MVP of Fear the Walking Dead 410: Close Your Eyes

Alicia and Charlie went through hell and back during the hurricane in the Fear the Walking Dead so it makes sense that this week we celebrate them as co-MVPs.

There have been some amazing performances over the past eight seasons of The Walking Dead and four seasons of Fear the Walking Dead, but Alycia Debnam-Carey and Alexa Nisenson’s performances in episode 410 ensure that “Close Your Eyes” will forever rank as one of the best episodes from either series. Both Alicia and Charlie walked through fire in the episode and came out stronger for it, and that’s why Alicia and Charlie are the co-MVPs this week.

Until now it has been easy to understand Alicia’s anger toward Charlie. After all, Charlie lied to the group and led the Vultures to the Stadium. Through her actions, the Stadium fell and Madison died. Later, Charlie shot and killed Nick. Alicia has no reason to forgive Charlie. At all.

On the other hand, we haven’t known much about Charlie. Actress Alexa Nisenson was 11 when she filmed “Close Your Eyes” but given the time jump in the show, the apocalypse has been raging for several years at this point. That means Charlie was much younger when she watched her parents turn, and who knows how long she went on by herself before she found the Vultures. She didn’t have anyone. Alicia was much older and had the benefit of having her mother, brother and Travis around for as long as she could. None of this excuses what Charlie did to Nick, obviously, but understanding her history helps us to know who she is.

Alicia and Charlie’s worlds collided in “Close Your Eyes” and despite having multiple opportunities for revenge, Alicia couldn’t kill Charlie. Charlie said she wanted to die, but she didn’t really want to in the end. Once everything was on the table, Alicia was able to see Charlie’s pain and to see that the best way to honor her mother was to take Charlie under her wing. She doesn’t have to forgive her, but they can move forward. Charlie was able to share her deep dark secrets with Alicia, which helped remind Alicia that she really is just a kid. Until that point Alicia couldn’t see Charlie’s pain through her own pain, but now she does and it helps Alicia grow even stronger.

Both characters experienced a tremendous amount of growth in this episode in the most challenging of circumstances, and there’s no question that they will both emerge stronger as a result, which makes them this week’s co-MVPs.