On the explosive season premiere of Fear The Walking Dead, we say “goodbye” to a beloved character, but also “hello” to some new potential compadres.
We're introduced to three new characters on this season of Fear The Walking Dead: Jake Otto (Sam Underwood), Troy Otto (Daniel Sharman) and their father Jeremiah Otto (Dayton Callie). Jeremiah owns the Broke Jaw Ranch, a ranch that gives off this “there’s more than meets the eye” kind of vibe. It just seems to good to be true that there's such a perfect ranch, with enough food and supplies and ammunition. But, we'll have to see how all that plays out as the season progresses.
The season premiere of The Walking Dead spin-off starts with Madison (Kim Dickens), Travis (Cliff Curtis) and Alicia (Alicia Debnam-Carey) being dragged to a compound by men clad in military uniform. Travis is separated from his group and sent to a basement where a couple of militia men are playing some sort of sick game with humans, turning them into walkers and seeing how long it takes for them to turn. The only silver lining is that Travis is reunited with Nick (Frank Dillane) and Luciana (Danay García), whom were separated from Madison last season.
We get to know a bit more about Troy, the "leader" of the group. He is quite a nature's boy, enjoys jotting things down and lost his mama some time ago. However, we're treated to the true evil that he harbours deep inside when we bear witness to the mind games that Troy tries to play with Madison and Travis. Whoever said "never judge a book by its cover" was definitely right on the money. Troy may have an innocent exterior but he definitely has a sick and twisted interior. If it weren't for Troy's sane-r brother, Jake, Troy would definitely be less an eye.
"I'm not a savage." - Troy Otto. 'Course you aren't Troy, 'course you aren't....
The family reunion doesn't last long, as they are again separated by an oncoming zombie herd: Travis, Alicia and Luciana escape in a helicopter along with Jake, whilst Madison and Nick drive away in a truck with Troy.
The helicopter is suddenly under attack by an unknown source, bullets piercing the windows and the hull of the helicopter. Travis is struck in the neck. In shock, he reveals to Alicia that he didn't escape that zombie attack unscathed. Travis unbuckles himself from the helicopter seat, opens the door, and falls to his death.
It's a heroic act, but still a heartbreaking one nonetheless. At least the love of his life won't have to watch him die, or put him down afterwards so he doesn't turn...
Give me a moment, while I sit in a corner and cry my feels away.
Nick and Luciana’s love is definitely still alive and well, shown by Nick’s willingness to shoot Jeremiah and Troy because the compound's medic team was unwilling to treat Luciana's gunshot wound. Ultimately, Nick does relinquish the gun back to Jeremiah and Luciana is treated for her wound.
No sign of Ofelia, but Doctor Victor Strand is in the house (well, I mean, hotel). He is forced to leave the hotel after lying to the residents there that he had medical knowledge. Thankfully, his last patient in his care survives. She also plans to name her child after Strand, since he was the one who helped deliver him. We last see Strand driving off in a car. But, where is this place that Strand has in mind? Will he ever reunite with the Clark family?
I’m definitely excited to see how Madison and her kids will adjust to living at Broke Jaw Ranch and if they make any alliances with the residents there. I’m also curious to see how Madison and Troy interact, since she nearly took out his eye with a spoon (not that he didn’t deserve it though). The shooter who took down the helicopter (and was kinda the catalyst to Travis’ untimely end) is still at large. The main question now is, who would shoot up a helicopter with people inside and why would someone do such a thing? Also, where is Ofelia? Is she still alive? Is she hurt? Will she ever reunite with Madison, Nick, Alicia and Victor?
With so many questions left unanswered, I'm definitely hoping we get more answers in the coming episodes. And judging from the (official) Season 3 Teaser, it looks like it's going to be one heck of an intense and bumpy ride.
Watch the Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Official Teaser here:
