Fear the Walking Dead: Can’t wait to meet ‘The Closer’

When Fear the Walking Dead opened last Sunday, we met a deliciously fascinating character named Victor Strand. We couldn’t tell what kind of a character this self-described closer was going to be.

Many of the usual clues weren’t available.  The setting was not telling, as he was not in his usual surroundings. He is a prisoner of the National Guard in a dirty, chain-link-fenced, urine-soaked area. He has the appearance of wealth from his apparel and the items he trades. But is it appearance or true wealth? Why can’t we tell the difference?

Usually you can tell the difference between someone who has true wealth and someone who is putting on airs. Not always, but many times. So why not with Victor? Well, he was mean. And cocky. And gave the impression that he was a con man of sorts. He commented about Doug’s wife’s body. As I write these things, I realize that a truly wealthy man could still do all of these things.

Maybe it’s because it’s The Walking Dead. We’re used to sizing people up and expecting a villain! A smiling cannibal. He’s taken a liking to Nick, as have we, the audience, so this odd dynamic duo is promising.

The reason I focused on the wealth is that I was surprised when I read this answer when showrunner Dave Erickson gave the Hollywood Reporter the lowdown on Victor, the Closer:

"Colman Domingo plays Victor Strand, and we’ll find out that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Strand is a fixer but he’s also a man of means, he’s quite wealthy and gets scooped up when things go to hell. There’s an irony to him being stuck where someone of his means would never be. He’s a survivor in his own right. If you take Daniel and Strand and see how they interact, it’s going to be quite compelling. Strand is a guy who recognizes that there’s a shift in currency. He knows things are not going to get better for some time and that the shiny objects are not what matter anymore. That’s why he’s willing to give away his watch to the guard. We wanted to introduce a wealthier character that you don’t see that often on the original show and see how they interact with our blue-collar family. He will be very important in how the season ends and where we go in season two."

Without Talking Dead these last several weeks, I’m thankful that Mr. Erickson is giving some great insight and information to help us understand some of the characters and events in Fear the Walking Dead.

I think Strand is going to be a favorite character of mine!

Next: Daniel Salazar's Deception

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