In The Flesh

For many, many years, I've been searching for a show - or really, any medium of popular entertainment - that can even come close to achieving what In The Flesh has. It's not only entertaining - literally every character can be related to, as terrible as their reasoning may be, and the spin they put on the classic zombie trope is glorious to simply think about, let alone watch - but the representation, oh man. Mental illness and disorder plotlines are handled with a grace and accuracy and respectfulness that can only be echoed by what happens to the luckiest of us in real life. Kieren Walker, as our leading man, is the first protagonist in years that I feel we can relate to properly - a modern-day Hamlet, if you will, though his circumstances may be decidedly less dire, and he may be less of an obvious hero. Being a queer, depressed teen myself, I'm very proud of what they've done with In The Flesh - I won't spoil anything here, but please, check out the show for yourself. You will not get those nine hours back, no, but I can promise you will not want them.

'In the Flesh' is a great zombie flick with a twist. These flesh eating zombies are being brought back from the dead, thanks to a new, scientific 'cure', and integrated back into the community with their loved ones. The main character, Keiran, who is is gay, has responded well to 'treatment' and is reuinited with his family. Keiran has to deal with disturbing memories of his flesh eating past, a medical inability to eat normal food, feeling emotions again, and a less than desirable outward appearance that requires makeup to help normalise the way he looks. On top of this there is the deep hostility and mistrust from the community and also from his own sister. Many people believe that these returned 'undead' should simply be exterminated and an underground group is formed and goes about executing people like Keiran. This show is quite gripping and takes you on a complex emotional journey.

I'm still annoyed that this series was only given 2 seasons.