iZombie Recap: “Reflections of the Way Liv Used to Be”

This week’s iZombie was poised to set up quite a few cliffhangers, what with next week being the season finale. And not only does it do that, but this episode actually has a moment where there is a character literally hanging off a cliff (or at least a fake cliff) while spewing one-liners.

But on all seriousness, is that on-the-nose moment enough to make “Reflections of the Way Liv Used to Be” more BRAINSSSY than NOT-SO BRAINSSSY? Let’s dive in. (You’ll appreciate this pool-themed pun more in a moment, I promise!)

BRAINSSSY:

• Let’s kick it off by talking about literal brains. How great is it to see Liv get back to her old ways after eating overachiever brain? It’s a reminder that she was pretty awesome and strong-willed before she went Z, but also a reminder of how far she’s come as a character in just two seasons.

• HELLS YEAH to the cold open where Liv basically kicks a mega dude’s ass (or, as Ravi says, “[goes] Jack Bauer on him”)! Let’s see more of this, please. As in, let’s see Rose McIver (or her stunt double) do more outrageous stunts.

• Is it just me, or does Major The Chaos Kidnapper look kinda cool with one grey streak? Like a male Rogue?! Kinda mad he dyed his hair back, but it may very well come back soon (!) in jail (!!!!!). (Seriously, though, there are pics of him outside of jail on The CW site right now, so …)

• Okay, is there anything creepier than a dead body in a pool? I get automatic Are You Afraid of the Dark? flashbacks every time I see a chlorinated corpse and this episode, with its clammy co-ed cadaver, is no exception.

• Could someone get me some “Everything is Awesome!” brain? Will pay in Lego.

• “Well if it isn’t Blaine John Deaux DeBeers McDonough Jingleheimer Schmidt.” Not the best Dale line IMHO, but I like to see her trying out the funnies!

• SCREAMING for Gilda/Rita in Full Z mode! Icy locks and looks look good on you, girl!

• Also screaming for more Peyton! Even if it’s just for a few short, but glorious moments.

• Final, serious scream for Enrico Colantoni’s return as Detective Lou Benedetto. I’m so happy Rob Thomas is giving him a chance to play off the paternal crime fighter role he nailed on that other Rob Thomas show, but in a new, darker way. Also, love his professional tension with Malcolm Goodwin (a.k.a. Clive)!

• Real talk: Does anyone else get Hamilton feels when Ravi says “scrappy”? (#Ham4Rav, amiright?) Never mind the feels you get when he does a Godfather impression.

• “Life’s a bitch. THIS is the slap!” I MEAN!

• I can’t even begin with Vaughn’s Rob Thomas (the OTHER Rob Thomas!) jokes. I mean, I knew they were coming, but there were so smoooooooooth. (Not sorry.) Can’t wait to see Rob’s actual cameo in next week’s two-part finale, even just for the meta-ness of it all.

• On a final(e) note, can you believe next week is the season ender? What do you want to happen before the end of Season 2?

NOT-SO BRAINSSSY:

• Having Enrico Colantoni and Rose McIver in a scene together is kinda cruel in that it definitely makes you (or just me?) think about a Veronica Mars spinoff with Liv being a surrogate daughter for Keith Mars while Veronica’s off solving a whole new wave of crimes. I would call their show S’Moores. (Get it, Marshmallows?!)

• “The only thing I murdered is ass.” Generally, I hate harsh bro types on TV because, well, the obvious. But the ones in this episode? Nearly impossible to tolerate.

• Minor returns! But only in photograph. : (

• Advanced dislike for the fact that someone is getting killed off next week. At least according to Robert Buckley.

iZombie airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Canadians can catch it on Shomi.

(images via The CW)

Emily Gagne (@emilygagne) is one of the founding members of Cinefilles, a site for wannabe female film and TV critics, as well as an admitted heroine (note the extra e!) addict. She may not have super strength, or be able to make a stake on command, but she can slay you with her rhetorical devices, endless knowledge of Final Girls, and passion for geek girl scoop.

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