Well, that's the rule in horror/action movies right? If you didn't see the body, there was no death. WD has always been about breaking the rules though lol
Spoilers Fear the Walking Dead - Season 7
- Thread starter TREK_GOD_1
- Start date
That's true but falling from a helicopter from a high distance with a bad wound in the middle of a zombie apocalypse is a little much. I do think Tobias is doable though and Madison is as well but to me Madison is something you save for the final season and Tobias is something you might bring in for a single episode and then kill him off. Or have Tobias on one of the other shows. Maybe he is where Rick Grimes is at. You don't need to make a big arc out of Tobias coming back. Just some fun fan service that doesn't take away from your main story.
Wha--? Go to your corner!
Seriously, Z-Nation was what happens to any genre that bursts at the seams with too many productions, and strong, believable stories became a thing of the past, giving way to anything silly, not too sharp things happening (sort of like what's happening to superhero movies).Also, they've always split up the cast, but this season is so fragmented it feels like those bonus episodes of the parent show, before they learned how to safely film in large groups during the pandemic.[/QUOTE]
Splitting up the characters adds drama and danger to the chance of their surviving; that worked so well in 4B of TWD, with four stories taking place after the fall of the prison. It gave characters the necessary time to express their own despair and face threats without extra characters becoming a distraction to personal stories.
I do like this season for the most part but I got to say it does feel kind of like those bonus episodes to me as well. Also kind of cheap. They have been using this outdoor sound stage that I swear looks like it came from season 1 of TNG. It's very fake looking and something I haven't noticed in a modern show in a very long time outside of a sitcom like The Connors.
That's actually something I'm loving about this season, it gives everything a very eerie look and feel which I think adds to the atmosphere of these episodes.
Yeah, the "exteriors" that are clearly on a soundstage are a little cheesy, but it kind of works with the kinds of stories they're telling here. It does look like we're getting some real outdoors stuff next week.
I actually have to agree with @TREK_GOD_1 here, which is something that has happened so rarely I can probably count the times on one hand. These last couple episodes have been phenomenal, mainly thanks great scripts and performances.
Your inability to see truth is your problem, JD.
Fear the Walking Dead
Season 7 / Episode 4 - "Breathe with Me"
Althea/Daniel/Luciana/Wes/Sarah/Charlie:
Sarah wakes up in a Mission-styled dwelling (Fort San Vicente), with old rifles lining the walls as decoration. Slightly groggy, she is nearly attacked by a walker (SEE NOTES), but saved by Althea. Apparently, during the helicopter escape, Sarah suffered a concussion as the nuclear blast forced the helicopter to make a crash landing.
The others use a Geiger counter on the walker, and its high readings mean it was in the dead zone--the area where Wendell was last seen at the dam. Sarah becomes agitated when she learns no one has a clue where Wendell is, so she insists on searching for him, but the expression on the faces of her companions is less than enthusiastic, suggesting they believe he is dead.
Althea is questioned about the helicopter, its whereabouts, etc., but she appears to be sworn to secrecy, stating its best they do not know anything about their benefactors (SEE NOTES).
The following day, Sarah (sneaking away from the others) scans the landscape, imagining where Wendell might be, and trying to call him on the walkie. She does reach Morgan, who informs the momentarily happy woman about his party's safety. Morgan offers to go their location, but Sarah warns that one of the warheads was a "dud," but is emitting radiation. Her walkie loses power, but she spots a truck in the distance. Checking it out, she's surprised to find Rufus the dog in the vehicle, the box labeled "Morgan Jones" and its nasty cargo. She's held at gunpoint by Josiah, who overheard her say "Pennsylvania" and "Morgan," and demands to know where that is so he can kill Morgan. Needless to say, she refuses to help him, and the moment a walker comes up behind Josiah, Sarah attempts to grab his gun, but is easily knocked to the ground.
Josiah claims he can find Wendell, but will only do so in exchange for Morgan's location--or help lure Morgan out. Sarah's mind races, as she half believed Josiah can find Wendell, but as she points out, she does not sell out her friends. Josiah raises the stakes, promising to find and kill Wendell if Sarah does not help him. She gives in, and contacts Morgan...
Later, Josiah stops to begin his search, but questions if Wendell is still alive, as he's been MIA for 78 days, and if he's a walker he could stumble his way as far as Spokane in that time. Josiah buries the walkers he's killed, earning the criticism of Sarah, who then needles him about carrying around his brother's head, and the hypocrisy of driving in a search and rescue vehicle on a mission to murder Morgan. Josiah counters, reminding her that she's willing to sell out Morgan's life in exchange for her brother.
Rufus alerts the two to a horse-drawn cage filled with naked walkers their keeper (a man named Sage who has the job of "seeding" them around the area) Josiah makes the man strip, mirroring his perceived mistreatment of the walkers. Rufus finds a scarf with Wendell's scent on it, leading Sarah and Josiah to believe the man might have collected a dead Wendell. Following the man back to what appeared to be a livestock corral, now filled with nude walkers. Sarah was nearly convinced Wendell was not among the walkers, until she spotted his damaged, bloody wheelchair. Shaken to her core, she demands to know what happened to him, only to learn that "skinbag" is crawling around somewhere. Before she can attack, Sage opens several gates, allowing walkers to pour out between himself and his new enemies.
As Sage runs off, Sarah and Josiah fight off walkers; with Sarah makes it back to Josiah's truck first, where she hears Morgan calling--asking what's going on. Starting the truck, she attempts to leave Josiah behind, but he catches up, jumps in the truck and struggles with her, causing the truck to crash into the bottom of a hill. Hours later, both revive (and yes, Rufus is there, too), only for Sarah to see they've been exposed to one of the "dud" warheads nearby.
Sarah still suffers from panic-induced hyperventilation, leading Josiah to distract her by recalling a time when he was injured and lost in the burn zone of a forest fire, but his brother would not give up the search--one, because Rufus knew Josiah was nearby, and Emile still "felt" his brother's heartbeat...just he knew Emile was dead when he could not feel his own. Josiah convinces Sarah to call Morgan for help, otherwise they'll die. Getting no response on the radio, they decide to fight their way out of the growing horde, and soon have help...from Morgan. The second Sarah calls to him, Josiah attacks, but is barely a match for Morgan; yet he manages to pin Morgan down; Sarah yells out, telling Josiah he's not a killer, with the man replying that he's not going to kill Morgan--the head of Emile is. Moments away from being bitten, Morgan breaks free, sending Emile's head rolling aside...and biting a protective Rufus. Sarah destroys Emile's head, while Josiah sobs "What have I done?" over the mortally wounded dog.
Josiah admits he was wrong in seeking revenge (SEE NOTES), and prepares to put down the dog who saved him on numerous occasions. Sarah thinks back, recalling how her mother died giving birth to her (prematurely) and had to be placed in the NICU; she continued to stop breathing on her own, until she placed next to the crib of another child--Wendell--who (through observation) taught her how to breathe.
It is not long before Josiah has to bury Rufus. Morgan believes if Wendell is alive, he's receiving help from Strand (explaining Strand's need to prove Morgan's way was wrong). Josiah volunteers to come along, keeping his promise to help Sarah find Wendell. Morgan agrees, and before long, they find Strand's Tower, and are confronted by Strand & Howard. From the jump, he informs the trio that they're not welcome, but Wendell is there and "thriving," but if he leaves the Tower to see her, he cannot return, which would strip him of the safety she wanted for him. Overcome with emotion, Sarah asks Strand not to tell Wendell she was there, otherwise, he would stop at nothing to find her. Strand agrees, then departs with his people.
Josiah believes was too exposed to the warhead to accompany Morgan and Sarah, and does not want to be a burden, until Sarah gives him the pills (probably Potassium Iodide) meant for Wendell. Josiah tanks Sarah--and Morgan for changing his purpose, and heads out to the Pennsylvania.
Elsewhere, Sage (who recovered his horses and trailer), meets other masked men on horses, promising he's found just what they were looking for....the cracked warhead....
NOTES: The radioactive walker found its way into the shelter--probably due to Daniel leaving the gates open, but believing he shut them. Luciana tries to encourage him with a promise to "work on" his issues, but they're living in the ZA, and unless their rescuers have a still-standing hospital system, Daniel has to take a turn for the worst, especially if he's suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Sarah again referred to Wendell as her "twin," which was a sweet reminder of how close they were, and how their relationship was formed.
Althea being secretive...one would hope she's not being self-serving and truly acting on the orders of their rescuers. Some viewers have pointed out that actress Maggie Grace's name was not in the title sequence of season seven's debut, leading them to speculate that Althea might end up on the dead side of things sometime this season.
Very interesting plot twist with Josiah; for a moment, I wondered if his change of heart was just a ploy to lower Morgan's defenses and still carry out his revenge plot at a later date, but I'm hoping he is a changed man and falls in on the right side of things.
Wendell...who knows if Strand was telling the truth, or was it an emotional nugget designed to eventually lure his enemies into a trap. Time will tell...
As always, this series continues its recent history run as a monument of fine character studies, and what is so rare in ensemble shows, nearly all main players are getting showcase episodes that mean something not only to the character, but the series, which is how its supposed to work...only so many fantasy productions fail miserably in this all-important department.
GRADE: A+.
Season 7 / Episode 4 - "Breathe with Me"
Althea/Daniel/Luciana/Wes/Sarah/Charlie:
Sarah wakes up in a Mission-styled dwelling (Fort San Vicente), with old rifles lining the walls as decoration. Slightly groggy, she is nearly attacked by a walker (SEE NOTES), but saved by Althea. Apparently, during the helicopter escape, Sarah suffered a concussion as the nuclear blast forced the helicopter to make a crash landing.
The others use a Geiger counter on the walker, and its high readings mean it was in the dead zone--the area where Wendell was last seen at the dam. Sarah becomes agitated when she learns no one has a clue where Wendell is, so she insists on searching for him, but the expression on the faces of her companions is less than enthusiastic, suggesting they believe he is dead.
Althea is questioned about the helicopter, its whereabouts, etc., but she appears to be sworn to secrecy, stating its best they do not know anything about their benefactors (SEE NOTES).
The following day, Sarah (sneaking away from the others) scans the landscape, imagining where Wendell might be, and trying to call him on the walkie. She does reach Morgan, who informs the momentarily happy woman about his party's safety. Morgan offers to go their location, but Sarah warns that one of the warheads was a "dud," but is emitting radiation. Her walkie loses power, but she spots a truck in the distance. Checking it out, she's surprised to find Rufus the dog in the vehicle, the box labeled "Morgan Jones" and its nasty cargo. She's held at gunpoint by Josiah, who overheard her say "Pennsylvania" and "Morgan," and demands to know where that is so he can kill Morgan. Needless to say, she refuses to help him, and the moment a walker comes up behind Josiah, Sarah attempts to grab his gun, but is easily knocked to the ground.
Josiah claims he can find Wendell, but will only do so in exchange for Morgan's location--or help lure Morgan out. Sarah's mind races, as she half believed Josiah can find Wendell, but as she points out, she does not sell out her friends. Josiah raises the stakes, promising to find and kill Wendell if Sarah does not help him. She gives in, and contacts Morgan...
Later, Josiah stops to begin his search, but questions if Wendell is still alive, as he's been MIA for 78 days, and if he's a walker he could stumble his way as far as Spokane in that time. Josiah buries the walkers he's killed, earning the criticism of Sarah, who then needles him about carrying around his brother's head, and the hypocrisy of driving in a search and rescue vehicle on a mission to murder Morgan. Josiah counters, reminding her that she's willing to sell out Morgan's life in exchange for her brother.
Rufus alerts the two to a horse-drawn cage filled with naked walkers their keeper (a man named Sage who has the job of "seeding" them around the area) Josiah makes the man strip, mirroring his perceived mistreatment of the walkers. Rufus finds a scarf with Wendell's scent on it, leading Sarah and Josiah to believe the man might have collected a dead Wendell. Following the man back to what appeared to be a livestock corral, now filled with nude walkers. Sarah was nearly convinced Wendell was not among the walkers, until she spotted his damaged, bloody wheelchair. Shaken to her core, she demands to know what happened to him, only to learn that "skinbag" is crawling around somewhere. Before she can attack, Sage opens several gates, allowing walkers to pour out between himself and his new enemies.
As Sage runs off, Sarah and Josiah fight off walkers; with Sarah makes it back to Josiah's truck first, where she hears Morgan calling--asking what's going on. Starting the truck, she attempts to leave Josiah behind, but he catches up, jumps in the truck and struggles with her, causing the truck to crash into the bottom of a hill. Hours later, both revive (and yes, Rufus is there, too), only for Sarah to see they've been exposed to one of the "dud" warheads nearby.
Sarah still suffers from panic-induced hyperventilation, leading Josiah to distract her by recalling a time when he was injured and lost in the burn zone of a forest fire, but his brother would not give up the search--one, because Rufus knew Josiah was nearby, and Emile still "felt" his brother's heartbeat...just he knew Emile was dead when he could not feel his own. Josiah convinces Sarah to call Morgan for help, otherwise they'll die. Getting no response on the radio, they decide to fight their way out of the growing horde, and soon have help...from Morgan. The second Sarah calls to him, Josiah attacks, but is barely a match for Morgan; yet he manages to pin Morgan down; Sarah yells out, telling Josiah he's not a killer, with the man replying that he's not going to kill Morgan--the head of Emile is. Moments away from being bitten, Morgan breaks free, sending Emile's head rolling aside...and biting a protective Rufus. Sarah destroys Emile's head, while Josiah sobs "What have I done?" over the mortally wounded dog.
Josiah admits he was wrong in seeking revenge (SEE NOTES), and prepares to put down the dog who saved him on numerous occasions. Sarah thinks back, recalling how her mother died giving birth to her (prematurely) and had to be placed in the NICU; she continued to stop breathing on her own, until she placed next to the crib of another child--Wendell--who (through observation) taught her how to breathe.
It is not long before Josiah has to bury Rufus. Morgan believes if Wendell is alive, he's receiving help from Strand (explaining Strand's need to prove Morgan's way was wrong). Josiah volunteers to come along, keeping his promise to help Sarah find Wendell. Morgan agrees, and before long, they find Strand's Tower, and are confronted by Strand & Howard. From the jump, he informs the trio that they're not welcome, but Wendell is there and "thriving," but if he leaves the Tower to see her, he cannot return, which would strip him of the safety she wanted for him. Overcome with emotion, Sarah asks Strand not to tell Wendell she was there, otherwise, he would stop at nothing to find her. Strand agrees, then departs with his people.
Josiah believes was too exposed to the warhead to accompany Morgan and Sarah, and does not want to be a burden, until Sarah gives him the pills (probably Potassium Iodide) meant for Wendell. Josiah tanks Sarah--and Morgan for changing his purpose, and heads out to the Pennsylvania.
Elsewhere, Sage (who recovered his horses and trailer), meets other masked men on horses, promising he's found just what they were looking for....the cracked warhead....
NOTES: The radioactive walker found its way into the shelter--probably due to Daniel leaving the gates open, but believing he shut them. Luciana tries to encourage him with a promise to "work on" his issues, but they're living in the ZA, and unless their rescuers have a still-standing hospital system, Daniel has to take a turn for the worst, especially if he's suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Sarah again referred to Wendell as her "twin," which was a sweet reminder of how close they were, and how their relationship was formed.
Althea being secretive...one would hope she's not being self-serving and truly acting on the orders of their rescuers. Some viewers have pointed out that actress Maggie Grace's name was not in the title sequence of season seven's debut, leading them to speculate that Althea might end up on the dead side of things sometime this season.
Very interesting plot twist with Josiah; for a moment, I wondered if his change of heart was just a ploy to lower Morgan's defenses and still carry out his revenge plot at a later date, but I'm hoping he is a changed man and falls in on the right side of things.
Wendell...who knows if Strand was telling the truth, or was it an emotional nugget designed to eventually lure his enemies into a trap. Time will tell...
As always, this series continues its recent history run as a monument of fine character studies, and what is so rare in ensemble shows, nearly all main players are getting showcase episodes that mean something not only to the character, but the series, which is how its supposed to work...only so many fantasy productions fail miserably in this all-important department.
GRADE: A+.
Lol a+... Worst reviewed and least watched episode of the whole series. You seem to have bad taste...
This is a short thread and I am behind watching this show. I really hate the post nuclear set up of the show, but that has nothing to do with the writing--just my personal reaction. Nuclear holocaust shows/movies are something I just don't generally watch because they are a much more real possibility in my mind than zombie apocalypses. I watch fantasy and sci fi precisely because the fantastical settings allow the allegorical telling of real world problems in a setting that will not happen in real life.
The first episode I enjoyed, but the second was just laughably and horribly written and presented. The expectations of the radiation levels and then taking off the protective clothing was a horrible choice unless we see consequences in the near future. The scene at the end when they find out about Strand and then, shortly after, find the baby formula was over the top. Also, crashing the car because they were fighting over the cassette deck is just entirely out of character for both Morgan and Grace.
Overall a real disappointment considering how great the show has become over the last three years. This was, for me, at World Beyond levels. Rather, World Beyond has been better than this episode recently. I hope the next episodes get better and this is an aberration.
The first episode I enjoyed, but the second was just laughably and horribly written and presented. The expectations of the radiation levels and then taking off the protective clothing was a horrible choice unless we see consequences in the near future. The scene at the end when they find out about Strand and then, shortly after, find the baby formula was over the top. Also, crashing the car because they were fighting over the cassette deck is just entirely out of character for both Morgan and Grace.
Overall a real disappointment considering how great the show has become over the last three years. This was, for me, at World Beyond levels. Rather, World Beyond has been better than this episode recently. I hope the next episodes get better and this is an aberration.
No. My personal enjoyment of a series is not now, nor will it ever be based on the views of anyone else (and it says much--and not in any positive manner--if anyone allows the views of others to guide their taste and lives in that manner), which is what any adult mind will do.
Lol, any adults with a brain realize that the collective wisdom is far greater than their own. I base my opinions on things by reading reviews first to see if I'm supposed to like something.
No, you are appealing to others to think for you, which makes you rather easy to manipulate in any setting or situation. No intelligent adult needs others to form their opinions or tastes. With that, you can drop the trolling.
I think the season has been mostly good but it has issues. One being the bad stage set but I do like the nuclear aftermath angle for the most part. I think the first episode was still the best episode of the season. I wish they hadn't killed the new guy. He was interesting. Instead of a standoff though they should focus more on just how much more difficult it would be to survive now with the nuclear angle. Things were bad before but this would take things to another level. People holed up and barely being able to go outside.
A nuclear wasteland is unlike anything attempted in the WD TV series; in TWD, we knew parts of Atlanta had been targeted with Napalm, while FTWD's "Cobalt" resulted in similar, authorized attempts to stop the walker threat, but neither were as devastating as Teddy's strikes, and never before have you seen the entire main characters' lives all threatened with every trip outside.
That's been a running theme; in each episode, characters and plot are constantly referring to not being able to be stay outside for long periods of time (Dorie Sr. questioned June about this, while Grace removed her mask to commit suicide, illustrating just how dangerous the "dead zone" is). In fact, its part of the next episode's focus on Dwight and Sherry.
Another great episode, I've also like Sarah and it was nice to get a deep dive into her character. It was also a nice introduction to Josiah, I hope this isn't the last we've seen of him.
The story about how Sara and Wendell ended up so close was nice.
I was a little disappointed we didn't get a definitive answer as to whether or not Wendell was really in The Tower.
Just out of curiosity I check the IMDB ratings for the episodes that have aired so far this season, and they have been pretty good so far, so clearly @TREK_GOD_1 and I aren't the only people liking them. The ratings are 7.6 with 1.2k ratings for The Beacon, 6 with 1k for Six Hours, 7 with 1k for Cindy Hawkins, and 7.4 with 554 for Breath With Me.
The story about how Sara and Wendell ended up so close was nice.
I was a little disappointed we didn't get a definitive answer as to whether or not Wendell was really in The Tower.
Just out of curiosity I check the IMDB ratings for the episodes that have aired so far this season, and they have been pretty good so far, so clearly @TREK_GOD_1 and I aren't the only people liking them. The ratings are 7.6 with 1.2k ratings for The Beacon, 6 with 1k for Six Hours, 7 with 1k for Cindy Hawkins, and 7.4 with 554 for Breath With Me.
as you do in many other threads, you put way too
much importance on ratings. For the walking dead franchise, new episodes come out a full week earlier on AMC+ than they do on the AMC channel. We don’t know how many viewers watch on AMC+ and we probably never will (streamers never release numbers). The numbers can’t be that bad though because they keep green lighting new spin-offs with the same producers involved.
Fear the Walking Dead
Season 7 / Episode 5 - "Till Death"
Dwight & Sherry:
Dressed in black clothes and masks, the couple have come to be known as the "Dark Horses" who have built a reputation for dispensing justice in the new wasteland. One such example comes soon as they encounter two men (probably part of the "Stalkers" group who broke into June and Dorie Sr.'s shelter) who stole a cart of fruit and vegetables from a local contact; one of the Stalkers recognize the duo (from their outfits), accuses them of killing some of his people and escalates the conflict until his partner is shot dead (which Dwight did not want to do), giving the main Stalker time to run off.
Returning to the Larson bunker (SEE NOTES), Kevin & Kim inform Dwight & Sherry that their lack of food means they need to leave soon. Dwight makes the case that they should wait until they can locate "Padre" which he believes is not a myth (since more people they run into all seem to have heard about the place). Dwight believes they should hold out a little longer, and despite his instincts, Kevin agrees.
Receiving a distress message on their walkies, Dwight & Sherry return to the woods to aid this person, who turns out to be Strand's lackey Howard--and his guards. With sacks pulled over their heads, Dwight & Sherry are taken to the Tower, and reunited with Strand, who gives them the rundown on what he's building (and has been aware of the actions of the "Dark Horses"), who makes the cut to stay, and who will not, namely Morgan and Grace. Strand tries to enlist their help to find a woman named Mickey, who left the Tower to find her husband some time ago. He pretends to be concerned for her welfare, and promises residency if they bring Mickey back, but the couple--Sherry in particular--do not buy much of what Strand is selling....
As expected, Howard and his men drop the couple off in some remote area, warning them not to attempt to follow. Dwight considers taking Strand's deal--only to secure a place for the Larsons, but Sherry rejects the idea, wanting find Mickey, help her locate her husband, and with the Larsons in tow, find "Padre."
Mickey: Elsewhere, a woman repairs makeshift armor with duct tape, until she's interrupted by a walker at the window--and Dwight & Sherry. Mickey holds off Sherry, but is caught off guard by Dwight...only for the woman to quickly twist his arm with a wrestling move. After the confusion passes, she says Strand wants her back to imprison her--due to the fact she knew how to navigate the "moat" of walkers to escape the Tower--information he cannot allow to be spread to others. Dwight recognizes Mickey as a former pro wrestler who once partnered with her husband, a pair Dwight and his father once followed in the pre-ZA days (obviously).
Dwight & Sherry offer to help her reach Cliff (Mickey's husband) who was last sheltered at the training gym they ran. The only issue is getting through a walker horde which would be too much for Mickey's makeshift armor to endure. From there, they plan to pick up the Larsons, and find "Padre". Tragically, the Larsons have been murdered--Kevin and Kim shot in the head, with Briga allowed to reanimate. After burying the Larsons, the despondent Dwight blames himself for convincing the Larsons to wait around--long enough to be killed. Feeling their situation is hopeless, he suggests they all take Strand up on his offer; Mickey is having none of that, and decides to continue her mission to find Cliff. Sherry volunteers to help her, stating that there's nothing right about handing Mickey over to Strand. Promising to return to pick Dwight up for the "Padre" trip, Sherry leaves with Mickey...
Dwight: Dwight spots his horse, but is confronted by Stalker, who holds Dwight at gunpoint, admitting he murdered the Larsons (and flaunting his theft of a videogame Dwight gave to Briga). Attempting to steal Dwight's horse, Dwight signals the animal with a whistle command to kick out its powerful hind legs--violently sending Stalker flying several feet, with his belongings scattering on the ground. Among his possessions are Polaroids (like kind Strand pins to a board) of several walkers...and the Larsons. Stalker--arrogant till the end--confesses he killed the Larsons on Strand's order in exchange for a place in the Tower. With walkers approaching, Dwight allows the crippled Stalker to become their meal.
The gym: Arriving at Mickey & Cliff's training gym, the women fight their way into the building, but cannot stop the pack of walkers shambling in. They use the ring (with ropes as a slight barrier) to pick the walkers off one by one...but not before the reanimated Cliff approaches the brokenhearted Mickey. Sherry puts him down and has to help the disoriented Mickey into the ring. Mickey cannot see any reason to go on (SEE NOTES), but Sherry tries to convince her that she might not have the life she planned with Cliff, but she could find something else to live for. Its a hard sell, but Mickey has no time to think, as the weight of the walkers causes the ring's supports to break, dropping the ring to the ground. Seeing no way out, Sherry decides to call Strand, reasoning that his offer might be what's best for everyone involved. Mickey agrees, but Dwight arrives, informing the women that Strand was behind the Larsons' deaths.
Dwight tosses Stalker's guns to the women, and with Mickey using wrestling moves (including pile-drivers, heads into turn-buckles, chairs to the head, etc.), the walkers are finished off. Dwight mentions that he's "cleaned up" Cliff (as much as possible) so Mickey can say her goodbyes to him. He hands her a letter found on Cliff, with the man predicting his own fate, and asking Mickey to find a safe place, happiness and someone else to "stand in her corner." The letter ends with "Till death do us part".
Later, Dwight feels they should not wait to essentially live their lives, revealing he would like to start a family; Sherry is shocked, but on the same page as her husband.
Receiving a distress call, the Dark Horses--with Mickey--head out, but soon find themselves surrounded by more armed, masked men--their leader more or less demanding they work together--to find "Padre"...
NOTES:
Strand: He's now as vindictive as The Governor or Negan, with his "sending a message" to Dwight & Sherry with the ruthless murders of the Larson family. They were one of the few WD families trying to stay in their home / live as normal (as in pre-ZA fashion) as possible, but it did not last long. I can only guess how Morgan will react to know that Strand ordered the murder of a child, purposely letting her reanimate as icing on the cake
While the S7 poster shows Morgan vs. Strand, I have the feeling if Strand dies, it will be at the hands of Alicia who is effectively his only "family" (since he's been a companion / "friend" to her since S1), adding a bit of poetic justice to the only way Strand would be stopped.
For a character just introduced, Mickey's past was filled out nicely, painting a picture of someone living with palpable regret over waiting too long to marry Cliff, start their gym, etc. Actress Aisha Tyler gave a perfect impression of one who has witnessed and experienced too much, yet drags on.
Dwight is eager to start a family, but he's been around enough to know you cannot have a child safely not only in the ZA, but anywhere else (even if the couple ever makes it to "Padre"). Yeah, Baby Mo was born under the same conditions, but their lives are more complicated than ever.
Dwight has one of the biggest hearts of FTWD's characters, as he's always trying to find the correct / decent way of surviving (if he can) and has made a complete change from the long-suffering (but predatory) man he had been while under Negan's control. The moment we see how close Briga (the Larsons' young daughter) was to Dwight, one could sense that the Larson chapter was close to ending in a bad way.
The episode's title turned out to be a reference to Cliff's last words to Mickey, as well as Dwight & Sherry reaffirming their commitment to each other, no matter what they face. Hopefully the "what" is not death.
GRADE: A+.
Season 7 / Episode 5 - "Till Death"
Dwight & Sherry:
Dressed in black clothes and masks, the couple have come to be known as the "Dark Horses" who have built a reputation for dispensing justice in the new wasteland. One such example comes soon as they encounter two men (probably part of the "Stalkers" group who broke into June and Dorie Sr.'s shelter) who stole a cart of fruit and vegetables from a local contact; one of the Stalkers recognize the duo (from their outfits), accuses them of killing some of his people and escalates the conflict until his partner is shot dead (which Dwight did not want to do), giving the main Stalker time to run off.
Returning to the Larson bunker (SEE NOTES), Kevin & Kim inform Dwight & Sherry that their lack of food means they need to leave soon. Dwight makes the case that they should wait until they can locate "Padre" which he believes is not a myth (since more people they run into all seem to have heard about the place). Dwight believes they should hold out a little longer, and despite his instincts, Kevin agrees.
Receiving a distress message on their walkies, Dwight & Sherry return to the woods to aid this person, who turns out to be Strand's lackey Howard--and his guards. With sacks pulled over their heads, Dwight & Sherry are taken to the Tower, and reunited with Strand, who gives them the rundown on what he's building (and has been aware of the actions of the "Dark Horses"), who makes the cut to stay, and who will not, namely Morgan and Grace. Strand tries to enlist their help to find a woman named Mickey, who left the Tower to find her husband some time ago. He pretends to be concerned for her welfare, and promises residency if they bring Mickey back, but the couple--Sherry in particular--do not buy much of what Strand is selling....
As expected, Howard and his men drop the couple off in some remote area, warning them not to attempt to follow. Dwight considers taking Strand's deal--only to secure a place for the Larsons, but Sherry rejects the idea, wanting find Mickey, help her locate her husband, and with the Larsons in tow, find "Padre."
Mickey: Elsewhere, a woman repairs makeshift armor with duct tape, until she's interrupted by a walker at the window--and Dwight & Sherry. Mickey holds off Sherry, but is caught off guard by Dwight...only for the woman to quickly twist his arm with a wrestling move. After the confusion passes, she says Strand wants her back to imprison her--due to the fact she knew how to navigate the "moat" of walkers to escape the Tower--information he cannot allow to be spread to others. Dwight recognizes Mickey as a former pro wrestler who once partnered with her husband, a pair Dwight and his father once followed in the pre-ZA days (obviously).
Dwight & Sherry offer to help her reach Cliff (Mickey's husband) who was last sheltered at the training gym they ran. The only issue is getting through a walker horde which would be too much for Mickey's makeshift armor to endure. From there, they plan to pick up the Larsons, and find "Padre". Tragically, the Larsons have been murdered--Kevin and Kim shot in the head, with Briga allowed to reanimate. After burying the Larsons, the despondent Dwight blames himself for convincing the Larsons to wait around--long enough to be killed. Feeling their situation is hopeless, he suggests they all take Strand up on his offer; Mickey is having none of that, and decides to continue her mission to find Cliff. Sherry volunteers to help her, stating that there's nothing right about handing Mickey over to Strand. Promising to return to pick Dwight up for the "Padre" trip, Sherry leaves with Mickey...
Dwight: Dwight spots his horse, but is confronted by Stalker, who holds Dwight at gunpoint, admitting he murdered the Larsons (and flaunting his theft of a videogame Dwight gave to Briga). Attempting to steal Dwight's horse, Dwight signals the animal with a whistle command to kick out its powerful hind legs--violently sending Stalker flying several feet, with his belongings scattering on the ground. Among his possessions are Polaroids (like kind Strand pins to a board) of several walkers...and the Larsons. Stalker--arrogant till the end--confesses he killed the Larsons on Strand's order in exchange for a place in the Tower. With walkers approaching, Dwight allows the crippled Stalker to become their meal.
The gym: Arriving at Mickey & Cliff's training gym, the women fight their way into the building, but cannot stop the pack of walkers shambling in. They use the ring (with ropes as a slight barrier) to pick the walkers off one by one...but not before the reanimated Cliff approaches the brokenhearted Mickey. Sherry puts him down and has to help the disoriented Mickey into the ring. Mickey cannot see any reason to go on (SEE NOTES), but Sherry tries to convince her that she might not have the life she planned with Cliff, but she could find something else to live for. Its a hard sell, but Mickey has no time to think, as the weight of the walkers causes the ring's supports to break, dropping the ring to the ground. Seeing no way out, Sherry decides to call Strand, reasoning that his offer might be what's best for everyone involved. Mickey agrees, but Dwight arrives, informing the women that Strand was behind the Larsons' deaths.
Dwight tosses Stalker's guns to the women, and with Mickey using wrestling moves (including pile-drivers, heads into turn-buckles, chairs to the head, etc.), the walkers are finished off. Dwight mentions that he's "cleaned up" Cliff (as much as possible) so Mickey can say her goodbyes to him. He hands her a letter found on Cliff, with the man predicting his own fate, and asking Mickey to find a safe place, happiness and someone else to "stand in her corner." The letter ends with "Till death do us part".
Later, Dwight feels they should not wait to essentially live their lives, revealing he would like to start a family; Sherry is shocked, but on the same page as her husband.
Receiving a distress call, the Dark Horses--with Mickey--head out, but soon find themselves surrounded by more armed, masked men--their leader more or less demanding they work together--to find "Padre"...
NOTES:
Strand: He's now as vindictive as The Governor or Negan, with his "sending a message" to Dwight & Sherry with the ruthless murders of the Larson family. They were one of the few WD families trying to stay in their home / live as normal (as in pre-ZA fashion) as possible, but it did not last long. I can only guess how Morgan will react to know that Strand ordered the murder of a child, purposely letting her reanimate as icing on the cake
While the S7 poster shows Morgan vs. Strand, I have the feeling if Strand dies, it will be at the hands of Alicia who is effectively his only "family" (since he's been a companion / "friend" to her since S1), adding a bit of poetic justice to the only way Strand would be stopped.
For a character just introduced, Mickey's past was filled out nicely, painting a picture of someone living with palpable regret over waiting too long to marry Cliff, start their gym, etc. Actress Aisha Tyler gave a perfect impression of one who has witnessed and experienced too much, yet drags on.
Dwight is eager to start a family, but he's been around enough to know you cannot have a child safely not only in the ZA, but anywhere else (even if the couple ever makes it to "Padre"). Yeah, Baby Mo was born under the same conditions, but their lives are more complicated than ever.
Dwight has one of the biggest hearts of FTWD's characters, as he's always trying to find the correct / decent way of surviving (if he can) and has made a complete change from the long-suffering (but predatory) man he had been while under Negan's control. The moment we see how close Briga (the Larsons' young daughter) was to Dwight, one could sense that the Larson chapter was close to ending in a bad way.
The episode's title turned out to be a reference to Cliff's last words to Mickey, as well as Dwight & Sherry reaffirming their commitment to each other, no matter what they face. Hopefully the "what" is not death.
GRADE: A+.
