iZombie returned with a second episode tonight that gave us a lot more insight . I know I recapped the pilot last week before I got to the review, but I’m going to try out just reviewing the episode this week. Not that I don’t love writing the recaps, but I want to make sure people actually read them if I’m writing them. So if you’re reading this let me know what you want to read! Just a review? Or a lengthy recap with my commentary and a review.That being said, let’s get to the review! iZomvbie is two for two you guys! I thought that this episode was a slight improvement over the pilot, if only because the murder of the week was put on the backburner in favor of learning more about Blaine (David Anders) and his role in Liv’s life. I complained a little bit last week about how I was a little disappointed that the show seemed to be more procedural than serial, and this episode helped to put me at ease with that. We still had a case of the week (Scrub’s Judy Reyes walks in on her husband Javier’s corpse in their living room), but it was a bit more interesting than last week’s escort murder mystery.

If anything, the best thing to come out of this was Liv taking on Javier’s flirtatious ways after eating his brain. Watching Liv flirt with one of Javier’s lovers was hilarious to watch, and it also led her to run back to Major Lilywhite (I still can’t get over that name), who wisely gave her a piece of his mind and kicked her out of his house (though there was still no mention of the woman he had in his apartment last week).

We also got some good banter between Liv and Babinaux, who was dead set on Reyes’ Lola being the murderer (since it’s “always the spouse,” especially when they are in an open relationship). What was actually surprising was that Lola actually was the murderer. I kind of loved this twist, because it showed that Babinaux is actually smart and that Liv isn’t always right. I also love that Babinaux isn’t a typical annoying cop character. He’s useful to the plot and serves as a good foil for Liv. He’s got to figure out Liv’s secret sooner rather than later, though. I don’t buy him being dumb enough to believe her “I’m a psychic” schtick for much longer.

Blaine was introduced this week as well. In case you forgot, he’s the zombie who turned Liv. This was a surprise to me, because I really didn’t think iZombie would moving along so quickly, but I’m very grateful for it. First, Ravi (who is easily becoming my favorite character on the show) brings in a sketch artist so Liv can describe Blaine from her vision last week. By the way, I was wrong last week. It wasn’t Liv Blaine was killing in the alley. It was a random guy. Sorry about that! Anyway, Liv giving Blaine’s description to the sketch artist was some pretty hilarious stuff. You can tell that the writer’s room had a lot of fun coming up with the dialogue for that scene.

I’m glad Blaine revealed himself (though I’m still not quite sure how he found out Liv was looking for him, but whatever) and that Liv didn’t automatically buy into his “good guy” act. I feel like on another show, Blaine would be playing Liv for most of the season, but not on iZombie. Oh no, Liv is smart and she is onto Blaine. This turns out to be a good thing, since Blaine is actually going around the city building a zombie army (I think?). We also see him go into “Rage Mode” in a car with two drug dealers. Not much more was learned with that plot, but it’s intriguing nonetheless. Though if you read my Bates Motel reviews, you know how I feel about unnecessary drug trade storylines.

Overally I’d say this episode is a slight improvement over the first. It’s a funny, self-aware show and shows that Rob Thomas is 3 for 3 with the shows he has created (Veronica Mars, Party Down and now iZombie). Here’s hoping that the low ratings don’t lead to an early cancellation! It scored a 0.8 in the 18-49 demographic last week, which would spell certain death for a show on any other network, but that’s actually alright for a CW show.

Random Notes

• I love the matter-of-factness in Liv’s voice during the episode intro as she’s explaining her situation.
• “Wow you’re really a ‘flip-to-the-last-page-of-the-book’ type of guy.” Liv to Babinaux.
• “I’m just a fake psychic zombie trying to do her part.” You have to appreciate how the show pokes fun at itself.
• The comic book page transitions were really cool, but the best part was the chapter titles. My favorite: “Die, fidelity.”
• “I thought you said it was soft and gradual like a ‘sand hill.'” Liv’s description of Blaine to the sketch artist was hilarious. But this line of the artist’s (about Blaine’s nose) killed me.
• “Full-On Zombie Mode” or “Raging Out?” I’m going with Full-On Zombie Mode.
• “I saw a kid eating a peanut butter cup last week and I almost cried. I miss food so much.” McIver’s delivery of that was just really funny to me.
• I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I love the traits Live takes on from the brains she eats. I’m hoping she eats the brains of some crazier characters in future episodes. But does she permanently take on the traits? Or is it a temporary thing?