Watch In The Flesh

In The Flesh is a British television series that aired on BBC Three from 2013 to 2014. Created by Dominic Mitchell, the show explores issues of prejudice, identity, and trauma through the story of a young man named Kieren Walker. The series takes place in a world where a zombie-like phenomenon known as the "Rising" has occurred, transforming millions of people into flesh-eating creatures. However, a medical breakthrough has allowed these zombies, referred to as PDS (Partially Deceased Syndrome) sufferers, to be treated and reintegrated into society. The show follows Kieren, a former PDS sufferer who has been cured and returned to his small town of Roarton.

Luke Newberry leads the cast as Kieren Walker, a complex and sympathetic protagonist struggling with his identity as a former PDS sufferer. As he tries to navigate his new life, he is haunted by memories of his time in a treatment facility, where he was subjected to cruel experiments and abuse from the staff. His family and friends, including his overbearing sister Jem (played by Harriet Cains) and his supportive best friend Amy (Emily Bevan), try to accept him back into their lives, but tensions run high as the town grapples with the aftermath of the Rising.

The ensemble cast of In The Flesh is filled with talented actors who bring nuance and depth to their roles. Marie Critchley and Steve Cooper play Kieren's parents, who struggle to come to terms with their son's return and the loss of their other son in the war against the PDS. Emmett J. Scanlan is compelling as Simon Monroe, a charismatic and enigmatic PDS sufferer who challenges Kieren's beliefs and becomes a key player in the town's politics. Stephen Thompson and Wunmi Mosaku round out the main cast as local members of the PDS support group, providing a space for Kieren and others to process their trauma and discrimination.

In addition to the excellent performances, In The Flesh is notable for its thought-provoking exploration of themes such as discrimination, mental illness, PTSD, and queer identity. The show portrays the PDS sufferers as a misunderstood and oppressed group, facing discrimination from the government and the public alike. As Kieren tries to live a normal life, he is forced to confront his own internalized self-hatred and the prejudices of those around him. The show also tackles issues of consent and power dynamics, particularly in the second season as the town becomes more politically polarized and extremist groups emerge.

The production design of In The Flesh is also impressive, particularly in its depiction of the PDS sufferers. The makeup and visual effects team do a fantastic job of creating a realistic but sympathetic portrayal of the zombie-like characters, using subtle touches like peeling skin and discolored eyes to convey their otherness. The show also uses a muted and desaturated color palette, reflecting the bleakness and despair of life in the post-Rising world.

In The Flesh is not without its flaws - some viewers may find the pacing slow or the occasional plot twist contrived. However, the show's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on the zombie genre. The show was cancelled after two seasons due to budget cuts at BBC Three, leaving fans with a sense of unfinished business. Nevertheless, the show is widely praised for its innovative storytelling, complex characters, and poignant themes, and remains a classic example of British speculative fiction.

In The Flesh is a series that ran for 2 seasons (9 episodes) between June 6, 2013 and on BBC THREE