Fear the Walking Dead S02E10 Preview: ‘Do Not Disturb’
By Nir Regev
Fear the Walking Dead delievered must see television last week. The supermarket scene was universal, you didn’t need any past viewing for it. No cliff notes necessary. No love for zombie themed TV. It was a global spectacle that had one requirement and one requirement only. Being human.
Nick’s supermarket fiasco spanned across two languages but if you didn’t speak a single syllable it didn’t matter. The visual of the shoplifting teenager and the immediate consequence of losing his hand was intoxicating television. Nobody thought about reaching for the clicker and flipping the channel at that moment. The danger was real and alive, it might as well have been breathing across from you. That flash of peril is what must see TV is made out of. When one forgets they’re even watching a show.
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Fear the Walking Dead: Hotel Evil
The elegance of the abandoned 5-star hotel setting was horror perfection. It was a brand new glossy setting, the plastic still sealed shut. Ready to be tore open and enjoyed. You knew it was going to be fun the moment Strand hit the bell. A fresh location never experienced before on The Walking Dead. My friends, it was Fear the Walking Dead’s time to shine!
Shine they did with a marvel reminiscent of Resident Evil 1‘s illustrious storied mansion. Not only were the walkers dropping one by one off their balconies picturesque, it was a sight to remember that belonged to Fear the Walking Dead. Their late checkout was tense, memorable, and immensely heightened the smoky atmosphere. A reminder that nobody is safe on this show no matter how glamorous and innocent the surroundings might appear.
The script was top notch last week with both Strand and Madison putting out first shelf dialogue about life, the past, marriage and the lies of it all. Madison’s seeming regret/bitterness over being a mother and Strand’s let the past die attitude made you think. That’s not an easy quality for any show to achieve.
Tucked in Comfort
Claustrophobia is back on Fear the Walking Dead with the walkers surrounding the untended bar Madison and Strand reside in. Meanwhile Alicia is on her own with an undead fanbase ready to meet her. The foundations have been set for a very strong return for this series and an action packed second act tonight.
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Unfortunately, the show dropped in the ratings again last week to a 1.59 (18-49 demographic) from a 1.62. Will viewers finally return via word of mouth? Is Fear the Walking Dead doomed to bleed viewers week by week regardless of serving up an artistic diamond? They certainly should return, the show has life in it yet. Last episode was a defining chapter of Fear the Walking Dead and everybody loves a good comeback…
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