZombie is more than just a zombie show or a crime procedural. It combines horror, comedy, and drama in an attractive package, creating a unique viewing experience for audiences. As such, it carved a niche for itself, and rightly so, in the crowded TV landscape by managing to effectively mix wildly different genres and tones. It succeeds in being more than the sum of its parts and often shines brightest in its quieter, more human moments, providing a surprisingly poignant commentary about what it means to retain one's humanity in the face of such monstrous changes.

In conclusion, iZombie is an inventive and enjoyable show that artfully blends different genres to provide a unique twist on the typical zombie narrative. It is a show that deserves attention not just from fans of zombie fiction, but anyone looking for a unique, character-driven series with dark humor, clever writing, and a lot of heart. It is a thrilling ride through the world of the undead, where eating brains gives new perspective on life and solves murders—no meat-cute pun intended.