This award-winning British answer to the hit American show The Walking Dead diverges considerably from its stateside cousin, set in an England where a zombie plague has been tamed with drugs and therapy and the victims (whose affliction is dubbed “partially deceased syndrome,” or PDS) return home to families and attempt to fit back into a society that hasn't quite come to terms with the living dead, let alone the horrors of their earlier uprising. Central to the narrative are revived teenager Kieran Walker (Luke Newberry), who had committed suicide, and his parents, Steve and Sue (Steve Cooper, Marie Critchley), and sister Jem (Harriet Cains). The second season continues to explore the themes of intolerance, hatred, forgiveness, acceptance, guilt, and depression, while also expanding the story to follow the rise of anti-PDS groups and hate crimes, the creation of laws that discriminate against PDS individuals, and the emergence of a vocal and active PDS pride movement that preaches a “second rising” and inspires some members to revert to their feral ways, leading to a new wave of attacks and fear. The premise makes for intelligent and evocative drama, as well as a potent metaphor for prejudice, while never losing sight of the individuals caught up in the whirlwind. Compiling all six second season episodes broadcast in the U.S. in 2014, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
In the Flesh: The Complete Season Two
BBC, 2 discs, 342 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 Volume 30, Issue 1
In the Flesh: The Complete Season Two
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