Friday, June 7, 2013

BBC America's 'In the Flesh' gives us the warm fuzzy zombies we want to hug instead of shoot in the head

Kieran has PDS. He's a Partially Deceased Syndrome Sufferer. He gets
medicated with a drug that regenerates living brain tissue. However,
what he really needs is a hug from the humans he used to think of as food.
Last night I watched the first of three episodes in the BBC America mini-series "In the Flesh." First a disclaimer: those of you who follow my blog know that I'm absolutely in love with zombie apocalypse stuff. After all, I talk about "The Walking Dead" all the time (at least when it's in season). So this review of the show may just be a little biased.

I LOVED "In the Flesh." The main character is Kieran, a Brit and he's a "Partially Deceased Syndrome Sufferer," and the BBC couldn't pick a more adorable protagonist (well maybe "R" from "Warm Bodies" would be a good substitute). I could feel his emotional pain, his longing to just be embraced by other humans, and it tore at my heart strings. "In the Flesh" took my emotions, grabbed them by the jugular, and body slammed them. I can't wait for part two tonight. Yes, I'm begging to be body-slammed yet again.

And I just want to say, that when his parents picked Kieran up at the PDS facility, they didn't hug him. I kept waiting for the hug to happen, and it never did. Why for crying out loud won't anyone hug him? He's just come back from the dead...he's got memories of eating people and is really broken up about it, and no one in Britain has the compassion to give him a hug? Embedded below is a three minute sneak peak of this series. I totally dare you to watch it. Oh and if you missed the first episode, don't worry. They're airing them again on Sunday.
BBC America has been knocking it out of the park for years now. We've got the reboot of Sherlock Holmes, we have the new Dr. Who Series, we had Merlin, Torchwood, and now I have "In the Flesh." PLEASE BBC, you need to make "In the Flesh" a full blown series. IT IS AWESOME! Thank you for giving us the warm fuzzy zombies that we really wanted to just hug instead of shoot in the head. How absolutely brilliant of you.

30 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of this one, but what a great concept! And the clip was so good, you're right about that poor kid just needing a hug.

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  2. I think In the Flesh is a good series (watched it last night too) but it didn't blow me away. I think the concept is great but the PTSD diagnosis made me laugh instead of draw me in. And I found Kieran to be kind of weak role wise. But it was sad when his parents made him pretend to eat. Seriously people, he's a zombie. But the real heart tug for me was the scene with the old couple, you know what I'm talking out. Why did you remove the contacts woman, why?

    The main draw for me with the second episode is seeing his hunting partner. I wasn't going to watch it again at first but your post has revitalized my interest. And while I might not love this series I too think it should be picked up for it's innovation and quality. We have enough useless trash on tv. This is a breath of fresh air. Enjoy your weekend Mark and I'm glad to finally be able to respond in detail about a show you watch/enjoy.

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  3. What a great idea. It makes sense that someone would try to cure zombies. It sounds like this guy comes from a chilly sort of family. Or maybe the family is too disturbed by the fact that he has eaten people? Hmm....

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  4. Sorry, missed it last night. Sounds like a unique twist.

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  5. Sounds amazing! I totally want to watch it now :)

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  6. Wow. This looks so good. BBC really does make a lot of the best TV.

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  7. It sounds kind of like that "Warm Bodies" movie I keep meaning to watch at some point.

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  8. Even though I really hate zombies, and while I watch/or rather listen to the Walking Dead. I'd like to see this one, but awful, having memories of eating people, Yuck!

    The BBC is really uniquely creative!

    Great review, I'll check out!

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  9. I hadn't heard about this one. I love the BBC shows and this looks like another great one.

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  10. I really, really hope the zombie apocalypse never happens, but it's good to know there's treatment out there just in case. Support groups, contact lenses, makeup, hair extentions...lol.

    And totally agree about BBC America. Good stuff.

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  11. Shit. I need to watch this. Do you think it will be available On Demand? Or am i going to have to try Hulu or something?

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  12. Can't do zombies. Just. Can't.

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  13. Interesting, very very interesting. Here's yet another reason to be upset that I no longer get BBCA. Stupid cable company. Why don't they have a "Pick your 5" program? I don't need the other 150 channels I have to pay for in order to get BBCA.

    *sigh*

    And yes, I'm currently buying each episode of Doctor Who.

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  14. Speaking as a Brit, we're not big on hugging, even the living.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  15. I've never heard of a partially deceased zombie. How interesting.

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  16. I was never afraid of Zombies. Even at an earlier age I thought that they were more entertaining than scary. I actually felt sad for Zombies. When my mom used to tell me about Jesus raising the dead, I wished that they were not dead enough to loose their skin and flesh and not be made fun of. I was actually sympathetic for them.

    You post on "Fear " has a lot of comments that are helpful and interesting at the same time. I thank you and your readers for helpful hints.

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  17. I want more Torchwood! and I'd love to see more Outcasts. That was outstanding.

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  18. Oh my lord. I am not telling my husband about this one, although, he probably already knows.

    Mike, I just don't do zombies. When the walking Dead is on I'm far away. In the office with the door closed.

    I have close friend who picked up a traditional publisher for her Zombie series. I like her writing and have read most of her stories, except this series. I honestly tried to read it in support but, eww.

    But I'm glad you like it! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on it.

    Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

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  19. This was a great preview, something different in the Zombie area. I look forward to watching it.

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  20. they knew what they were doing when they gave the two of us a blond or red headed zombie, didn't they? :)

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  21. The hubby and I are always looking for a good zombie series. Thanks for the heads up!

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  22. Thanks for the rec! I've not heard of this show. Sounds right up my kids' alley and perfect while they wait for Walking Dead to start up again. I'll tell them about it. I did enjoy Warm Bodies (just watched last night) so maybe I'll watch with 'em. BBC is awesome. Looove Sherlock.

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  23. Watched the clip and liked it. The main man is a good actor and I already felt bad for him.

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  24. I discover so many interesting shows by reading your blog. Now I have to get TV stations to view them all!

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  25. I'm a big fan of BBC stuff, too. This one sounds a little like Warm Bodies -- haven't seen it yet, but planning on it.

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  26. thanks for the extensive info on GOT in the email,Mikey! Sad to hear that the "horrid writer" loves Cersei and not good people and that he did what he did to Arya :( He now disgusts me even more :(

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  27. You haven't sold me on this one, Michael. I read the description on BBC America and found it a bit emo and you haven't helped it much. But to each his own... but you're right the BBC has been putting some great shows together! I LOVE Sherlock! And have you seen The Hour? Quite good. I also enjoyed Ripper Street and Mi-5 was the best thing there was there for a while. I still miss it. I am furious with Comcast because they have suddenly started charging me for AMC and for BBC America without warning. I'm sure there's some fine print somewhere... buggerers. I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and pay $10 more to get MORE only to get screwed again down the road. Buggerers...

    Cheers!

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  28. I think the British do Zombies better than anyone. My favourite z movie is Shaun of the Dead.

    Jai

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  29. Someone give the man a hug already!

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