Fear The Walking Dead: Close Your Eyes round table discussion

Adaptation And Acceptance

Alicia has shown an incredible ability to adapt to any new threat or situation, very much like Madison always did. But it’s clear that she still wrestles with her longing for some stability and a sense of safety. She tells Charlie that things aren’t going to get better, in a way to prepare her to live in the world the way it is now, but she also described the beach to her and gave her that moment where Charlie could remember her parents and imagine a safe and beautiful place. Will Alicia be able to reconcile those two conflicting ideas about the world in some way to be able to hang onto her humanity or will she become essentially a killing machine just waiting for the next enemy to appear?

Sonya says:

"I think that ultimately she will be able to find the strength to live for herself and for Madison but it’s not going to happen overnight. In The Walking Dead we see Rick and the others make huge moral shifts and then just stick to them without wavering but I don’t think Alicia is capable of that just yet. I think we’re going to see her waver back and forth between grief and rage for awhile yet. And that’s normal. Especially in those circumstances. Rick and the others can be so morally unwavering. It’s kind of nice to see someone struggle like most of us would in such extreme circumstances."

Sarabeth says:

"I think Alicia needs some time. Only a month or so has passed since she lost Nick and she was clearly still reeling from losing Madison. Alicia is most adaptable with losing shelters – the boat, the resort, the ranch – but not so much with people. Losing Travis and Chris wasn’t as shocking to her as losing her mother and brother. I think time will tell with how she adapts, but I think she will emerge stronger for it."

Sara says:

"I think that Charlie may have reminded Alicia about how important it is for her to still hold onto her humanity. Charlie herself is a child and yet has become very destructive in the apocalypse. However, would Alicia have been able to not pull the trigger on Charlie if she didn’t remember who she was once before? Alicia was also once a young girl who needed help and guidance and I really think she felt that in that scene with Charlie. Both Alicia and Charlie are without their parents now, and I really do think Alicia wanted to help Charlie get the closure she needed. I think that Alicia will find a balance of holding on to her humanity as well as being able to kill and protect herself when necessary."