“Dead Like Me” was a cool hipster program from the early aughts. The Showtime original series consist of twenty-nine episodes over two seasons. Airing from 2003-2004, it’s one of the pioneering shows from the cable network original content era.
The brainchild of Bryan Fuller, “Dead Like Me” is a dark comedy. The writing and acting is stellar. And the concept itself is quite creative. The series touches on deeply dramatic issues and topics, with smart humor layered throughout via fun flashbacks and quick cut scenes.
Seattle makes for a Gloomy setting
Set in Seattle, the series follows a group of Grim Reapers as they live and work among us. The reapers are conspicuous; able to interact with the living and required to work menial jobs to pay for food and shelter. Though undead, they are regular folk who are tasked with removing souls and taking lives. Sounds like a regular day at the office.
Ellen Muth stars as Georgia “George” Lass; a typical eighteen-year-old who dies comically in the opening scenes of the series. George serves as narrator and the gist of the stories are presented from her point of view. Ellen Muth was seemingly born to play the part. She conveys every emotion possible, from sullen to sad with a simple twitch of the eyes. Her constant scowl conjures the spirit of Generation X in a thoroughly organic way. Muth is a true beauty and an unheralded actress.
Mandy Patinkin of “The Princess Bride” fame co-stars as Rube. Rube is the leader of the reapers, and serves as a father figure/mentor to George. Patinkin is perfect as a no nonsense, business as usual boss. “Angels don’t like getting their hands dirty” he explains to George while passing out an assignment on a bright yellow post it note.
Ellen Muth leads the cast
Callum Blue, Jasmine Guy, Rebecca Gayheart, and Laura Harris complete the reapers. All are given their own character traits and quirks. All are funny and effective at playing off George and Rube, as well going solo. Recognizable character actors Cynthia Stevenson and Greg Kean play George’s parents, with Britt McKillip portraying George’s little sister.
“Dead Like Me” touches on serious subject matter. There’s the obvious life theme of life and death. It evolves deeper into George’s often strained relations with her mother, and the family’s grief in the wake of her passing. There’s also the unfairness of life and death itself. One emotional scene at the end of the first episode will have you in tears.
A movie was released in 2009, I will check it out at some point. In this age of reboots, “Dead Like Me” would be an interesting option. As it stands, it came and went in succinct fashion and remains one of the more interesting shows you will ever watch.
“Dead Like Me” is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.
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