Review Fix Exclusive: Inside ‘Z-Nation’

Zombies are all the rage nowadays. Once a horror sub-genre, this sub-genre has risen to from the grave of mainstream media’s consciousness and infected the hearts of American audiences.

This may have something to do with the highest rated show on basic cable being the “Walking Dead,” however, it has more to do with the ever-growing spectrum of stories being told with the Zombie apocalypse as the foundation for something that is not just about gore and endless head shots.

One of these interesting stories being told is “Z Nation,” the Syfy series brought to you by Asylum Studios. Yes, the studio that graced the world with the Internet’s favorite TV movies franchise, “Sharknado.”

The series, set in the Zombie apocalypse (obviously), is unique in its approach that it blends human drama with the campiness that made “Sharknado” a mega-hit.

“I brought them this idea, they wanted to do it,” said Craig Engler creator of “Z Nation.” “The show vacillates a little between campy humor and serious drama.”

That dynamic is what separates the Syfy series from any other Zombie apocalypse set story, but just because it does weave in elements of camp it is very clear that it is not

“Sharknado is a great idea for a movie, but just couldn’t sustain itself over 13 episodes,” said Craig Engler creator of “Z Nation. “We knew going in we weren’t going to make the Sharknado of TV, we were making a TV show with campy and fun moments in it.”

These two elements is what made “Z Nation’s” launch the highest-rated acquired scripted on Syfy since 2006, where else on cable can you find a zombie bear?

What is also unique about the freshman series is it’s relentless pace. Once it hits the gas, it does not stop. The real antithesis of the “The Walking Dead,” which at times features a lot of walking and not enough zombie head-smashing. Even though the show is a polar opposite of AMC’s zombie series, the comparisons are always there.

“I knew it would happen, it’s inevitable,” said Engler, comparing it to the influx of cop dramas where although the genre may be the same, the execution is what separates them.

And whether it’s a cop drama or a zombie apocalypse, there is no shortage of good television in what is being called the golden age of television.

“I think it’s great,” said Tom Everett Scott, who starred as Garnett “Z Nation.” “I think it’s taking the place of the 30 million dollar movie.”

In the midst of this golden age of television, Syfy has fully backed Engler.

“The network is very supportive,” said Engler when describing the relationship with the network. “We’ve been allowed to do whatever we want.”

If you do not believe him, Syfy renewed the series for a second season halfway through this season.

Nothing is set in stone in terms of the road Engler and the rest of the “Z Nation creative team will take in future seasons, but there are ideas.

“We know where we want to go and we’re willing to take different paths to get there as they present themselves,” said Engler. “In TV you always have to be flexible in how you get there.”

Any TV fan knows, a lot of shows explore big ideas and at times get ahead of themselves. But, Scott has a feeling people will stay tuned.

“It’s a extremely ambitious show,” said Scott. “We could easily be telling these stories for four or five years. Our show is very much about the journey.”