Clive Babineaux, the pragmatic Seattle detective in the CW’s iZombie, discovers the existence of zombies in Season 1, Episode 13, “Blaine’s World”. This pivotal episode marks a significant turning point in the series, shifting Clive from a skeptical investigator to an integral part of Liv Moore’s world of the undead.
The Turning Point: “Blaine’s World”
Clive spends the first season largely unaware of Liv’s true nature, attributing her crime-solving abilities to her being a psychic. This carefully constructed illusion begins to unravel in “Blaine’s World.” While Liv had already used her zombie abilities to solve cases, “Blaine’s World” is when Clive finally confronts the reality of the undead. The discovery isn’t a gradual process, but rather a dramatic, forced revelation orchestrated by Blaine himself. Blaine, a fellow zombie and the show’s antagonist, essentially pulls back the curtain, forcing Clive to accept the supernatural reality hidden beneath the surface of Seattle.
The episode sees Clive investigating the increasingly suspicious activities of Blaine, who is running a black market brain operation. As Clive gets closer to the truth, Blaine decides to expose Liv’s secret to him, along with the existence of other zombies, to manipulate the situation to his advantage. This revelation shatters Clive’s worldview and forces him to confront the implications of a world he previously believed only existed in fiction.
Clive’s Reaction and Its Impact
Clive’s initial reaction to learning about zombies is one of disbelief and shock. He struggles to reconcile the supernatural with his rational understanding of the world. This initial skepticism quickly gives way to acceptance, driven by the undeniable evidence presented to him and his deep-seated sense of justice. He witnesses firsthand the effects of zombie-ism and the lengths to which Blaine will go to maintain his power.
This revelation dramatically alters Clive’s relationship with Liv. He now knows the source of her strange behaviors and her uncanny ability to solve crimes. He shifts from being a partner who humors her “psychic” abilities to an ally who understands and trusts her unique perspective. This understanding becomes crucial to their future investigations, allowing them to leverage Liv’s zombie powers while concealing the truth from the rest of the police department. The partnership becomes stronger, built on a foundation of shared secrets and mutual respect, but also burdened by the responsibility of protecting the city from the zombie threat.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Clive and the Undead
Here are some frequently asked questions about Clive Babineaux’s involvement with the zombie world:
H3: When does Clive start actively helping Liv with zombie-related cases?
After his initial shock in “Blaine’s World,” Clive starts actively helping Liv in the very next episode, Season 1, Episode 14, “Leave It to Beaver”. He understands the importance of containing the zombie outbreak and uses his position as a detective to assist Liv in identifying and dealing with zombie-related crimes.
H3: How does Clive keep the secret of Liv being a zombie?
Clive keeps Liv’s secret by maintaining a close and trusted working relationship with her. He fabricates plausible explanations for her unusual behavior and cleverly steers investigations away from the supernatural. His dedication to protecting her, combined with his skills as a detective, allows him to effectively conceal the truth from his colleagues and superiors. He often uses red herrings and misleading information to divert attention.
H3: Does anyone else in the Seattle Police Department ever find out about zombies?
Yes, eventually. While Clive and Liv work diligently to maintain secrecy, the truth gradually unravels. In later seasons, other characters, including Dale Bozzio, Clive’s girlfriend, discover the existence of zombies. The full extent of the knowledge varies, but the circle of awareness expands as the series progresses.
H3: What are the challenges Clive faces knowing Liv’s secret?
Clive faces numerous challenges, including the constant pressure of maintaining secrecy, the ethical dilemmas of covering up crimes committed by zombies, and the emotional toll of witnessing the struggles faced by Liv and other members of the undead community. He also has to deal with the inherent risks of working so closely with someone who has such a powerful secret.
H3: How does Clive’s relationship with Dale Bozzio change after she finds out about zombies?
Dale’s discovery of zombies significantly impacts her relationship with Clive. While their initial reaction involves conflict and mistrust, Dale eventually comes to terms with the truth and becomes an ally in their fight against the zombie threat. This knowledge forces them to confront the realities of their world and strengthens their bond, albeit in a complex and unconventional way.
H3: Does Clive ever become a zombie himself?
No, Clive never becomes a zombie. He remains a human throughout the entire series, providing a grounded perspective and serving as a moral compass within the increasingly complex and often morally ambiguous world of zombies. His humanity is a key part of his character and his role in the story.
H3: How does Clive contribute to the overall fight against Blaine and the other antagonists?
Clive’s police skills and his understanding of the law are crucial in combating Blaine and other antagonists. He provides a legal and strategic framework for their actions, gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and coordinating efforts to bring criminals to justice. He serves as the group’s anchor to the real world, providing a sense of order and stability amidst the chaos of the zombie apocalypse.
H3: What motivates Clive to help Liv despite the risks?
Clive’s unwavering commitment to justice and his strong moral compass drive him to help Liv. He recognizes the good she does with her zombie abilities and believes in her desire to protect innocent people. He also develops a deep friendship with Liv and genuinely cares for her well-being, motivating him to risk his career and safety to support her.
H3: How does Clive’s police work change once he knows about zombies?
Clive’s police work undergoes a significant transformation. He begins to analyze cases from a new perspective, considering the possibility of supernatural involvement. He learns to look for telltale signs of zombie activity and adjusts his investigative techniques accordingly. He also becomes more selective about the cases he takes on, prioritizing those that pose a threat to the community or involve other members of the undead.
H3: What impact does the zombie world have on Clive’s personal life beyond his relationship with Dale?
The zombie world permeates every aspect of Clive’s life. He struggles to maintain a normal existence while simultaneously dealing with the constant threat of exposure and the moral complexities of protecting Liv and his city. This secrecy and the constant stress take a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, forcing him to make difficult choices and sacrifices.
H3: Is Clive skeptical about Liv’s visions even after he knows she’s a zombie?
While Clive initially relies heavily on Liv’s visions, he remains somewhat skeptical throughout the series. He understands that her visions are influenced by the brains she eats and may not always be accurate or reliable. He learns to critically evaluate her insights, using his own detective skills to corroborate her information and avoid potential pitfalls.
H3: What is the ultimate resolution of Clive’s involvement with the zombie world at the end of the series?
At the end of the series, Clive remains committed to protecting the human-zombie alliance. He continues to work as a detective, navigating the challenges of a world where zombies are a known and accepted part of society. His experiences have profoundly shaped him, making him a more compassionate, understanding, and resilient individual. He ultimately finds peace and fulfillment in his role as a protector and advocate for both humans and zombies. He has become a vital bridge between two worlds.