Fear the Walking Dead Review: Ner Tamid (Season 5 Episode 12)
Fear the Walking Dead can sometimes get bogged down by attempts to set up dominoes, or working character moments that just don’t land.
On Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 12, “Ner Tamid,” the execution just isn’t there. The acting and plot are compelling, but the story feels like filler.
The first major issue with “Ner Tamid” is that it doesn’t spend enough time with Charlie as she searches for a place for them to live. Sure, Rabbi Jacob discovering her is a compelling scene, but the how and why of her arrival there is muddled and distracting.
Lately, episodes like this have been working for Fear the Walking Dead. Their focus on character has paid strong dividends throughout Season 5 and makes everything feel richer.
But “Ner Tamid” falls flat in this area. Charlie and June’s push and pull doesn’t land, and makes Charlie seem like a bratty child.
If Fear the Walking Dead had framed “Ner Tamid” as a rescue for the Rabbi or as a search for a new camp, I might feel differently, but Charlie running away from the group and being obstinate to June feels like a child being a child.
The parallels to the flagship series have never been stronger, either. Charlie, acting quite a bit like Carl Grimes in terms of stubbornness and poor decision making, discovers a member of the clergy in a building by himself.
Rabbi Jacob is a remarkably similar character to The Walking Dead‘s Father Gabriel. He has regrets about how he handled his congregation, who are all gone now.
Ultimately, this doesn’t make much sense, but it seems like they’re assuming the core audiences for the show are different.
That said, there are some positives to “Ner Tamid.”
First, Rabbi Jacob had a great first showing as a new group member. He has a compelling backstory and seems to be a strong addition to the convoy.
Second, June and Charlie referencing but never mentioning the time they spent together with Madison and the Clarks in the baseball stadium. Though Fear the Walking Dead has significantly evolved from that point in time, Easter Eggs like this are good for long-time fans, myself included.
So while there are positives, “Ner Tamid” mostly feels like a distraction so that you don’t have to deal with Logan and the oil fields until the next episode.
A few stray thoughts:
- Honestly, “Ner Tamid” feels like Charlie putting John and June in danger for no reason. I love them too much to watch them die on this ridiculous mission.
- I enjoy watching Dwight and Sarah bond, but Dwight with no beard is still extremely off-putting
- The horn they use to draw the walkers from John and June is a nice touch, too.
- Garret Dillahunt and Jenna Elfman are true bright spots on this show. They’re excellent.
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.