The Dead Lands
Michael directed episodes 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8.
Created by Matthew Metcalfe and Glenn Standring,
produced by General Film Corporation (New Zealand), distributed by AMC Networks (US) and TVNZ (NZ).
It aired in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland on AMC's Shudder, and in New Zealand on TVNZ On Demand.
Filmed in New Zealand.
The Dead Lands premiered on 23 January 2020.
It stars Te Kohe Tuhaka as Waka and Darneen Christian as Mehe.
In the 8-episode first season, undead Maori warrior Waka and young tribeswoman Mehe
team up to find a way to stop the evil dead from rising in ancient times.
Trailer
Behind-the-scenes featurette.
Episode 1.5: 'Generational Warfare'
Written by Glenn Standring; premiered 13 February 2020
Mehe and Waka return to her tribe in the caves to tell them what they've discovered,
only to find the Dead have found a way into the hidden cave complex.
REVIEWS:
Horror DNA: "a solid transitional episode that makes sure you know that the homestretch is coming and that both Waka and Mehe are realizing who and what they truly are. I'm really starting to get excited for (hopefully) an orgy of nastiness and bloodshed just around the corner".
But Why Tho?: "'Generational Warfare' does an amazing job of immersing the audience even deeper into the world of The Dead Lands. ...A must-watch series. It's fantastical, dark, and packed to the brim with action". |
Episode 1.6, 'A Question of Identity'
Written by Glenn Standring; premiered 20 February 2020
Mehe and Waka search for Te Kaipo, a powerful Shaman responsible for breaking the world.
REVIEWS:
Horror DNA: "It's a great joy when you can feel a show picking up speed as it barrels towards the inevitable denouement ... the strongest episode to date ... The antepenultimate installment of The Dead Lands leaves you in a place that's both tense and satisfying".
But Why Tho?: "the best episode of The Dead Lands yet, and in a series that keeps topping itself, I can't wait for episode seven. This episode has emotional storytelling, growth, and the Dead with a side of a lot of blood. What's not to love about The Dead Lands?" |
Episode 1.7, 'Broken Promises'
Written by Glenn Standring; premiered 27 February 2020
Waka helps the Shaman by entering a battle with three dead warriors as Mehe delves deeper into the occult secrets.
REVIEWS:
Horror DNA: "If I have a complaint after this episode, it's that I have to wait even a day for the finale of Season One ... It's not the easiest thing to balance the action and the human drama without one overshadowing the other ... but here it's sublime and a joy to feel and absorb ... delivers on every front and leaves you setup for what should be one hell of a finish. It's easily the most complete episode of the season - pacing, action, character arc, surprises, and visuals".
But Why Tho?: "In Greek epic fashion, Waka confronts a number of obstacles ... In these scenes, the fighting is both interesting and brutal ... Additionally, there is a humorous balance ... If I were to compare The Dead Lands to an existing series, it would be the History Channel's Vikings. A story of family, history, and steeped in mythology, this series packs the same punches while pushing further into mythology by bringing magic into the world". |
Episode 1.8, 'The Sacrifice of Innocence'
Written by Glenn Standring; premiered 5 March 2020
The hubris of The Great Shaman Te Kaipo's occult experiments become apparent.
REVIEWS:
Horror DNA: "The ending is a legit rollercoaster that promises far more story to come. There had better be a second season, because this bad boy is just getting started ... The Dead Lands is at the forefront of where television is headed in the 21st century and should be applauded for bringing us perspectives that we've never seen before ... can stand shoulder to shoulder with historical heavyweights like Vikings. The attention to detail, authenticity, and dedication to craft is something you don't see every day. ... entertaining across genre lines while being as hardcore as horror can be and still showing massive respect to Maori culture and traditions. Frankly, it's breathtaking".
But Why Tho?: "the largest scale action sequence in the series. ... a visually striking moment ... a story that kept me invested from minute one of the first episode to the last minute of episode eight. ... just amazing storytelling overall. This series is fantasy at its best, it's horror, it's action, it's simply everything a genre fan could want". |