Fear the Walking Dead Review: Humbug’s Gulch (Season 5 Episode 3)
Fear the Walking Dead is becoming a bit synonymous with the word “crossover.”
Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 3, “Humbug’s Gulch,” explores some existing plots, but primarily serves as a catalyst to integrate the latest crossover character with The Walking Dead.
That’s right! Dwight, the ex-Savior from the flagship series is now integrated into Fear the Walking Dead.
Predictably, Dwight is still looking for Sherry when he encounters John and June. Though this encounter does not begin with friendly salutations, it does a lot of work toward revealing the character of all three characters.
On The Walking Dead, Dwight presents as a good guy stuck in a bad situation. On “Humbug’s Gulch,” that characterization holds true.
Dwight seems to respond to the characters he’s surrounded with. Lucky for him, those characters on Fear the Walking Dead are John and June, and they exude goodness from every crevice.
They even help Dwight do something brand new: smile.
What Dwight’s smile really indicates, though, is relief. Dwight’s relief to be around good people who want to help him exudes from Austin Amelio’s face.
John, June, and Dwight are excellent examples of Fear the Walking Dead‘s commitment to building strong characters. Many dramas in the same genre focus on the twists, turns, and plot, but Fear the Walking Dead demonstrates the depth of a prestige drama series.
Illustrated not only by Dwight’s treatment by John and June, but also his first interaction with Morgan in the new place, Fear the Walking Dead shows us they are committed to the good guys being the good guys. That’s no easy task in such a dark world.
It’s wholly satisfying, too, to watch characters be good in the face of evil and devastation.
This is further evidenced by Alicia and Luciana’s attempts to locate the kids who previously saved them. Since it’s obvious that these kids do not want to be found, this is the only part of “Humbug’s Gulch” that’s frustrating.
Help Grace. Help Dwight. Leave the kids alone like they asked.
Of course it soon unfolds the real reason the show is pushing these kids…they’re evil! Or at least they’re up to something. By the end of the episode, the kids are a lot more interesting.
Overall, though, their commitment to growth and development of the characters as humans really pays dividends on “Humbug’s Gulch,” as it make everything feel richer and more fulfilling.
Fear the Walking Dead is slowly balancing out its plot and character into a wholly satisfying show.
A few stray thoughts:
- Of course John Dorie worked at a Western Town chain called Humbug’s Gulch. It further increases my enjoyment of his character.
- It was good of Dwight to clear up the timeline for us, since he’s been looking for Sherry for almost a year. All of the time jumping and crossing over has gotten confusing.
- “What’d you call them?” “Walkers.”
- Even though I’m a little put off by the consistent pursuit of the kids, it’s admittedly ignited a fire in me to find out what they’re up to.
What did you think of this episode of Fear the Walking Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.