Fear the Walking Dead Review: The End of Everything (Season 5 Episode 5)
After several episodes of teases and exploring other stories, viewers of Fear the Walking Dead finally find out what happens to Al, and more about the mysterious helicopter people.
On Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 5, “The End of Everything,” catching up with Al and learning tidbits of the new group is the name of the game.
Actually, it’s the entire episode.
The stories with most other characters are all caught up, so all that’s left is to fill in the gaps left by Al’s disappearance. It makes sense, and was a relatively compelling tale. But it left me with several questions.
First, other than introducing the group that took Rick Grimes and Jadis away from The Walking Dead in a helicopter (and maybe a love interest for Al), there is not a ton of value added here. The previous four episodes of Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 have been rich in both character development and story. “The End of Everything” definitely has the former, but not much of the latter.
If Al didn’t get in “The End of Everything” what has been given to a lot of the other characters this season, the episode would be a complete wash. Luckily, though, following Al gives viewers a chance to learn about her past, her genuine goodness, and even for things to get a little romantic with Isabel from Indiana.
Al’s story is a highlight of something Fear the Walking Dead has done excellently during Season 5 – give its characters depth and purpose.
Every main character, and even some secondary characters, on Fear the Walking Dead has been richly illustrated throughout Season 5. That holds true for Al here, too. We even learn her extremely long, foreign last name!
Unfortunately, “The End of Everything,” is muddled by the still too mysterious group to whom Isabel from Indiana reports. They’re trying to create a plot out of an Easter egg, and it isn’t enough to hold attention.
The main problem is that Fear the Walking Dead assumes there is a lot of overlap in fans from The Walking Dead, and that might turn out to not be true. They should only attempt crossovers that enhance things they’re doing well, like building rich characters.
The additions of Morgan and Dwight make things better, but so far the helicopter crew has been annoying.
I reserve the right to change my mind about the helicopter crew, but it will ultimately depend on whether they’re an Easter egg for the Rick Grimes movies, or whether they’re an essential piece to Fear the Walking Dead.
A few stray thoughts:
- The moment with Morgan, Alicia, and the kids at the end is the best part of the episode. It really speaks to the strength of the ensemble and how good it feels to start to reunite them.
- I am excited to learn that Isabel is from Indiana, because I’M from Indiana.
- Turns out I made an incorrect assertion in a previous review. Isabel is who the kids saw eliminating their walker traps, not Grace.
- Maggie Grace does an excellent job embodying Al, and “The End of Everything” signifies her best work yet.
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.