Navigating the Complex Timeline of Netflix’s Resident Evil Series

The release of the Netflix Resident Evil series has sparked an intriguing debate about the series' place within the broader Resident Evil franchise. To understand its position, we need to delve into the narrative strategies employed by both the producers and the source material.

Resident Evil Games: The Foundation of the Franchise

The Resident Evil series is known for a rich and expansive game franchise, where the storylines and characters form the backbone of the franchise. The games are deeply rooted in their own narrative and use the main characters from the books as their primary focus. This presents a different kind of canon, where the games are the definitive source of the universe's lore and characters.

The Witcher Analogy: Games as the Source

A useful analogy is the relationship between the Witcher games and Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. In this model, the books form the canonical foundation, while the games, though derivative of the books, are not required to be entirely consistent with them. The game series may expand or diverge from the books' canonicity, but they do not contradict them.

Resident Evil Show: An Independent Narrative

The Resident Evil Netflix series also employs a similar narrative device. The series acknowledges the events and characters from the games, but it presents its own unique story. The show is set in a different timeline, focusing on different characters and events that may or may not be consistent with the primary game narrative. The narrative strategies used here challenge the conventional understanding of canonicity by allowing for multiple interpretations.

Existence in an Alternate Universe

While some fans argue that the show exists in the same continuity as the main games, the evidences suggest that it operates in a parallel universe. The isolation of the game narrative in an African town, and the setting of the show in a post-apocalyptic world with cloned characters, demonstrate a distinct divergence from the main canon. This allows the series to incorporate new elements and narratives without contradicting the established lore.

Post-Apocalyptic and Dramatic Elements

The show's setting in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by Clonester (a genetically modified human clone company) spans a timeframe over twenty years after the original Resident Evil events. This time has passed since Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, where the world had “ended.” The focus on petty drama and heavy use of CGI effects add a unique flavor to the narrative, setting it apart from the more action-oriented and horror-focused nature of the primary game series.

Conclusion: Multiple Continuities

In conclusion, the Netflix Resident Evil series exists in its own alternate continuity. While it acknowledges the universe and characters created by the games, it diverges significantly in its narrative focus, setting, and tone. Understanding this can help viewers and fans appreciate the diverse storytelling within the Resident Evil franchise, enriching the overall experience and allowing for multiple interpretations of the universe.