When most people talk about Zombie Dramas on TV they’re usually talking about the Walking Dead, it’s spin off, Fear the walking dead, the Sci Fy channel’s Z nation, or the Netflix series Black Summer. I however am not talking about any of these shows. I am talking about a show available on Netflix and no I don’t mean that awful Daybreak series either. I am talking about Kingdom a South Korean drama that recently released it’s second season on Netflix to binge watch. In fact my fiancée and I spent this Sunday binging the entire 6 episode season, and we have both agreed that Kingdom is by far our favourite zombie drama series. So what is it about this series that has made us fall in love with it so quickly? Has Netflix's Korean Drama set a new bar, when it comes to the Zombie genre TV Show?
Its completely different
We are both big fans of the early Walking Dead series, we enjoy the Spin Off and we even enjoyed the silliness and cheese of Z nation, but this is a completely different show to any of the previous zombie shows we have seen. For starters, unlike most Zombie dramas that are set in modern times, this series takes place in the past, in fact the series take place just prior to the 1600’s. Just after the Japanese invasion of Korea which plays a big part in the plot. It is particularly interesting to see how a zombie outbreak would be handled in a world without modern technology such as; communication devices or modern weaponry, or even the modern infrastructure such as hospitals and health care, vehicles or even suitable protective housing.
The Plot
The main thing that makes this show so good is the intricate plot, the series is so much more than just a zombie thriller. The series is also a historical political drama, there is so much going on with several plot threads that can keep the viewer engaged. From corrupt government officials, a conniving manipulating queen, an exiled prince and so much more all on top of a Zombie outbreak. There are several plot threads regarding the containing of the outbreak, finding out the cause and possible cure, whilst there is also storylines including officials covering up the outbreak, and attempts to have the exiled prince killed. It also has one of the best explanations with regards to outbreak and how it spreads.
Plot Synopsis
Taking place during the Joseon period of Korea, shortly after the invasion by the Japanese, the crown prince Lee Chang has become embroiled in a political conspiracy, as he is forced to investigate a spread of a mysterious plague, that has afflicted his father. Along the way he is joined by his personal gurad Moo-Young, whilst tracking down the Royal physician who had treated his Father, he meets a young nurse Seo-Bi who had been working with the royal physician, and a courageous villager Yeong-Shin. Unbeknownst to him there is plot to cover up the Kings illness, orchestrated by the Father of the current queen Cho Hak-Ju, as they look to keep the King alive until the queen is able to give birth, hopefully to boy, so they can retain their position and power. Prince Lee Chang however, must prevent the advancement of the plague before it reaches his home Capital Hanyang, whilst having to address the sinister coup master minded by Cho Hak-Ju and his family, who are hell-bent on ensuring he does not take the throne, however he will come to find out that there is so much more at play than he first thought. The show is Based on the webcomic “Burning Hell Shinui Nara” by Kim Eun-Hee.
Warning
There is an option to watch the series with English dub, but I really advise against it, I am not someone who is a Sub elitist, in fact I do choose to watch many of my favourite Animes in English Dub. Unlike many of those animes however the Dub is absolutely abhorrent and is some of worst dubbing I have ever come across in my long history of watching Kung Fu films and Anime.
Seriously Go and Watch it now.
Seriously I can not recommend this series enough, if you like Zombie thrillers or if you like historical and political dramas this is series that is well worth a watch. Do not be put off by the fact that the series is Korean, and you will need have to read subtitles this is one of the best series currently available to stream. There are two seasons each comprised of 6 episodes, the first season ends with an incredible cliff hanger, the 2nd season wraps up a lot plots from season 1 but again the ending leaves you wanting more. It is a show that gives you a chill, whether its due to fear, brought on by the creepiness of certain scenes, or the way the show is set out to keep you on the edge of seat at all times due to all the on going plot points. It also does an amazing job of making you feel for the main protagonist and his cohort, giving depth to all its shows main cast of characters just adds to overall story.
Andrew More
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