Syfy’s Z Nation Wants A Piece Of The Walking Dead’s Action: This Week’s TV Picks
From the makers of Sharknado.
This article is more than 2 years old
We’re pretty damn excited about many of the shows Syfy has on its development slate. Just over the past year, the network seems to be trying really hard to rehabilitate its image among science fiction fans by developing series such as Ascension, The Expanse, Ghost Brigades, and Childhood’s End. That being said, we’re considerably less sold when it comes to Syfy’s Walking Dead wannabe Z Nation, which premieres this Friday night. Created by Karl Schaeffer (Eureka, Eerie, Indiana), Z Nation stars Lost‘s Harold Perrineau and professional skinny guy D.J. Qualls, and here’s the official blurb from Syfy:
In Z Nation, three years have passed since the zombie virus has gutted the country, and a team of everyday heroes must transport the only known survivor of the plague from New York to California, where the last functioning viral lab waits for his blood. Although the antibodies he carries are the world’s last, best hope for a vaccine, he hides a dark secret that threatens them all. With humankind’s survival at stake, the ragtag band embarks on a journey of survival across three thousand miles of rusted-out post-apocalyptic America.
If any of that sounds exciting to you, slow your roll. While we try never to root for anything to fail, there’s one thing that may or may not constitute a huge red flag for you: Z Nation is from The Asylum, the makers of cheesy knock-off flicks such as Transmorphers and Paranormal Entity. They also gave us the Sharknado movies, so it’s up to you whether that makes you more or less likely to enjoy Z Nation. At the very least it doesn’t seem to be going for the same style or tone as The Walking Dead, which is almost certainly a good thing.
Z Nation‘s premiere episode, “Puppies and Kittens,” hits Syfy Friday night at 10/9c.
TONIGHT
Under the Dome (CBS, 10/9c) — “Black Ice”
When temperatures begin to plunge, Sam and Rebecca spring into action to try to save the residents of Chester’s Mill. Meanwhile, Barbie risks his own life in order to save Julia after a terrible accident.
TUESDAY
Face Off (Syfy, 9/8c) — “Killer Instinct”
The artists must create an iconic horror villain using only a movie poster as inspiration.
WEDNESDAY
Extant (CBS, 10/9c) — “Before the Blood”
When Molly finally comes face-to-face with her offspring, she realizes she may be the only one who can stop the coming danger. Meanwhile, Julie uncovers grave secrets about Odin.
Nova (PBS, 9/8c) — “Vaccines: Calling the Shots”
An examination of vaccines and why they’re important. In addition to explaining how vaccines work, the report discusses the concerns and misinformation that surround them; and details the risks to both children and society if people forgo immunization, which about 10 percent of Americans do.
SATURDAY
Doctor Who (BBC America, 9/8c) — “Listen”
Tonight’s episode is, in my humble opinion, the best of the first five…and also creepy as hell.
When ghosts of past and future crowd into their lives, the Doctor and Clara are thrown into an adventure that takes them to the very end of the universe.
Intruders (BBC America, 10/9c) — “Ave Verum Corpus”
Gary reveals a strange link between his former client and Amy. But just as Jack and Gary start to put the pieces together, their only reliable source is brutally murdered. Meanwhile, Madison arrives in Seattle and threatens an old acquaintance. Richard attempts to conceal his secret continues while handling rising pressure from Rose.
Outlander (Starz, 9/8c) — “The Garrison Commander”
Claire is thrown for a loop when her surprise meeting with a British general is interrupted by the dangerous Capt. Jack Randall, who suspects she is harboring secrets.
SUNDAY
The Lottery (Lifetime, 10/9c) — “Truth Be Told”
Alison follows up on the evidence James uncovered, but her investigation hits a dead end; and Vanessa uncovers Darius’ plan to take control of the Lottery. Meanwhile, Kyle discovers the MayTwos’ real agenda; and Perry tries to help Angela as she struggles in the final round of the Lottery competition.
Manhattan (WGN, 10/9c) — “The Second Coming”
Both Charlie and Frank face serious questions as to the future of their projects.
Masters of Sex (Showtime, 10/9c) — “Below the Belt”
Johnson tries to find a cure for Masters’ sexual difficulties; Masters learns of a rival study and tries to brand his work; Flo informs Langham that he must have sex with her in order to keep his job; Barbara and Lester connect over their shared sexual dysfunctions; Libby asks Johnson to give her an alibi while she canvases a tenement for a rent strike with CORE.
The Strain (FX, 10/9c) — “Loved Ones”
Eph investigates Kelly’s disappearance and struggles with what he finds. Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer, and Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice.
