Explore the Early Days of the Zombie Apocalypse in Fear the Walking Dead

Introduction to Fear the Walking Dead

Fear the Walking Dead is a spin-off series to the hugely popular The Walking Dead franchise. First airing in 2015, Fear the Walking Dead explores the outset of the zombie apocalypse that brings about the end of civilization. Set initially in Los Angeles, California, the show focuses on a dysfunctional family made up of high school guidance counselor Madison Clark (played by Kim Dickens) and her two children, Nick (Frank Dillane) and Alicia (Alycia Debnam-Carey).

As the mysterious zombie outbreak begins to spread, the family is joined by Madison's fiancé Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis), an English teacher, and his son Chris (Lorenzo James Henrie). Together, this blended family must learn to survive and adapt in the new post-apocalyptic world overrun by the infected undead.

The Early Days of the Outbreak

In the early days of Fear the Walking Dead, the characters are confused and surprised by the outbreak of illness that is causing the dead to rise. Nick is the first to witness a zombie attack which occurs at his drug den. However, his accounts are dismissed as drug-induced hallucinations. As the outbreak escalates, the characters realize something sinister is going on and they must flee. The family escapes Los Angeles as martial law and curfews are enforced, with the National Guard attempting to contain the outbreak.

Heading to the Desert

Madison designs an escape plan to head east towards the desert, believing the low population there will make it easier to survive. As they evacuate, Travis witnesses his ex-wife become infected and kill their son before being shot by the soldiers enforcing the quarantine zone. The group eventually rescues Christopher from the Wisdom High School and reunite him with his father Travis.

The group takes to the ocean on Travis' boat Abigail,anchoring just off shore as the military bomb Los Angeles in a failed attempt to contain the outbreak. As supplies run low, they dock briefly to resupply but are forced to flee from zombies. Stranded without fuel, they begin sailing again when they come across Celia's vineyard estate. The group debates whether to stay or continue their journey towards the desert.

Life at Celia's Vineyard

Celia's vineyard seems like a safe haven, but it holds a dark secret. The religious Celia keeps the newly turned zombies of her infected loved ones locked in her cellar, believing the zombies to still have human souls. This puts her into conflict with the group who see the zombies as monsters to be destroyed before they can attack. After one of Celia's infected sons bites Nick, Celia exiles Madison and her family from the estate.

This leads to a violent confrontation where Madison sets the zombies locked in the cellar free and burns down the vineyard. Travis is forced to kill the zombified Celia. Now seeing the true threat of the undead, Travis is ready to leave for the desert encampment where he hopes his family will finally find safety and community.

Key Characters

Madison Clark

As a high school guidance counselor, Madison or "Maddie" played an important role helping troubled students. After the outbreak, her survival instincts kick in and she becomes protective of her family. Her character evolves from an everyday mother figure into a formidable survivor willing to go to any lengths to keep her loved ones safe.

Nick Clark

Nick is a recovering heroin addict who witnesses the first zombie attack before the outbreak spreads. His prior knowledge of the zombie virus ends up helping the group survive. Nick struggles to cope with his addiction in the apocalypse but ultimately proves himself as a key member of the group.

Travis Manawa

As an English teacher and caring father, Travis prefers non-violent solutions to problems. He acts as the moral compass of the group. However, as the series progresses, Travis is forced to become more ruthless to protect his blended family in the zombie apocalypse.

Alicia Clark

Alicia begins as a typical high school student but is soon thrust into the horrors of the zombie apocalypse. She struggles to adapt and retain her humanity in the face of such devastation. Alicia proves herself to be a survivor, learning knife skills and how to handle weapons.

Major Themes

Collapse of Civilization

Fear the Walking Dead explores the collapse of human civilization within the outset of the zombie apocalypse. Things that people took for granted like healthcare, public services, law and order, and technology infrastructure quickly disappear. The characters must learn to survive without the comforts of modern life.

Family Dynamics

With the blended family of Madison, Travis, and their children, complicated family dynamics play a central role in Fear the Walking Dead. The characters must learn to function and survive as a new family unit. This is challenged by tensions between Madison and Travis's differing philosophies on how to handle adversities.

Human Nature

The zombie apocalypse brings out both the best and worst aspects of human nature. The characters struggle to retain their humanity and compassion for others in the face of such devastation. However, they also realize that survival may require them to abandon their morals.

Reception

Fear the Walking Dead has received generally favorable reviews from critics and fans. While initially seen as a simple cash-grab spin-off, the series has evolved with more compelling characters and storylines. The earlier focus on family dynamics was praised for differentiating it from the original Walking Dead. Ratings have declined in later seasons but it continues to pull in strong numbers for AMC.

The six season run makes it the highest-rated cable series in the adults 18-49 demographic. Fans enjoy Fear the Walking Dead as a complementary extension rather than just a copy of the original Walking Dead. The two shows enhance each other by exploring different aspects and time periods of the zombie apocalypse.

Why You Should Watch

For fans of The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead is a must-watch to get the full universe and story of the zombie outbreak. New viewers can also get into Fear without needing to have seen the original.

Early Days of the Apocalypse

Whereas The Walking Dead jumps right into the zombie apocalypse, Fear shows the critical early days as civilization collapses. This exploration of society unraveling offers intriguing world-building.

Compelling Character Arcs

The character-driven storytelling makes you invested in the characters' journeys. Madison's transformation into a survivor and Nick's battle with addiction are engrossing arcs.

High Production Values

With a strong budget and top talent like Walking Dead veteran Greg Nicotero directing, Fear features superb production values in its sets, stunts and effects.

Catch up on Fear the Walking Dead and follow the Clark family as they endure the start of the zombie apocalypse. The early fall of civilization offers a thrilling prequel story for fans of The Walking Dead universe.

FAQs

When is Fear the Walking Dead set?

Fear the Walking Dead is set at the very beginning of the zombie apocalypse that leads to the events of The Walking Dead. It shows the outset and initial spread of the mysterious virus that starts turning people into zombies.

Where is Fear the Walking Dead located?

The first season is set in Los Angeles, California. The characters then travel to Mexico and southern California in their journey to survive the apocalypse.

Who are the main characters in Fear the Walking Dead?

The main characters are the blended family of Madison Clark and her two children Nick and Alicia. Madison's fiancé Travis Manawa and his son Chris are also key characters.

Is Fear the Walking Dead related to The Walking Dead?

Yes, Fear the Walking Dead is a spin-off prequel series to The Walking Dead. It shows the early days of the same zombie apocalypse that The Walking Dead is set in.

Do I need to watch The Walking Dead first?

No, Fear the Walking Dead is intended to stand on its own for new viewers. But those who have seen The Walking Dead will get more context about the outbreak.