Problems (Television Series)

Problems is a HBO science fiction drama series that aired from September 18th 2017 to December 9th 2029 for 12 seasons and a total of 123 episodes. The first season takes place prior to a viral outbreak that leads to a zombie apocalypse, which is seen in its early stages in season 2. Season 3 onwards sees the cast adjusting to life in the apocalypse, while facing obstacles along the way on the hunt for a lost relative who may hold the key to permanent survival.

Background
HBO gave a 2 season order to Problems in late 2015, production began in the summer of 2016 in California. Production moved to New Orleans for its second and third season, before moving permanently to Baltimore for the remainder of its run, except for the 9th season which filmed in Wisconsin. It aired on HBO for its entire run, and ended after 12 seasons at the decision of the producers. HBO have discussed potential for a movie, although no script has yet been written. The title comes from the issues that the family face in both the real world and the apocalyptic world.

Characters
Only six characters appear in more than 10 seasons, and only 4 characters appear in all 12. Only 2 characters have appeared in every episode.

Rhonda Blanchett is a 60-something who believes she's a widow and the matriarch of the Blanchett family, she presents herself as harmless and innocent, but is in fact quite the opposite when her family is threatened. She is diagnosed with cancer in the first season, but fortunately recovers from the illness by the end of season 2. She finds out at the beginning of season 3 that her scientist husband is alive and surviving in a bunker in Baltimore. Her signature weapon is her family's prized heirloom - a civil war dagger. She appears in every episode of the show.

Lucas Blanchett is Rhonda's son and her right-hand man. He serves as the voice of reason of the family and later the group of survivors. He works as a college professor and is married to Viola. He becomes scared at the news reports of a new virus and is one of the first to predict a national outbreak and the fall of the world. His signature weapon is a fire axe he stole from the college. He appears in every episode of the show.

Viola Blanchett is Lucas' eccentric wife and a therapist, she is the mother to Lucas' second child, Ben. She is blunt but whimsical and is struggling in her profession, she considers quitting shortly before the apocalypse begins. She offers to care for Rhonda during her illness. Her signature weapon is a baseball bat. She appears in all seasons, but is periodically absent throughout, particularly when Ben dies.

Nathan Blanchett is Lucas' eldest son, his mother died in childbirth 19 years prior to the start of the series, he trusts his father and stays by his side no matter what. He goes to the college where Lucas teaches and has a close relationship with his grandmother, but is distant from his step mother. His signature weapons are a sawed-off shotgun and a long sword. He temporarily leaves the survivors to find his maternal family in season 5, and returns with cousins in season 6. Appearing in all seasons, Nathan is notably absent in seasons 1, 5, 6 and 9.

Ben Blanchett is Lucas and Viola's son, 13 years old in season one. He is a student and is particularly close with his mother. He is a big fan of zombie films and serves as a fountain of knowledge in tight situations. His signature weapon is two katanas that remain strapped to his back, that he received as a birthday present at 12 years old. He dies after sacrificing himself for Rhonda and Viola in the season 10 finale, and had appeared in all episodes until then.

Christopher Blanchett is Lucas' estranged father and Rhonda's husband. Believed to be dead, he was in fact hired by the government to develop a cure to the disease before a national outbreak. As a result of his failure, the government trapped him and 4 other scientists in an underground bunker in order to prevent the news from reaching the public. He debuts in the season 3 finale in a shock twist and departs midway through the final season.

Maxwell Blunt is Lucas' colleague and best friend. In fear of the apocalypse he leaves California for Washington D.C. at the end of season 1 to find his family. He returns alone in season 5 alone. His signature weapon is a revolver.

Victoria Flinch is Christopher's colleague and an intelligent biologist. Her wit allows the group to escape multiple situations. She first appears in season 4 goes missing midway through season 7, before returning in season 9 and remaining until the show's end.

Edgar Flinch is Victoria's chemist husband and colleague, his poor health and weakening limbs limit the group and he ultimately sacrifices himself for the group at the end of season 4 and explodes the bunker. He does not have a weapon of choice.