It was much so simpler when theyd just kill you.
Once upon a time, viruses in TV dramas were straightforward slaughterers.
Nowadays, TVs infected arent given anything like such an easy time of it.
The modern TV virus doesnt just turn you from alive to dead, but from human to monster.
Genres mutate to stay fresh, and the modern virus thriller has mutated into something monstrous.
So why isnt the threat of a lethal pandemic enough to keep audiences thrilled these days?
One explanation lies in globalisation.
Turn the infected into monsters asThe Walking Deadhas, and its goodbye ethical dilemma, hello shooting range.
A virus, like an alien, is a universal foe against which humans can unite.
(MakingThe Andromeda Strains space-origin disease the ultimate neutral baddy).
The trend is so hot that even non-virus properties are getting in on the act.
We call these shows dystopias, but doesnt that sound the slightest bit utopian?
scenarios, and does it quickly.
There are few better catalysts for dramatic change, or ways to rehearse different societies, than an epidemic.
Virus shows are also huge fun, from the comfort of your living room at least.
Much of TVs current thirst for zombies can be ascribed toThe Walking Deads enormous success.
Time will tell what the next mutation will bring.
