In an age where the television landscape is anchored by predictable plotlines and the same old recycled story arcs, it’s a relief to see a show like ‘Obliterated’ bring something fresh to the table- or at least as fresh as a show with gratuitous amounts of blood splatter and crude humor can be.
The show, which premiered on the Action Channel last night, follows a group of misfits trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ravaged by a deadly virus. But what sets ‘Obliterated’ apart from other shows in the genre, like ‘The Walking Dead’ or ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ is its irreverent sense of humor.
For instance, in the opening scene, the protagonist, played by Chris Evans (yes, the ‘Captain America’ himself), takes a chainsaw to a zombie’s head, only to have its brains splatter all over his face. Cue the laugh track! It’s a refreshing departure from the usual zombie fare, which usually involves grave seriousness and somber music.
But ‘Obliterated’ doesn’t stop there. In one scene, the group stumbles upon a band of cannibals who invite them to dinner. “Oh, how kind of them!” you might think. But wait- the cannibals are serving human flesh! Cue the audience cringing in disgust! It’s a bold move, but one that pays off for the show’s creators.
The cast is also impressive, with Evans delivering a spot-on performance as the reluctant leader of the group. He’s joined by a motley crew of characters, including a grizzled cowboy (played by Sam Elliott), a nerdy scientist (played by Jesse Eisenberg), and a tough-as-nails survivor (played by Zoe Kravitz).
Of course, the show isn’t perfect. The writing can be uneven at times, with some jokes falling flat and some plot twists feeling contrived. But it’s hard to fault the show for trying something new and daring in a sea of mediocrity.
The special effects are also top-notch, with gore and violence that will satisfy even the most jaded horror fans. One scene in particular, where the group is besieged by a horde of zombies, is a visceral tour de force that will leave you breathless.
In short, ‘Obliterated’ is a show that takes risks and isn’t afraid to go for the jugular- or the funny bone. If you’re looking for a show with heart and soul, you won’t find it here. But if you want a show that delivers action, gore, and gross-out comedy in spades, then ‘Obliterated’ is the show for you.
