Title:Â Fear the Walking Dead: Brothers Keeper
Network:Â AMC
Air Date: September 23rd, 2017
Genre: Serial Drama, Horror
Fear the Walking Dead returned with another all-new episode tonight titled “Brothers Keeper.” Last week’s episode “La Serpiente” ended on somewhat of a happy note. We saw Madison, Strand and Walker riding off down the highway after just securing a continued supply of water. Given that ending, it certainly seemed that things were set to go downhill. Well…downhill they went. This ranch centric episode saw the resurfacing of Troy. Not only has Troy resurfaced but he’s done so with a massive horde of infected. A horde which he leads directly to the ranch.
This was a pretty intense episode of Fear the Walking Dead. Fear also took a page out of Z Nations handbook with the horde in the dust cloud. One thing I definitely was not expecting was Jake being killed off. I figured once they cut his arm off, he’d live just like when Hershel had his leg amputated. That turned out not to be the case and Troy ended up having to kill his brother once he turned. What’s interesting here is that this could easily be blamed on Nick. Yes, Troy was the one that set the whole horde plan in motion but it was Nick who hit Jake in the back of the head. Now, Nick is essentially responsible for the death of two of the Otto’s. Furthermore, how will Nick explain this? I can’t imagine it would go over well with anyone that Jake was sacrificed for the life of Troy.
I was surprised to recently read that Fear the Walking Dead is down in viewership for season three. For me, season three is where the show has really begun hitting its stride. “Brothers Keeper” could very well be argued to be the best episode of the entire series thus far. I feel like a majority of shows really need a season or two at least to really build characters. For instance, take the Alicia seen from season one and compare her to now. With everything she’s been through, she understands that an alliance…is more important than a relationship. I also wonder how she’ll take the news of Jake’s death. That is, assuming she survives being stuck in the pantry. (Elgato HD60 Pro Review)
The attempted defense of the ranch was exciting to watch. Initially, those at the ranch tried to build a makeshift wall with RV’s in the hopes of redirecting the infected. If that act looked familiar it’s because Rick and company did the same thing in season six of The Walking Dead. While Rick’s plan succeeded in that episode, it failed here on Fear. The infected proved to be packed too tightly and ultimately the RV’s couldn’t hold them. While Jake was the main death in this episode, Cooper also bought it trying to fight off the infected. I’ll admit that I did expect Crazy Dog, Ofelia or Alicia to potentially not make it in the scene where they find themselves surrounded. It was done in a way that you thought someone was going to die.
I also liked the conversation between Crazy Dog and Ofelia as well as Nick and Alicia. Now, sure we know that Madison is already on her way back with Walker. Those at the ranch, however, do not. Crazy Dog and Ofelia are naturally planning for the event that they never return. If that did happen, they discussed having Nick as the leader. Mainly because he doesn’t really have anyone to lead. This is a smart decision but it also shows that Crazy Dog and Ofelia don’t really trust anyone else at the Ranch. I also liked Alicia’s conversation with Nick. Perhaps Nick feels a connection to Troy because each is broken in their own way.
One other thing also happened last night that may have caught some people off guard…Nick dropped an F-Bomb. Apparently, AMC will now allow the “F-word” twice per season now for their shows. That’s right, so we can expect Negan in the coming season of The Walking Dead to drop an F-bomb or two. What did you think about last night’s episode? Be sure to let us know in the comments below and check back next week for our all-new review. Also, be sure to check out our review of the recently released Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
Verdict: Fear the Walking Dead delivered its best episode yet with “Brothers Keeper.” The episode did a magnificent job of building tension in an intense way. Many were also caught off guard by the unexpected death of Jake. Fear may be slowing down in ratings but season three has really been excellent so far.Â
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