iZombie Review: Brainless in Seattle, Part 2 (Season 4 Episode 4)

iZombie Season 4 Episode 4 “Brainless in Seattle, Part 2,” doesn’t need a human/zombie dance-off to prove it has found its groove.

With an episode showcasing the good and the bad of Liv’s closest relationships, we are reminded that friendship is the most powerful bond for a zombie to have in this uncertain and undead world. Liv’s boyfriends may not live long enough to leave a lasting impression, but her friends are not going anywhere as far as iZombie is concerned.

You might be asking yourself why a two-part episode this early in the season is necessary. The murder plot takes all of 20 minutes to clear up, and Liv’s visions are noticeably absent from Part 2.

So what is the purpose of “Brainless in Seattle, Part 2,” then, if not to catch a serial killer and listen to Liv reference Sandra Bullock movies?

As cheesy as it may sound, this two-part episode’s purpose is to help Liv reunite with her soulmate. And no, I do not mean Tim.

After the game-changing Season 3 finale put zombies and humans at odds, the integrity surrounding the relationships on this show was sure to be questioned going into Season 4.

The first two episodes of this season lack a sense of humanity as they push Liv, Peyton, Ravi, and Major off to the side to better explore New Seattle. It’s something that has directly affected the tone of this show and not in a positive way.

But this two-part installment has done the exact opposite by focusing on the brain gang and on the chemistry between them that brings iZombie to life.

It is not so much about these characters spending time on screen together as it is about how their story arcs intertwine at the end of the day. And meeting at a club to create one of the most cringeworthy dance battles television has ever seen is an effective way of doing this.

One of the most valuable uses of screentime has been Liv and Clive’s work relationship and how it has blossomed into an unconventional friendship over the years.

Sometimes, however, it feels like they are just going through the motions. Liv does some wacky stuff because of a brain, Clive rolls his eyes, Liv has a helpful vision, and someone gets charged with murder.

“Brainless in Seattle, Part 2,” jolts us out of that lull as Clive finally snaps and tells Liv she’s crossed a line with this newest brain. He explains to Liv that his love life has never been a topic of discussion no matter the brain she has digested, and he feels she might just be using the zombie thing as an excuse to pry.

It is a reality check for Liv — one iZombie is aware its protagonist needs from time to time in order to hold herself accountable for her actions.

While Clive makes a valid point that may put a strain on his relationship with Liv, it opens up potential in the future for Liv and Clive to have more grounded conversations with each other.

The strongest partnership on iZombie needs to show some growth or this show will never truly succeed going forward. This moment between them ensures that development in their relationship is happening.

Now the brain gang is not the only gang that allows for this episode to thrive.

In an unlikely turn of events, it is Blaine, Don E, and Tanner who make “Brainless in Seattle, Part 2,” one for the books. The entire scene where Blaine and Don E banter as they discuss the fact that Tanner is being underpaid considerably in front of Tanner is hilarious.

This is a trio we need to see more of in the future. They are like the villainous versions of Liv, Ravi, and Peyton. It’s great.

But Blaine does not need a group to outshine even Liv in this newest installment.

Blaine is the type of man to hold secrets for multiple seasons if he must. The most recent example of this would be the reveal that he stole Ravi’s formula for the zombie cure. However, Blaine on loose-lip brain means he spills every secret he has been keeping to anyone that will ask.

Not only is this the best karma for Blaine, it is the most comedic route this show could come up with for him. If only he could always be this honest. It is quite a refreshing look for the character.

Blaine’s inability to lie is so funny that he should win the best brain of the night.

However, that award has to go to Major, who comes out of nowhere in the episode’s last moments with a pro-wrestler impression that produces the kind of laughter that makes tears pour from your eyes.

Introducing blue brains to the menu has produced some over-the-top performances from iZombie’s walking dead. But Robert Buckley’s performance as Major talking like a WWE wrestler is so ridiculous and unexpected that it instantly makes up for every terrible thing he’s done for Fillmore Graves.

Between his looks and his acting chops, Robert Buckley knows how to win us over every time.

“Brainless in Seattle, Part 2,” is a comforting realization that any doubt created at the beginning of the season can be put to rest now.

iZombie makes a strong statement by leading Liv to the realization that her true soulmates have been with her all along. The show is solidifying the fact that Liv, Ravi, Peyton, and Major will always be an important part of any plot, no matter how many zombies are thrown into the mix.

iZombie has made it known that no amount of brains matter when there’s no heart at the center of its show, and that kind of reassurance is comforting for fans to have moving forward.

Now if only the rest of Season 4 could be as fun and adventurous as this two-part installment has been to watch!

Top Quotes From The Episode:

Clive: You don’t even know his last name, Liv. Look, you wrote Mrs. Tim’s wife.
Liv: Clive, what is even in a last name?
Clive: Accountability.

Blaine: You know, I’ve never been happy, not even as a child.

Clive [reading Liv’s post]: I want to spend the rest of life decomposing with you.
Liv: What? It’s zombie romance.

Angus [to Major]: Standing before us is the angel of chaos.

Clive [to Liv]: I know you’re used to saying pretty much whatever you want without consequence, so let me draw a very clear boundary for you right now. My relationship with Dale is none of your business, and there’s not a brain in the world you could be on that will change that. Not that it matters, because I suspect this is coming from you. So stop.

What did you think of this episode of iZombie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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iZombie airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.

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