Fear the Walking Dead recap: Turbulent Flight on ‘Is Anybody Out There?’

Fear the Walking Dead took off into the air with anxiety-filled turbulence on the show’s most intense scene of the season on “Is Anybody Out There?”

This recap contains spoilers for Fear The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 8.

There’s nothing that brings a passenger to a panicky, cold sweat like a turbulent plane with low visibility and dwindling fuel. Tonight’s Fear the Walking Dead preyed on people’s natural fears with impeccable craftsmanship.

From Alicia’s worry of radioactive infection through the deceased’s blood to a small plane barely hanging together by a thread, it was a tense night. The reactor’s meltdown and its smoke filled dust traveling through the air heightened the stakes to 11. John Dorie’s drive-by walker shots before reaching the plane made for great TV, similar to a popcorn 90’s action flick.

The impact of the plane scene where Victor Strand and Al piloted practically blind cannot be understated. Viewers could feel every rumble on the rickety flight, and every frown and fidget on a passenger’s face meant something. The look on Annie’s face was universal; anyone who’s ever found themselves in unsettling turbulence could instantly relate.

When it comes to action, Fear has it on lock. Where the show is still faltering is unfortunately the dialogue. No bias, as this writer has purposely not looked at who penned the last few episodes. The conversations continue to follow only two directions: Motivational speeches and reflections on the “bad things” a character has previously done. That said, the plane scene and the general action on this episode was top-tier and outshined all else. Thus, the lacking dialogue didn’t matter.

Alicia’s embrace of Daniel Salazar was genuine and seemingly heartfelt on both sides, showing great acting work. It needed no words to sell the emotion, though there obviously were some. Of course, Daniel coming back to save the day was a bit predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. Strand and Salazar appear to finally be on the same page, although the truce is likely short term. Colman Domingo spoke at Split Screens Festival about Strand and Salazar’s entertaining on-screen chemistry as frenemies. John Dorie and Dwight locating Sherry’s car this episode helped push the story forward, leaving the door open for an eventual return. Dorie’s proposal to June will likely have Twitter talking tonight and ‘shipper hearts fluttering.

Grace broke the infected portion of Morgan’s iconic weapon of choice tonight and he appeared bewildered but happy to have it back. In fact, earlier in the episode Morgan hinted to Alicia that he wants to teach her Eastman’s path. As time goes by, Morgan is only becoming more attached to Eastman’s teachings. Morgan would be contacted by walkie-talkie by a woman seeking help post-plane landing and Logan would pull up in his vehicle. With hands up, Logan strongly requested assistance that would supposedly benefit all and mention the potential consequences if the group doesn’t help.

Missed last week’s episode? No problem! Check out a recap of last week’s Fear the Walking Dead and catch up on Season 5.