Fear the Walking Dead Midseason Premiere Review: What Comes After

at .

What could be worse than going to war with an enemy? Living with that enemy.

On Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9, Walker's people ended up moving into Broke Jaw Ranch as part of their mutual agreement in an attempt to co exist.

And it was met with heavy resistance by many at the ranch.

What comes next? - Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9

Following the truce set forth by Jeremiah's "sacrifice" on Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 8, the ranch's inhabitants were allowed to remain on the Nation's land in exchange for Walker to utilize the Ranch's resources.

Or lack thereof. 

We all know the type of man Jeremiah Otto was, so it wasn't much of bombshell that he was keeping the water shortage a secret. Walker himself wasn't very surprised either, who expected nothing less from the creep.

Walker: He knew this was happening?
Madison: He was documenting it.
Walker: A fraud to the end.

The thing I really can't get on board with is the need for Walker's people to move into the already tight quarters of the ranch. Sharing resources is one thing, but why add to the unease of the people at the ranch?

That was especially true when adding salt to the wound by confiscating their weapons because Walker fears for his people's safety after an attempted attack on of his men. What did he think was going to happen? The ranch lost people; friends, family.

Did Walker think the Nation would just ride on through gates with their heavy artillery, and it wouldn't cause panic?

It all just seemed very unnecessary.

More infected - Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9

Things only escalated when Walker attempted to confiscate Troy's weapons, with Nick getting pulled into the ensuing firefight.

I was surprised Nick came clean to Troy regarding the truth about Jeremiah's death. I suppose Nick figured it would be enough to pull Troy's anger at the Nation and redirect it at him.

It could have ended badly for Nick, but it ended up getting Troy to stand down.

I don't feel Nick deserved punishment. Even though he tried desperately to diffuse the situation, he was still guilty by association in Walker's eyes.

While Madison was able to get Nick's punishment reduced, Troy wasn't so lucky and was banished from the ranch.

I am curious as to why Troy didn't reveal to Jake that Nick admitted to murdering their father. Perhaps Troy has something else planned.

BFF's - Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9

The second hour on Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 10, mainly revolved around Madison and Walker's trip to the trading outpost in hopes of finding a water source. It was an adventurous trek, and it truly did seem as if you could get anything there.

The one stop shop for all your post-apocalyptic needs!

Out of everything that we saw at the trading outpost, I never expected for Strand to turn up there. When we last saw him on Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 8, he torched the Abigail as a symbol of moving forward and leaving his old life behind.

So, it was rather disappointing that Strand ended up getting himself into trouble yet again.

Old habits die hard I guess, but the guy seriously cannot catch a break.

As many dire situations as Strand finds himself in on a daily basis, the man definitely has someone watching over him. He's a survivor, and we learned more about that history.

My mother named me Victor, because she knew I'd always win.

Strand

Madison going behind Walker's back to free Strand using Walker's gold was a bold and risky move. Hopefully, it will pay off in the end, and they will get all the water they will ever need when Strand leads them to the dam.

That means we'll be getting a reunion between Madison and Daniel soon. How will they react to seeing one another? More importantly, how will Daniel react to seeing Strand again after leaving him for dead on Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 5?

At the very least, it will most likely lead to Daniel finally learning the whereabouts of Ofelia.

Alicia also spilling the beans to the townsfolk about the water shortage was such a boneheaded move. My hand hit my forehead so hard that I still have an imprint.

Walker: You stand between your children and the sun.
Madison: Excuse me?
Walker: I bet you even apologized to your son for his punishment.
Madison: Do you have kids?
Walker: I have three beautiful dogs.
Madison: Talk to me when you have children.

I understand that Alicia panicked and was hoping that the truth would make everyone understand the purpose of the rationing, but it only caused further chaos.

Thankfully Nick is stepping up as the interim militia leader in Troy's absence. Everyone seems to be willing to trust and follow him, which is a quality that you want in a leader.

After being more of a follower for two and a half seasons, Nick seems to be embracing his new role; I just hope it doesn't end up going to his head culminating in a power trip like Troy.

What's left of it - Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9

Speaking of Troy, it's not a matter of if he returns to the Ranch, but when.

The midseason premiere was a mixed bag. It wasn't the solid start to the second half of the season I was hoping for, but the episode that followed during the second hour at least moved the story in an interesting direction.

Let's turn it over to you TV Fanatics!

What do you think Madison and Daniel's reactions will be towards one another when they reach dam? 

Will Daniel be willing to help Madison or be reluctant to do so? 

Will Madison's decision so go behind Walker's back have consequences to the peace established between the two factions? 

What do you think of Nick's new role as militia leader?

You can watch Fear the Walking Dead online anytime right here at TV Fanatic!

Fear the Walking Dead returns with a new episode on Sunday, September 17.

Minotaur Review

Editor Rating: 3.8 / 5.0
  • 3.8 / 5.0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
User Rating:

Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 (2 Votes)
Show Comments
Tags: ,

Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 9 Quotes

Alicia: It's not helpful to Jake or the peace if you backchannel with Walker.
Madison: I don't.
Alicia: Lying's not useful, mom.

Fear creates fury, fury creates blood.

Walker