Scares were scarce this week – the 'rabid rotters' weren't really rabid and only a short sequence of zombie uprisings featured (albeit, very nicely done). Instead drama took precedence, as overt themes of guilt, denial and acceptance became present when new characters were brought into the village of Roarton.
Continuing from last week's episode, Kieran remains trapped at home. Forced to spend time with his father, pretend –eat at the dinner table and continuously receive the cold shoulder from his sister, it is no surprise that he grasps the opportunity to leave the house when he is left home alone. He decides to embark on a day trip and visit the graveyard in which he was buried – hinting to his death before the zombie apocalypse even occurred. Whilst there, he encounters Amy, a fellow PDS sufferer. This character, at first quite annoying, is actually a refreshing presence. Her positive attitude toward this new post-death identity – choosing to go 'au naturel' by ignoring her contact lenses and cover up – creates a more uplifting tone to the episode. Amy is also an effective narrative devise. Whilst getting to know one another better, it is through her questioning that we discover Kieran had in fact killed himself pre-zombification.
Amy and Kieran go to the fairground to 'live' a little and the theme of guilt really plays out here. Kieran is obviously still struggling with his previous flesh-eating ways, manifested through the constant and eerie re-appearance of his last victim. Conversely, Amy feels no guilt and justifies their ravenous activities as 'survival mode'. Both characters hash these feelings out as they move from ride to ride. It is a clever way of breezing through what would be heavy emotional turmoil, perhaps developed further if there were more than three episodes to play with.
Elsewhere in Roarton, more time is spent on developing HVF officer Bill and his family. Last week Bill and his wife discovered that their son Rick, whom they thought had died whilst serving for the army in Afghanistan, was alive... well, partially. He had reached the end of his PDS rehabilitation and was ready to return home. Upon his arrival, both Bill and Rick appear in denial, refusing to address the elephant (or should we say PDS) in the room. They take part in father-son bonding activities, eventually winding up at the British Legion (the local pub for HVF officers) for a few drinks. This pub acts as a particularly effective setting in which the metaphorical implications of PDS can be played out. Be it race, religion or disability, any form of Otherness could be reintegrated here.
Throughout the episode there is an unspoken link between Kieran and Rick. Subtle hints in Kierans room such as letters and portrait paintings allude toward a possible romance that existed pre-uprising. Rick's casual inquiries to his father regarding the well-being of Kieran and his family are also suggestive of the level of care felt for one another. Oh, and there is the small matter that Kieran killed himself when Rick left for the army. Both finally reunite in the Legion pub in an incredibly subdued manner, but their attraction and elation at seeing one another is abundantly clear. Their relationship was obviously a secret, most likely due to Bill's expectations of having a macho, gun- toting lothario for a son.
Their moment of happiness is soon called to a halt as reports draw in of a 'rabid rotter' wandering in the woods. The HVF grab their weapons and make haste, Rick and Kieran also follow. It is in the woods that the theme of acceptance really comes to the forefront. After an effective and emotional heart-to-heart between Rick and Kieran (wonderfully written and performed in such an understated and effective manner), both characters go searching for the reported 'rotters'. They are eventually found, but 'rabid' is most certainly not the word that would describe them. They are docile and caring for one another...even if they are eating flesh at the same time. It is a short moment of tranquil, which ultimately ends when Rick pulls a gun on them. Kieran stands in the way, effectively declaring that Rick cannot kill one of his own. Rick is most definitely in denial, unaccepting of his new identity and still believing himself as a soldier, not a PDS sufferer. Kieran's protest pays off however, as he gets through to Rick. The not-so-rabid rotters are saved, so to speak, and set on the path of rehabilitation.
The lack of scares and increase in drama this week was by no means a negative quality. The character development is brilliantly dealt with considering how little time the show's creators have. The almost harmless nature that the 'rabid rotters' had this episode was an interesting and provocative twist on traditional genre formula, cleverly bringing into light further questions regarding the morality of the HVF. Most of all, the romance between Kieran and Rick is a beautiful addition to the series, adding further emotional depth to the shows narrative – what will be easier for Bill to accept? Rick's PDS? or the romantic relationship between him and Kieran? It will be interesting to see how this all comes together in the last episode. After tonight's developments however, it is a shame it has to end so soon.
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