Kingdom (Television Series) – Review
One of the television series that I had heard good things about and was on my radar was Kingdom. Now, there are lots of shows and movies similarly named. This one is about a zombie outbreak set in 17th century Korea. That should narrowing things down a bit.
At first glance, this show seems bizarre. It is not surprising to have another zombie show, nor is it surprising to have a show set in 17th century Korea. But both together?
You might not think that it would work but it does. Extremely well.
There are two main stories going on. One is about the Crown Prince, who was born to the King through a concubine and the King’s young wife and the anticipated male baby. This storyline by itself was very interesting and would have been worth watching.
Trying not to spoil anything for those considering watching Kingdom, one person is infected with the plague, in this case what we would call becoming a zombie. Through that one person, in a disturbing way, the patients at a medical centre become infected.
While two parts of the royal family are in conflict with each other, more and more people are becoming infected. It is when the nation is at its weakest that it faces its greatest threat.
I need to comment on the zombies. These are not the slow and awkward kind from the Walking Dead. Those who are infected run at full speed for their next meal, and they do not get tired. It is a very scary depiction of what could happen if such a plague existed.
I really, really enjoyed this show. This is not just some cheap zombie show. The sets and the costumes are incredible. I found myself desiring to know more about the Korea of this era. It is a high quality historical drama, aside from the horror elements.
I would never have predicted that I would enjoy this show as much as I did. Between the court intrigue and the other historical elements with good old fashion zombie action, this was one of the most entertaining shows I have watched in some time.
There are only two seasons to Kingdom, and my understanding is that there will not be a third season. However, there was 1.5 hour Kingdom: Ashin of the North that gave some of the background to the plague, as well as for one of the characters introduced in the last episode. I won’t say much about this other than: “zombie tiger.”
You might be completely bored of zombie shows. I get it, there is only so much you can do in the genre. But Kingdom is fresh and I think people will enjoy it, even if they are not really into zombies. But be aware that it is violent and very gory.
