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SOUNDTRACK

After the series opens with a quick scene, on the beach and in the past, it then goes into a montage scene of events, occurring that dreadful first day, of the "zombie" apocalypse.

Leading you away from the past, and into that montage scene, is the classic, Bad Moon Rising...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YlTUDnsWMo


At the end of Episode 3, of the first season, is a twisted scene, in an episode that introduces a villain, to the story.

Eminem ft Rihanna - Love the way you lie, seemed like a perfect ending, in a scene that reveals just how diabolical, this new character can be...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiUNTdFX8G8


The first season ends in the 6th episode, with a moment, and a song, that will bring the tears...

X Ambassadors - Unsteady

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjryf8zH_M


A bonus scene, will follow the credits, to the season one finale, and no better apocalyptic song than Radioactive - Imagine Dragons...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_WxYC34eM


The second season opens with the immediate aftermath, of the devastating season finale, and my personal favorite, Amy Lee of Evanescence - New Way To Bleed, leads the way...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UezeSk0mIi0


Season 2, Episode 3, finds characters kayaking themselves to safety, through forest fires, weather, floating "zombies" and of course, the danger of other people!

You could say they're "riding the storm"...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-SpyO6bcwc


The 4th episode of season 2, finds them using UPS as shelter, and a gassed up and ready to go, delivery truck, for transport. So of course. M.I.A. - Paper Planes, is perfect for a scene...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DISaAnMUkto


Later that same episode, after having kayaked off the mountain, and scored the delivery truck, they were kayaking for, they feel very much on the verge of completing their long journey, and making it to the safety of the highly anticipated, compound. So only one song, comes to mind...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1_OfmrPAfo


In the mid season finale, episode 2.5, another heart breaker is played, as the revelations of the tragedies, of season 1, are discovered by the family, and characters we've only read about, in flashback scenes. Until they catch up with us, in time, and with tons of emotion...

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4


Season 2, second half is about the aftermath, of the mid season finale, and in episode 2.9, the family finds itself, ending a week of grieving, with a mission that gives them an excuse to drink, celebrate, and ease some of their recent pain, and it just so happens, that playing extremely loud music, is a part of their mission, as much as it is a reason to party!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ztENhDCmu8


Later in episode 2.9, the family is again in need of playing loud music, to fulfill their mission, and before it begins, a special announcement is made, that gives them even more hope, and reason to celebrate!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-WYxwg94L4


In the Season 2 finale (episode 10), Zane finds himself away from his family, and suddenly motivated, to do whatever it takes, while leading a different group, into battle, with his masterminded creativity, as an advantage...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66U_DuMCS8


Also in the finale, Leo finds himself a complete mess, and in need of leaving the compound, for another mysterious camp...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwb7JemfU2I


Season 2 ends with the same song the mid season finale ended with, except with a more positive beat, and different voices, as the dark cloud of the mid season finale, is lifted, and hope is restored, to the Baker family...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ


Season 3 begins with a snowy compound that is decorated for Christmas, and with glimpses of this scene during the beginning of the first 3 episodes of the 3rd season, the end of the 4th episode, and again at the beginning AND end of the mid-season finale, the same song, but different versions of it, are used each time as these scenes become suspenseful and in the end reveal something significant...

EP 3.1... Carol of the Bells - Trans-Siberian Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCabI3MdV9g&t=110s

EP 3.2... Carol of the Bells- Instrumental music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1i3mCutTqo

EP 3.3... Carol of the Bells - Lindsey Stirling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKkzbbLYPuI

EP 3.4... Carol of the Bells - EPIC CINEMATIC PIANO INSTRUMENTAL by Tommee Profitt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj4Fz_Qe_O0

EP 3.5... (at beginning) Carol of the Bells - Epic Music Version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GLEJEYDdfg

(at end) Carol of the Bells (Original) Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7nSKqfBk6k


The song "Christmas in Heaven" is sung by characters, in Episode 3.3


Season 3, second half picks up with the cliffhanger closure to the first half, and after an episode of fighting, and death, which comes to an end while the sun is rising on Christmas morning... 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg


EP 3.7 begins with the aftermath of "Red Christmas", and the guilt of Zane, whose actions helped lead to the tragic night before...

Rag'n'Bone Man - Human Lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpimiNvcRC4


Season 3 ends on the same holiday it began, Christmas, and it was not the Christmas they had expected...

SAD PIANO & VIOLIN - BEAUTIFUL - ♫♥ "A Winters Wish"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OVxTjfLAFw&t=37s

 

A main character from the spin-off, Above the Dead: The Last Class, she was a high school teacher who loved teaching history, English, and music. When the collapse begins during class, she unexpectedly becomes a leader and protector of a group of surviving teens—including her own daughter and son. Her fascination with history, survival techniques, horror movies, and true crime suddenly becomes more useful than ever imagined. Now, she passes her knowledge on through what the group jokingly calls “How to Survive the Apocalypse 101.” 

illustration by Jared Souza​​​​

http://jaredsouzaart.blogspot.com/

Ms. Bennet’s daughter, who takes after her mother in more ways than one, shares her passion for teaching and hopes to follow in her mom’s footsteps someday, teaching the same subjects and survival lessons that shaped her. With a natural sense of leadership and a strong desire to help others, Avery has become one of the group’s most invaluable members...

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Avery’s younger brother and Ms. Bennet’s son, Xander is creative, energetic, and naturally funny, much like his mom and sister. His impulsive sense of humor often got him into trouble at school, but the traits he once struggled with—including his ADHD—become unexpected strengths in the apocalypse. His restless energy, quick thinking, creativity, and intuition often help him and the people around him adapt to whatever challenges come their way...

Avery’s best friend and one of the group’s wonderfully weird personalities, her quirky way of thinking often leads to surprisingly smart and creative ideas, while her tough side comes out whenever the situation calls for it. Funny, thoughtful, and always capable of having a deep conversation, Danielle and Avery have remained close as they balance each other out perfectly...

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Avery and Danielle’s longtime best friend, Tyrone is a strong, well-built guy who can be intimidating at first glance. Beneath the muscles, though, is a genuinely kind and affectionate person who isn’t afraid to show his softer side. He’s proof that being both tough and tender aren’t mutually exclusive...

A sarcastic, sharp-witted member of the group with a dark sense of humor and little patience for bullshit, her tough personality comes from growing up with autism and bullied for being shy, different, and naive.

Now, she isn’t afraid to call people out, stand up for herself and others, or question someone’s intentions. Her distrust can make her guarded, but beneath the sarcasm is someone who cares deeply for those who are becoming like family to her...

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Heidi’s younger sister, who was only 4 years old when the apocalypse began. On the second day, she was found and rescued by Heidi and the others, eventually growing up at the farm. With most of her formative years spent in this new world, Casey adapts surprisingly well to her simpler way of life. Unlike the older survivors, she remembers very little about the world before the apocalypse, making the farm—and the people who raised her—feel like the only home she’s ever truly known...

A laid-back outdoorsman with a love for camping, Forrest has an impressive knowledge of wilderness survival and often bonds with Ms. Bennet over their shared appreciation for nature. Back in high school, he was the cool senior who constantly hyped her up to the younger students. Years later, he’s still one of her biggest supporters through the apocalypse...

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Xander’s close friend and a passionate performer with talents in acting, singing, rapping, and dancing, Will initially struggles with the fear that his skills have no place in an apocalyptic world. Over time, however, he discovers that creativity, confidence, and the ability to entertain and uplift others can be just as valuable as any survival skill...

Will’s older twin cousins, who have always shared a close bond with him and helped inspire his love of dancing, are both talented dancers with big, vibrant personalities and a strong spiritual side. Throughout the apocalypse, they often use their faith and optimism to comfort and encourage the people around them...

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A former cheerleader who excels at motivating others, she keeps her cheerleader spirit alive even after the apocalypse, offering help with modesty, wit, and unwavering enthusiasm. 

Once their story crosses over into Above the Dead, she will play a significant role in getting her people (those who have survived) to the compound that they have heard so much about...

A shy, nervous exchange student from Spain, Ella was already far from home when the apocalypse began. Struggling with limited English, she relies on Tori’s Spanish fluency and English lessons to communicate with others. Despite her fears, she’s determined to grow braver and more confident in this unfamiliar world...

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Tori’s close friend, Amber shares her bubbly, positive energy but with a sharper wit. Having studied nursing in early college, she feels a strong responsibility to become the best nurse she can be, and care for her group in a world turned upside down, and a world in need of medical knowledge... 

A shy, nerdy intellectual who knows when to stand his ground. Having once dreamed of becoming a doctor, he learns nursing skills from Amber, hoping to put his knowledge to good use in the post-apocalyptic world...

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Dennis and Shyona don't allow the apocalypse to prevent them from marriage,  or raising their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, while expecting their second child. Dennis, Ian’s childhood best friend, is a friendly, nerdy, and somewhat scrawny guy with an inner toughness, which is forced to show itself when all hell breaks out. Once aspiring to be a detective, his fascination with mysteries makes him the farm group’s go-to investigator. Shyona is a shy, caring nerd who dreams of working with animals as a vet.

Together, they navigate the challenges of parenthood in a post-apocalyptic world.

These tough but well-raised siblings grew up practicing marksmanship, karate, and other sports. Finn, the older brother, is best friends with Jamal, bonding over their shared love of sports and martial arts. Drew is much like her brother in toughness and athleticism, but occasionally embraces her softer, more feminine side...

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Born blind, Mia is courageous and determined not to it make her feel like a burden, even in a post-apocalyptic world. She has always found peace in the sound of ocean waves, inspiring her to name her loyal guide dog and best friend, Ocean...

Struggling to find reasons to keep going in the early days of the apocalypse, she embarks on a slow journey through grief and healing, searching for signs of her alternate ending. Introverted and afraid of judgment, Kennedy has always kept her thoughts and feelings behind emotional armor. But in a world where survival depends on cooperation, she must learn to speak up, share her ideas, and let others see the person beneath her defenses...

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Shyona’s grandparents, this elderly couple uses their years of experience to support the teens at the farm. Rock, a retired gym teacher with a goofy personality and youthful energy, keeps everyone active with exercises. Hazel, a former social worker, offers guidance and emotional support, helping the teens work through their personal struggles...

Rock and Hazel’s granddaughter and Shyona’s younger sister, Faye is sassy, outspoken, and never afraid to speak her mind. She becomes Kennedy’s right-hand cook, helping prepare meals for the group...

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Rock and Hazel’s grandson and Shyona and Faye’s little brother, Kegan dreams of becoming a tough, fearless hero in the apocalypse. What begins as a wannabe badass attitude to cope with a frightening new world, gradually grows into genuine courage and strength as he matures...

Amber’s younger sister, who was in middle school when the world changed, is caring, confident, armed with her own goofy wit, and naturally connects with others. These qualities will serve her well as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher for the community’s younger children...

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Amber’s younger brother, who was in fourth grade when the apocalypse began, is a scrawny kid determined to grow stronger, while dreaming of joining the army alongside his friends someday, hoping to become someone capable of protecting his community...

Above the Dead 

Amber’s youngest sister, a first grader when the apocalypse began, is smart and charismatic like her big sister. She loves solving mysteries and using her sharp mind to uncover clues. As she grows older, she hopes to become a detective or police officer for the compound community...

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With a nickname that everyone adores, Babyface provides multiple reasons to be liked by all he comes across, and although a newer character to Above the Dead in Season 5, it's him who first comes across the Bennet farm group, while crossing over into Above the Dead: The Last Class, and with very convenient timing! He can't save them all, but plays an instrumental role in getting a handful of them to the compound...

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Synopsis

 

 

Above the Dead is a Walking Dead spin-off. Different characters but same universe, world, and problem...

An absolute emotional mess, and a total suspense/thriller...

 

FYI...the term "zombies" is used in the beginning, for explanatory reasons, but not by the characters, as the term does not exist in their world/universe. Eventually, those characters will create their own term, known as "huffs". Care to know what it stands for? Read and find out!      abovethedead.com

 

Season 1 is brutal! But the character development it creates, is something that will carry into the seasons to come, in which this family has the resources to do something that most people cannot. They work to rebuild large sections of Oregon, and eventually Washington, even creating “dead-free” zones along stretches of the coastline…

 

With both wealth and wisdom working toward their survival in the upcoming apocalyptic world, this family is fortunate to have a head start. Preparing most of his life for such an apocalypse, Sam Baker raised his family to prepare, as well, while still raising them with a ton of heart, and emotion. With their support, he has a compound constructed, and adding on to it over the years, was a family tradition…

 

Once the dead begin attacking the living, the family finds themselves desperate to gather at said compound. With chaos taking over, most of the family is already secure, but where this story finds us, is with Sam's son, Fish, and granddaughter, Samantha. They are stuck in the mountains, trying to wait out the storm, before making their way home, to the compound…

 

It's not where they want to be, but with this fairly secluded property, next to a lake and a huge 3-tree, tree house, that has running water and an outhouse, things could be worse. Fish and his little girl, find the tree house much safer than the cabin, and for at least the beginning of this "zombie" apocalypse, they find themselves dependent on it…

 

Surviving, above the dead, is something young Samantha begins to believe may become the way of the future. As creative as her grandfather, she begins envisioning how such a thing would be plausible. She dreams of reaching her family to share these visions, and she does so while leaving the mountain, through the gorge, kayaking the Columbia River, past Multnomah Falls, and into the coast range...

 

What will they find, once reaching the family they haven't seen, since before the world and its rules went to hell? Will they be the same people we get to know through flashbacks, before meeting them in the present world? Will Samantha see her visions come to life? The compound certainly has the resources and manpower for it…

By the third season, with a group surviving at the barricaded Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, another group behind the walls built by a team of loggers, and one more in the hills of the coast, the Bakers will have themselves some neighbors, as they all coexist in what becomes known as, Forest Grover…

 

The material is endless, so sit back and prepare for a hell of a ride, with a family that takes its greatness from the past world, into the new one…

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