Y: The Last Man – NYCC

Y: The Last Man was one of the more interesting shows to premiere this year. Based on the Vertigo comic series of the same that was written by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra from 2002-2008, Y: The Last Man follows Yorick Brown and his pet Capuchin monkey, as they make their way through the United States following a devastating androcide which left them as the only two surviving males.
Led by Eliza Clark, Y: The Last Man was adapted for television this Fall, and is set to feature eight episodes for the first season. While the first season was about half-way through premiering, Up Your Geek’s own Chris Nugent, Louis Booker, and Julia Langridge were able to get a sneak-peek viewing of one of the show’s newest episodes. Titled “My Mother Saw A Monkey”, the episode follows Yorick finding his way into a colony that is skeptical about having himself, Agent 355, and Dr. Allison Mann around the complex. The episode allows foreshadows the downfall of Government Operations, and how many of the characters, including that of Diane Lane’s Senator Jennifer Brown, are slowing becoming emotionally compromised.

Following the episode premiere, show developer Eliza Clark, as well as many of the cast including Ben Schnetzer, Ashley Romans, Amber Tamblyn, and Diana Bang, we’re all joined together at The Empire Theatre at NYCC to discuss the process, as well as how much of the story has changed in comparison to the original comic series. Eliza Clark stated the importance of gender politics in the show, illustrating on how gender roles have very much since change even after twenty-years, allowing for the world of Y to be explored in greater depth. Ashley Romans, and Diana Bang actually got a solid amount of time to discuss their own character’s development, as well as a possible relationship being grown.

Y: The Last Man has since unfortunately been issued cancellation following it’s inaugural season. However, that is not something to feel too terribly discouraged about, as the first season of Y: The Last Man is still worth the viewing and discussion. There is a lot to be discovered through the show on the topic of gender politics, and one that is very much needed in today’s social climate. There is still a possibility we could see the world of Y make a live-action return in the future, but it is fair to say that the single season alone was incredibly solid, and a strong start to what could have been a great show.