Fear the Walking Dead Season Premiere Review: What's Your Story?
Steve Ford
at
.
That was one hell of a season premiere!
If there was any doubt that Morgan Jones' transition over from The Walking Dead would be a rough one, then Fear the Walking Dead Season 4 Episode 1 should have immediately put any such concerns to rest.
The highly anticipated crossover event saw one of the most popular and intriguing characters within the Walking Dead universe effortlessly make his way into his new home without missing a beat.
Airing the Season 4 premiere directly following the season finale of The Walking Dead really bolstered Morgan's transition, making it a smooth and natural one.
Even with these two series airing back-to-back, it was very clear that they vastly different shows. The little cameos from Jesus, Carol, and Rick were just enough to set up this crossover without feeling like just another episode of The Walking Dead.
It was something different, yet familiar at the same time, and it was very exciting.
When Fear the Walking Dead went into its third season, I was a bit apprehensive at the onset. The series was still trying to find its footing, and I was unsure if it would ever have succeeded in coming into its own.
But as the season went on, I was incredibly surprised with how much the series improved and began to find its own identity.
Sure, there were some growing pains along the way, but by the end of Fear the Walking Dead Season 3, I was incredibly satisfied with how far the show had come and optimistic for where the series could go.
Related: AMC launches ad-free streaming service
Fast forward to one month later, and the announcement came that Lennie James' character would be making an epic crossover to Fear the Walking Dead.
I had zero uncertainty that Morgan would not fit in with the series. My only real concern was having new showrunners at the helm, and the skepticism that the shakeup could potentially negate all of the progress and momentum that the series had built up to this point.
But after watching the Fear the Walking Dead Season 4 premiere, I couldn't be happier to have been more wrong.
The brand spanking new title card and logo, along with its ominous theme really set the tone for the hour, and drove home the fact that this is a fresh start not only for the series but for Morgan, as well.
Athea: Tell me one real thing, then we'll call it even. Why'd you leave?
Morgan: ... I lose people, and then I lose myself.
The war with the Saviors had taken a serious toll on Morgan's fragile mind. And while Negan was eventually defeated, the cost of it all was high.
It's heartbreaking that Morgan was driven to such a point that he needed to separate himself from the group, but if anyone has earned a break from fighting, it's Morgan. He's spent numerous seasons looking out for the people he cared for, and it was time that he started looking after himself.
Even though Jesus, Carol, and Rick did their best to convince Morgan that he is still part of them, no matter what, Morgan decided to distance himself as much as he could from his old life.
And after 1,500 somewhat miles of walking, running and driving, Morgan found himself in Texas and in the company of some new friends.
Garret Dillahunt and Maggie Grace were also welcome additions to the series, and their respective characters of John Dorie and Althea were immediately likable.
Althea is a strong woman with a no-nonsense mentality about her. Given her journalism history, she was very straightforward with her eagerness to learn John and Morgan's stories. Although Althea is eventually revealed to be a journalist, she is more than capable of taking care of herself.
As hardened as she appears on the outside, there's definitely a kindhearted nature to her that I hope we get to explore further during the season. I wouldn't be surprised if Althea has a background as a war correspondent.
Dillahunt's character is by far one of the most interesting new aspects to the season. There's a unique balance of mystique and relatability to John that instantly drew me to wanting to know more about him.
Due to the way he speaks, I'm still trying to figure out if he has a slight mental disability or if he has just been on his own for so long that his communication skills have grown rusty.
Regardless, I'm really digging the whole gunslinger thing. But don't be fooled by the cowboy attire, he's a dead-eye with that revolver. I'm still waiting to see John lasso up some walkers and possibly hogtying some baddies this season!
I am highly curious as to what purpose the numbered flag markers serve. Any ideas as to what they represent? It was a small breadcrumb that will definitely come into play down the road somehow.
That guy, that was a unique kind of asshole. I did not want to kill anyone today.
John
The huge shock of the hour came when John, Althea, and Morgan found themselves in the middle of an ambush by none other than Nick, Alicia, Strand, and Luciana.
Wait, what!?
We knew there was a time jump coming for the series, but the reveal that The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead are now within the exact same timeline came as an immense shock. That means that a significant time jump has taken place since Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 16.
It's a risky move to make, but the lengthy time jump does make sense in order to accommodate Morgan's jump between shows.
I'm very curious to learn what transpired during the long time period following the Season 3 finale and how it will be explained. Hopefully, there will be a few flashback episodes to bring the viewers up to speed.
While I'm sure we won't get all of the answers we're seeking, I'm hopeful that the answers we do get will at least make sense.
Related: Fear the Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 16 Review
How much do you want to bet that Madison, Alicia, or Luciana are one of the women that took John's trusty revolver?
In this world, we're always on our own.
Morgan
The addition of Morgan, John, and Althea added a fresh coat of paint to a series that was already looking sharp by the end of its third season.
The start to the hour featuring Jesus, Carol, and Rick gave us a look at some faces from Morgan's past, and by the end, Morgan was introduced to the un-welcoming Clark family.
It was the perfect way to bookend the hour and finally bring these two worlds together.
It's only one episode, but it was one hell of a start to a brand new season. Fear the Walking Dead has already set itself apart from its parent show by giving itself its own identity while maintaining the aspects of what drew us into this franchise to begin with: the characters.
After viewing the premiere, I have very high hopes for this season and cannot wait to see where things go from here.
Welcome to your new home, Morgan.
Now let's hear from you, TV Fanatics!
What did you think of "What's Your Story"? Was the highly anticipated crossover everything you expected? What are your first impressions of John and Althea? What are your hopes for this season?
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Want to relive Morgan's epic crossover again? Be sure to watch Fear the Walking Dead online.
Fear the Walking Dead returns with a new episode on Sunday, April 22 on AMC at 9/8c.
