30 Years Later, Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s ‘X-Files’ Replacement Sci-Fi Deserves a Second Look
Molly DeCastro is a New York-based emerging film and entertainment journalist with a personal passion for poetic prose and impactful storytelling. She graduated from Pace University with a degree in English and a concentration in creative writing. While film analysis is at the heart of her work, she is especially interested in exploring cinema through an anthropological lens and in examining how creative themes reflect cultural identity. She aims to forge a deep connection between audiences and film through thoughtful and evocative writing.
She also enjoys keeping up with all things film! That means specializing in industry news, emerging directors, and stand-out projects.
Rumor has it that this sci-fi drama masterpiece was heavily inspired by both the nonfiction novelThe Hot Zone(the title alone would suggest so) and other 90s sensations likeThe Outbreak. Like its forebrothers,The Burning Zonecaptures unique antagonists: vicious chemical and viral outbreaks. Unlike other films that depict muscled, brawny, adversaries, Coleman Luck went for a more insidious approach. His work follows a band of White House troops, including The Walking Dead breakout star Jeffrey Dean Morgan, in their ceaseless attempts to investigate and put a stop to various biochemical warfare threats.
So, in short, the specialized federal bio-crisis band is formed, but what comes next? The series combines an incredibly exciting cocktail of sci-fi magic, religious undertones, and action as the team is deployed worldwide. Essentially, they are the front line soldiers between the entire world and a series of "Plague Wars", which contain lethal, ancient pathogens capable of wiping out the population and ending the world as they know it. The team is spearheaded by their lead virologist, Dr. Edward Marcase (Dean Morgan), who approaches disease with a woo-woo, metaphysical approach. As the story moves forward, it's evident that biochemicals aren't their only worry, and they commonly must brush up against "The Dawn", a terrorist organization attempting to further the spread of biological disasters.
Why This 2-Season Sci-Fi Thriller Deserves Another Shot
To start, what's better than another Killer Virus series? And doubly, what's better than a kitschy, vintage take on the genre? Shows like this one have a unique, redeeming charm, especially so now looking back. The premise is simple, and the characters really define it. As stated prior, lead virologist, Dr. Edward Marcase, is calling the shots. He survived an early childhood case of Ebola, and unfortunately suffered the loss of his parents. From both his experience and expertise, he was hired for the role alongside Dr. Kimberly Shiroma (Tamlyn Tiroma). From episodes 1 to 11, before others join in on the fun, the audience watches as their dynamic evolves and the performers gain footing.
Interestingly, because of what can be assumed as a lack of audience appeal from the subject matter, show runners added some more "umph". Naturally, overtime, fans grow tired of the same story every episode, especially when the team predictably comes out on top every time. So, in an attempt to turn up the heat, the show runners began experimenting across the board. For example, in one episode, the disease itself harbored some form of intelligence, making it an all-powerful adversary. Later, there was another virus that caused mental decline, insanity, and rage.
These experiments didn't stop with the antagonists. Other times, tying in with the metaphysical, religious theme of the show, side characters that were presumably left for dead, would suddenly rise unscathed simply out of pure will or what looked to be prayer. Overall, there was an obvious openness to the plot, and as an audience, it felt that at any moment the story could turn upside down. This was equally occasionally laughable as it was undeniably entertaining.
In summary, The Burning Zone is a fantastical, harrowing, 19-episode-long journey that keeps you utterly gripped from start to finish. The series experienced many transitions, with new characters and emerging stories that changed suddenly on a dime. Yet nevertheless, it persisted long enough to produce a well-rounded story. For those looking for a classic, edge-of your-seat drama, this is certainly the one.
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