[Review] The Dead Lands episode 7 serves RPG realness

Shudder has released the latest installment of its Maori fantasy horror series The Dead Lands, which answers questions and sets up next week’s finale.

For the most part, the series has thrived by focusing on the strained friendship between Waka and Mehe as they struggle to put the world back together, but they go on very separate journeys here. Waka is sent to retrieve three young shamans who can help his father, Te Kaipo, fix the bridge to the afterlife, which he broke in the first place, while Mehe remains at the tribe and deals with Te Kaipo’s mind fucks.

And yes, I finally found some of the character’s names written down, so now I get to refer to Te Kaipo correctly and point out that actor Nathaniel Lees (Mifune from the Matrix sequels) turns in a fantastic performance that’s layered so he comes off as dangerous while still drawing you in. He’s a great presence in these final few episodes. Really though, we’re seven episodes in and I’ve found all the actors believable.

That makes Darneen Christian’s portrayal of Mehe even more remarkable. This is her first film or television role and she holds her own throughout the series working with several seasoned performers. This should put her on every casting agent’s radar.

So while Mehe uncovers Te Kaipo’s motivations, Waka goes on a side quest that would make any RPG proud. I’m a huge Dragon Age fan, and I love RPGs in general, and it struck me that the storyline is one of the truest live action interpretations of a video game side quest I could imagine.

Our hero, Waka, is assisted by a humorous coward to venture into unknown territory to save three shamans. The shamans are separated and each guarded by a different undead warrior with a unique theme, each one deadlier than the last. The action even slows after a battle for Waka to get a healing potion.

I might sound like I’m making fun of it, but I found it really fun. And now I desperately want BioWare to make a Dead Lands RPG. That would eat up so much of my time in the best way. I’ve praised the show for it’s realistic film work with the fight scenes, but this gives us slow-motion blood on a gorgeous New Zealand beach and the selective use of the over-the-top action works for me.

With the finale looming, I was sure this episode would start resolving the story, but nope. Te Kaipo’s machinations are only gearing up, and they haven’t even begun to deal with the god of death. I imagine that’ll take some work. If anything, “Broken Promises” creates even more wrinkles with the opening scene revealing Waka has a missing, young half-brother he doesn’t even know exists. There’s a lot to do in the finale, and I’m cautiously optimistic that they can pull it off without feeling rushed.

I’ll let you know if they succeed next week!