Fear the Walking Dead Review: Here to Help (Season 5 Episode 1)
It’s been a long summer, but thank goodness Fear the Walking Dead is finally back!
Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 1, “Here to Help,” is action-packed, and also details a frustrating journey for the Morgan and Alicia led group.
Season 4 had a lot of controversy over the loss of old group members and introduction of new ones. But “Here to Help” illustrates a group dynamic that’s strong and compelling, each character bringing different things to the table and all motivated by the prospect of helping those in need.
Unfortunately, “Here to Help” also parallels the harsh realities of the world we live in. Sometimes, people will take advantage of you for their own gain.
“Here to Help” centers on the titular group trying to help Logan, who turns out to be a bad guy and co-owner of the trucking company they’ve co-opted. So when he takes it back, he doesn’t see himself as the bad guy.
Right away, Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 establishes an antagonist that works. He’s not necessarily a larger-than-life evil like Negan (or at least, not yet) but he fits the dictionary definition of antagonist in that he’s standing in the way of the protagonist trying to achieve their goal.
But Logan seems to be relatively unassuming and straightforward so far, which is decidedly different from The Walking Dead (and that’s a good thing). He may be the most compelling antagonist Fear the Walking Dead has introduced thus far, just because he’s different from the Ottos, the people at the dam, etc.
In addition to what seems to be the main villain, Fear the Walking Dead also sets up multiple interesting threads.
In one, Al’s investigation into the walker with body armor is both an interesting mystery and an exciting cliffhanger. Could these be the people who have Rick Grimes?
Second, the kids who rescue the group but insist on going their own way ask a lot of interesting questions. Who are they? Why do think this area is so dangerous?
Really, any of these could turn out to have a major impact on the way Fear the Walking Dead presents the season, but all are compelling enough to do the job.
“Here to Help” is a strong premiere episode. It balances plot exposition with compelling mysteries and lots of zombie-whoopin’.
If “Here to Help” is any indication, Season 5 will be a strong one. Though much different from when the show first started, the cast and story are strong as ever.
A few stray thoughts:
- Best part of the entire episode: Strand watching Al’s tape of Daniel Salazar!!
- John Dorie and June have the purest, sweetest love story. So one of them’s probably going to die, right?
- Also, Garret Dillahunt is really, REALLY good.
- I’m taking away one star because I never really believed that Luciana was going to die. She’s been in promos doing other stuff!
- Honestly, I’d kinda forgotten about some of these characters, but they’re a strong, diverse group. They all seem more comfortable this season, too.
What did you think of this episode of Fear the Walking Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.