Fear the Walking Dead recap: Virginia rejuvenates series, Savior similarities on Today and Tomorrow

Fear the Walking Dead’s Virginia has rejuvenated the series with a Savior-like approach of overwhelming power, numbers, and mystery.

This recap contains spoilers for Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 14.

Fear the Walking Dead has real direction again under the tutelage of a Savior-like enterprise governed by Virginia. The new lead villain promises her group is here to help people a la Negan but does not necessarily force compliance similar in a way to The Governor. Particularly, the southern-style endearing accent.

For the first time in a bit, there was Walking Dead-like suspense as Morgan and Al infiltrated the group’s makeshift compound. The scene was reminiscent of the first time Rick’s group went to The Saviors’ Satellite outpost in a way, except without the numbers.

Much like Negan’s Sanctuary, Virginia has a true economy going from crops to oilfields. Virginia greeted the pair with a smile, explained her goals and even gave their weapons back. “Ginny, as folks call her,” has easily rebooted the show once again into new territory, one reminiscent of its Walking Dead parent. Which is probably the right move with only one Clark family member left.

From the beginning, Nick Clark appeared to be Fear’s series-defining character. Everything was built around Nick. Even Alicia commented about being left in the dust by her mother when it came to Nick in a moment of sibling envy. Slowly the series went away from the addict element that made Nick such an intriguing, fresh character in the TWD universe, until they eventually did away with him all together (upon real-life request). Then Madison!

Now, it looks like Alicia was exposed to radiation episodes prior in case she ever exits the series, a plausible narrative insurance policy for fans, and Alicia has a lot of fans. She’s easily one of the most popular characters on the series. Without the Clarks as a focal point, it’s only natural the show would shift to the working, tried and true Saviors formula on TWD. Tonight’s episode brought the tension back in a realistic way by providing mystery through vagueness. Logan’s run as villain was clear cut: oil fields. Here you have the possibility of the helicopter group connection and a larger purpose promised by Virginia.

The only fleeting moment on tonight’s Fear episode was when Grace grabbed a conveniently-placed guitar out of nowhere and started playing, right after Daniel lamented not being able to bring records back for Charlie to listen to. While they both have good singing voices, the scene felt too Hollywood and reminded viewers it’s a show. That’s unfortunate, considering the grand immersion built up in the Virginia led complex. However, Fear quickly redeemed itself by reopening Morgan and Grace’s relationship by walkie. The relationship feels like a natural pairing and just works.

If Grace does eventually succumb to her radiation exposure, however, Morgan will be in a whole world of hurt. It seems inevitable now judging by her weakened, sick condition to end tonight’s episode. Fear the Walking Dead appears to be walking in its big brother’s footsteps to conclude this season. With some important distinctions like Al’s tapes making everyone around knowing who they are. No introduction needed, ever.

Whether viewers get that redux, seen it before feel eventually will be decided by narrative direction. Virginia is charismatic, her group is intriguing and the narrative of what’s possibly behind it all is a big draw. TWD fans have wanted answers since Eugene promised a cure. Though Virginia denied having helicopters on tonight’s episode, the possibility of a connection to Al’s one-time encounter is too strong to ignore. Even with no connection, Virginia is still plain entertaining as a lead villain.

Check out a Fear the Walking Dead recap for last week’s episode!