Wit and intelligence pour out of his show. ‘Virtual Reality Bites’ was probably the funniest episode so far, and the script was full of so many different examples of how iZombie continues to prove itself as a genre powerhouse.
This episode made it clear how easily the writers have been able to balance the humour and drama of this whole zombie set-up. Most of the investigation into the former hacker Simon was lighthearted, who didn’t love seeing Liv and Ravi join forces on Warlock Forest, but as the clues started to reveal a more sinister side to the case, the tone shifted to something a lot more tragic and heartbreaking. It’s a testament to the team behind iZombie that a shift like that is so seamless and natural.
The case of the week has dominated most of the episodes we’ve seen so far, but ‘Virtual Reality Bites’ featured a lot more of the zombie underworld arc. Blaine has been getting creepier and creepier, and his scheming reached a peak of sorts here, with both his murder of Jackie and his almost murder of Clive (thanks for the timely phone call Liv).
I’d love to see some sort of flashback to his pre-zombie days to find out what made him this way. I think the pace that his plans have been unveiled is perfect in terms of where this show is at right now, but some more background would help flesh out an already fascinating and entertaining character.
I did have one bone to pick with this episode, and its one that’s been apparent since the show started. I don’t want to use the word contrivance, because that denotes some sort of dissatisfaction with the show that I just don’t have, but I don’t think there’s a way to overlook the convenience of Liv’s brother (potentially) joining Blaine’s staff.
I accepted Peyton conveniently being an ADA, and Liv getting a free pass to all those police interrogations, but I would hate to have to admit that this might be a step too far. Unless Blaine orchestrated it somehow; still a valid theory. I’ll hold off on this until I see how it plays out. I could end up loving the idea, which wouldn’t be surprising since I’ve lapped up everything else iZombie has dished out.
Plus
Major finally found a link between the disappearances and “The Candyman”: a clear shot of Blaine. Will Liv have to try something to keep Major safe?
Another example of great writing: Liv’s anxiety over her date with Lowell being bolstered by Simon’s own real world anxiety.
Also: Lowell is the cutest right? I hope there are no ulterior motives there, I already love him.
I didn’t realise SQL could be used to hack into small businesses? Am I using my case when’s wrong?
He Said, She Said
Liv: “I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with Major, and I guess I did. But apparently my death is a new chapter, bizarre as that may be.”
Every week iZombie continues to grow and show different facets of its plot and zombie world, a world that’s more layered and complex than we initially thought. Hopefully it will prove that my concerns over its silly coincidences are unfounded, or else just distract me with how good it is in spite of that.
4 out of 5 deadly birthday cards
Originally posted at PandaTV.
> I didn’t realise SQL could be used to hack into small businesses? Am I using my case when’s wrong?
ReplyDeleteWell, theoretically, if said small business uses an SQL database, and left database connection publicly available (by mistake, of course), than why not?
Or the infamous "SQL injection" trick.
On the other hand, going through the list manually is not a good idea. SQL itself can greatly reduce the work.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, it's really hard to expose yourself to SQL Injection these days, with the amount of user friendly tools available these days.
ReplyDeleteYou'd almost have to ignore them, and do it the old fashion way (in which case I'd argue that that person would not let his code be susceptible to SQL Injection).
And yes, we're arguing about database security in the comments. :D
This is a show that has really surprised me so far. It is LOL LOL LOL all the time!
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, I can't stand zombie shows. What is it with TV/Movie business today, that keep giving us these ridiculous zombie stories?
So color me surprised when I saw this show. iZombie has what I like in a TV show. Good writers, great actors, and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that is really refreshing.
The scenes when Liv was fighting witches and other trolls in the Warlock Forest was just hilarious.
I guess I have to admit that there is life in a zombie story after all:)