Review: Primal “Vengeance of Death”

Overview:

Adult Swim’s Primal has returned to life, in more ways than one, for a third season, starting with “Vengeance of Death.”

Our Take:

Genndy Tartakovsky’s series returns in a war-torn village with a shaman with a desire for revenge. After slaying a skull-faced adversary, it becomes clear this isn’t just self-defense. He is brewing up something powerful and it’s gonna need something a little stronger than some eye of newt. The shaman ventures to a cave, coming upon a mummified corpse. With the powers of the beyond, he reanimates Spear, who lost his life last season. The shaman is out for revenge, but when he fails to protect himself during an attack, the new zombie is free from his control.

This leads to a menacing moment. Without the shaman’s magic, the question of just what is left of Spear comes to light. He could be anything, from a corpse to a mindless beast. However, flashes soon show that Spear’s personality remains, and is now free, but is still buried deep within.

The story isn’t really for the faint of heart, as is expected in a story where the main character becomes a living corpse. Normally, characters go down when they lose the top of their scalp. Spear, however, keeps a literal open mind throughout the episode.

However, the morning is kinder than the night, and viewers still see beauty in this world. Viewers are treated to glimpses of zebras and gazelles, contrasting the horror that Spear has become. Soon, he will also learn that he is not alone in the world.

Of course, when there are new friends around the corner, there’s going to be new enemies sooner, too, or later. Fortunately, Spear will learn that becoming a revenant can come in handy, as it’s hard to kill what’s already dead. And Spear was tough before.

The story ends with Spear walking out into the night, driven only by faint hazes of memories that come and go as they please. This mystery will likely keep viewers invested as Primal‘s third season goes on.

Overall, Primal‘s art is striking and beautiful when it needs to be, yet the series still knows when to play up the horror. Things range from something as simple as Spear’s glassy-eyed stares to massive fights ending with spilled blood. Genndy Tartakovsky’s famous art style can create a bit of a contrast at times, but it’s worth it overall. Considering this is just the start, fans will likely anticipate what’s going to happen next.