After two seasons of slaying walkers in the early days of the apocalypse, Fear the Walking Dead has finally crawled out from under the shadow of The Walking Dead. Fear the Walking Dead delivers two episodes that kick season three into high gear. All we can say is, bring on the walkers because these survivors mean business.
Last season, Fear the Walking Dead began to realize how it can become a show separate from The Walking Dead. The characters began to be more developed, storylines were more intriguing and we finally learned how to properly kill walkers. It’s been a long journey for the show that has been hiding behind The Walking Dead. Now starting its third season, Fear the Walking Dead has learned to stand on its own two feet.
In the first hour of Fear the Walking Dead, we pick up where season two left off. Nick, Luciana, Travis, Alicia and Madison have been rounded up at the Mexican border. They’re swiftly taken to a military run operation. Travis is separated from Alicia and Madison and is finally reunited with Nick. As Alicia and Madison struggle to find their family, Travis, Nick and Luciana have bigger problems.
A new addition to Fear the Walking Dead, Daniel Sharman makes his series regular debut and it’s truly one of the greatest things ever. Sharman’s character, Troy is one of the military men holding Madison and Alicia hostage. He brings a great dynamic to the show as a character that has been changed by the task at hand: killing walkers. The world has made him hardened and he’s not quick to trust people. Presented as a villain, Troy will likely continue to stir up trouble as season three progresses. Sharman is already knocking it out of the park in these premiere episodes. His work opposite Kim Dickens is a great added dynamic to Fear the Walking Dead.
At the end of the first hour, Madison, Alicia, Travis, Nick and an ailing Luciana are whisked out of the now-walker-overrun military base and head to Troy and his brother, Jake’s, family compound. Of course, the family can’t stay together for long. As Madison and Nick fight walkers, Travis, Alicia and Luciana make it on the helicopter with Jake. They head to the compound, while Madison and Nick drive with Troy. The first hour of Fear the Walking Dead pulls us right back into the lives of these characters and is a great start to the new season.
While “Eye of the Beholder” is a great episode of Fear the Walking Dead, “The New Frontier” packs the biggest punch for the series. As the gang escapes the military compound, they’re faced with some of their greatest challenges. Nick and Madison fear for the safety of their family, especially when they arrive safely to the compound and the others don’t.
Travis, Alicia, Luciana, Jake and Jake’s friend, Charlene, are in the helicopter when they take fire from an unknown source. In a heartbreaking moment, Travis is shot. In order to ensure Alicia and Luciana’s safety, Travis opens the helicopter door. Alicia struggles to save Travis, but he reveals his wounds are much more severe. In a moment that will forever define Fear the Walking Dead, Travis falls out of the helicopter and dies. It’s a heartbreaking moment for the patriarch of this family, especially watching Alicia. In the season two finale, Travis experienced a massive character development moment. He’s come a long way and this sacrifice is the perfect ending to this character. His death will impact everyone, especially Madison and Alicia, as the show continues.
Speaking of Alicia, Alycia Debnam-Carey gives a a great performance in this episode. After killing someone to save Travis at the end of season two, Alicia carries that decision with her. She’s strong and badass going into season three, but is haunted by her decisions. In “The New Frontier,” after the helicopter crash lands, Alicia kills again in order to save Jake. These two characters will no doubt grow closer as the season progresses and we’re excited to see where it goes. Alycia Debnam-Carey is such a strong asset to Fear the Walking Dead and we’re excited to see her become an even bigger character in season three.
MVP’s of the Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Premiere:
Travis. After doing what he set out to do, which was reunite Madison and Alicia with Nick, he makes the ultimate sacrifice. We’ll miss you Travis, but know that your death with serve a greater purpose.
Alicia. She’s fearless and willing to do anything to help her family.
Nick. His love for Luciana is tested in this episode, especially when they reach the family compound and won’t let Luciana in for medial attention. They’re afraid she might turn. Instead of standing by as Troy shoots Luciana, he decides to take action into his own hands. Raising a gun to Troy and his family, Nick demands Luciana receives treatment. That’s true love right there.
Rick Grimes Moment:
Madison has the ultimate Rick Grimes moment. After mourning Travis, Madison decides it’s time to fight. While talking to Alicia and Nick, she decides they’ll stay at the compound and slowly take it over. They’ve fought for a safe place and now it’s time they have it. Sound like Rick Grimes and the Prison to anyone else? Does this make Troy The Governor? We’re not the only one’s to think so, Daniel Sharman himself does too!
Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC
