Fear the Walking Dead’s subtle jab at Strand’s haters

Victor Strand (Colman Domingo) is an acquired taste. The Fear the Walking Dead character has been around since season one and has played the chameleon by adapting to his surroundings. Season 11 has set Strand up to be the villain, giving his haters more fuel to criticize.

In season six, we saw Strand try to kill Morgan and then run off to seek shelter where he could avoid the nuclear bomb fallout. He introduced himself to the building’s only other occupant Howard (Omid Abtahi), as Morgan Jones. Once he realized they weren’t affected by the bomb, his true colors were shown once again, and he realized his way was the best way.

Fast forward, however, many months later, 69 days according to June’s count in the bunker, and Strand has created a new community dubbed the Tower. We discover there are 200 residents at the Tower, and they have food, water and shelter. There is even a rooftop garden and wall of walkers guarding outside.

Fear the Walking Dead season 7 The Portrait

In the episode titled “The Portrait,” we see Strand having his portrait painted by a resident artist. He wants to ensure his mark is left with a likeness of himself.

During this episode, we see Howard and Strand at odds about all of the people Strand is turning away. Morgan comes with baby Mo who is ill and needs medical attention. Strand lets them enter, but he and Morgan continue to butt heads. The Stalkers are outside flinging walkers at the tower via catapult.

Then to make matters worse, someone poisons Strand. This ups his paranoia, and he is reluctant to trust anyone. He wants to contact Grace and take her up on her offer to help, as this is best for the Tower residents. He comments, “Let it be known to my critics that I’m not the selfish asshole they make me out to be.”

Now, this could easily be directed at any of the main characters who have witnessed Strand’s selfishness in the past, or it could also be directed toward anyone, including fans, who have criticized Victor Strand. Either way, it is a great line to come from Strand’s lips.

Because in the next breath, he tells Morgan he will be using baby Mo as leverage for Morgan to radio Grace. This is no easy feat as the radio room is on the Tower’s lower level that the Stalkers have damaged.

Love him or hate him, Victor Strand keeps this show interesting. And Coleman Domingo does a fantastic job at portraying this man.

Fear the Walking Dead returns to AMC with the midseason finale for season 7 on December 5. This episode is now available to stream on AMC+.