Skip to Content

Z Nation Ep. 1.04, “Full Metal Zombie”: Unapologetic parody moves quickly, as usual

Z Nation Ep. 1.04, “Full Metal Zombie”: Unapologetic parody moves quickly, as usual

z-nation-01

Z Nation, Season 1, Episode 4, “Full Metal Zombie”
Written by Eric Bernt
Directed by Michael Robinson
Airs Fridays at 10pm EST on Syfy

The appeal of Z Nation undoubtedly lies in how incredibly action packed it is. With plenty of zombie skull smashing and some very fast paced episodes, it can be a welcome retreat for a tired mind at the end of a long work week. Although this makes for a fun series, the profound lack of depth in the plot may disengage viewers and prove troublesome in future episodes. At this point in the season, there is minimal promise that some sort of satisfying plot twist or big reveal is to come in the next few episodes. The main characters are burning through foe after foe in the span of each forty minute installment, with nothing particularly set in motion to imply an upcoming substantial obstacle. Instead, Z Nation presents a series of surmountable hurdles that are entertaining for the span of the episode, but may weaken the overall plot arc of the series. If there is an exciting turn in what is to come of the story, viewers should hope to see some apparent foreshadowing so that said turn can be properly presented, and not feel rushed or unconvincing.

Although there is a lack of complexity, Z Nation has effectively created likable main characters that are easy to root for, which may be its saving grace in getting viewers to commit. They are also given consistently hilarious dialogue that makes for several moments of honest laughter within each episode, which further facilitates how enjoyable the survivors are to watch.

In “Full Metal Zombie,” the gang are in search of any sort of flying mode of transportation that would take them out of the dangers that the ground has to offer, but after an encounter with a characteristically unpleasant set of army soldiers who have access to a helicopter, they find themselves once again fighting to survive and overcome the issues at hand. Meanwhile, Citizen Z is plummeting deeper into loneliness, and developing an unreasonable crush.

In zombie films, having a group of survivors reach an army compound only to find themselves in deeper dangers at the hands of delusional soldiers is a storyline that has been severely overdone, but due to the consistent parody atmosphere that Z Nation has, it is easily forgivable. The soldier characters in this episode are farcically obscene and over-written, which is in rhythm with how the rest of the series has handled the way it plays with clichés. Horror icon Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses, Repo! The Genetic Opera) makes an appearance as the unhinged General of the entire operation, which is an added excitement for fans of the genre. Sinisterly evil and unlikable, Moseley shines in this episode by doing what he does best; being the most depraved and crude character on screen.

Perhaps the deepest character development in Z Nation thus far is that of DJ Quall’s Citizen Z, who has repeatedly exhibited concerning behaviour, due to his loneliness, that remains moral but is assuredly unusual. It is reasonable to assume that his mildly worrying actions may worsen in future episodes, which could present the engaging plot that the show needs.

Z Nation could easily redeem itself if its writers recognized that there is strength in their likable characters. Hopefully it will draw from that to make a lasting impression, rather than just tell a forgettable and superficial story.

[wpchatai]