Despite concluding in 2019, iZombie successfully revitalized the classic cop show format over its five-season run. Police procedurals dominate much of the scripted television landscape. In fact, a report from The Hollywood Reporter revealed that approximately 20% of scripted content in 2020 belonged to the police procedural genre— a figure notably lower than in previous years. This trend presents challenges for networks seeking innovative takes on a genre that has been subjected to numerous reinterpretations over the decades. Enter iZombie, which provided a refreshing new outlook on cop shows starting in 2015.
While aspirations for a sixth season of iZombie did not materialize, the show earned considerable praise throughout its five-year run, boasting strong ratings and critical acclaim. Centered around Olivia “Liv” Moore, portrayed by Rose McIver, iZombie presented a unique blend of crime drama and supernatural elements. As a medical resident turned zombie, Liv consumed the brains of murder victims, absorbing their personalities in a process that assisted her in solving various crimes. Collaborating closely with her colleague Ravi and detective Clive, Liv navigated a world that loosely adapted comic book narratives to compelling storytelling.
Distinct Personalities: iZombie’s Unique Approach
Rose McIver’s Versatile Character Portrayal
One key element to iZombie’s success was its protagonist’s ability to embody a completely different personality each episode. Liv Moore, through her unique zombie traits, took on various personas—from high-society women to college enthusiasts to tough specialists. This dynamic allowed McIver to showcase her comedic and dramatic range, juxtaposing Liv’s inherent character with the exaggerated traits of the individuals she connected with through their brains. Other popular cop shows, such as Law and Order and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, lack this ability to fluctuate character traits sharply, resulting in more static leading roles.
iZombie stands out as an underrated series that revived both the police procedural and zombie horror genres. With genres at risk of becoming repetitive, it managed to keep audiences engaged, offering tired viewers a fresh experience. While fans of shows like Law and Order and B99 adore their core characters, the format doesn’t facilitate significant changes in persona. Moreover, even the finest zombie horror films often fail to provide a fresh take on the familiar zombie trope. Through its innovative blend of both genres, iZombie achieved a distinctive and enjoyable formula.
Variety in Liv’s “Brains” Ensured Consistent Freshness
Dynamic Detective Narrative in iZombie
As the series progressed, Liv’s interpersonal relationships became equally important as her investigative skills. However, when the personal tensions between Clive, Ravi, Liv, and her roommate Peyton reached a boiling point, the show’s clever premise served as a reliable fallback. Unlike other crime dramas that required convoluted plotlines for excitement, iZombie had the simple task of introducing a new captivating character for Liv to embody in each episode. Notably, Season 4 alone featured Liv taking on roles like a protector, socialite, actress, and even a professional wingman—all contributing to the show’s energy.
The versatility that McIver showcased was impressive, distinguishing iZombie from her subsequent role in CBS’s sitcom Ghosts. Balancing comedic and heartfelt moments alongside creative crime solving was no easy feat for the DC series, yet it navigated this fine line with remarkable skill, owing much to its structured procedural format that ensured consistency amidst chaos.
iZombie: A Distinct DC Comic Book Adaptation
A Blueprint for Future DC Adaptations
While many of DC’s prominent television adaptations leaned towards procedural formats, iZombie stands out as a rare example that fuses both zombie lore with crime drama effectively. Shows like Lucifer adopted similar procedural elements but featured a notably different lead character, while The Flash and Arrow also drew heavily from the procedural genre’s structure and pacing, echoing tones found in traditional cop shows such as NCIS and CSI.
Moreover, iZombie’s approach skillfully blended horror elements with an otherwise grisly narrative typical of police dramas. Liv is not your average zombie, managing to retain her humanity even while embracing her state. Thus, iZombie offers all the enjoyment found in traditional crime procedural stories while aligning itself distinctly with the show’s innovative premise.
Currently, iZombie is not available for streaming but can be rented online.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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