Fear The Walking Dead Season 3 Premiere: Cautiously Optimistic About The Future

I wanted to jot down my notes on the two hour premiere of "Fear The Walking Dead" before viewing anything else (for fear my positive feelings might be diminished). "FTWD" and it's parent "The Walking Dead" typically have action packed premieres and finales. It's the episodes in between that lead to disillusionment. I almost gave up on both shows last year due to their slow pace (and lack of zombies). We're talking about the zombie apocalypse for Christ's sake. You should at least have some zombies. I'm feeling better about "Fear" this time around though. If it can keep up the momentum, the show might just earn back some of it's fleeing fan base.

When we last saw our intrepid band of survivors, Nick and girlfriend Luciana had made it to the US/Mexico border with a number of others from La Colonia. Remember the community was overrun by a drug gang and Alejandro sacrificed himself to wipe out as many baddies as possible. Madison, Travis and Alicia were also picked up and coincidentally ended up in the same place. The soldiers (well they're more like a militia) are experimenting on people to see how long it takes them to turn. After inquiring into Travis' ethnicity, they plan to kill him, Nick and a badly injured Luciana.

Luckily Nick and Luciana escape into the drainage system (only to be stopped by a swarm of zombies). Travis is captured and thrown into a pit with lots of walkers. Surprisingly he makes short order of them. Madison meanwhile stabs her captor Troy in the eye with a spoon. She demands safe passage or he loses an eye. Wow, both Maddy and Travis have FINALLY decided to stop playing around. They have also acquired some mad ZA skills.

As walkers invade the camp everyone (except for the red coats of course) evacuate. Travis and Alicia escape in a helicopter with Troy's brother Jake. Madison, Nick and Luciana leave in a car. We think all will go well UNTIL someone shoots at the helicopter.

Travis is mortally wounded. He throws himself from the chopper in order not to infect the others. Alicia is in shock as is the audience. I definitely didnt see that coming. Did Cliff Curtis have another acting gig? [Side note: I looked it up and he's apparently doing the "Avatar" sequel.] Otherwise, why kill off Travis just when he's getting interesting? Also the number of the actors of color on this show is diminishing quickly. The entire Manawa family is now gone-- ex wife Eliza, son Chris and Travis. "FTWD" writers, you're on notice. Don't even though about offing Strand or we riot.

Anywho, everyone eventually makes it a fortified Broke Jaw Ranch owned by Jeremiah Otto. His sons are Troy (alias "Spoon Eye") and Jake. Troy has always been a bad seed. They need to keep a tighter leash on that dude.

Madison tells Alicia and Nick her secret plan. They will stay at the ranch and "take what they need". I dont think Jeremiah will just roll over. He's secretly a tough old bird. And is it just me or did Madison not seem particularly distraught over the loss of her husband? I love ya Kim Dickens but I wasnt feeling it.

In other news we flash back to the hotel. Strand is still there and pretending to be a doctor. He somehow delivers a baby. He also visits Mrs Stowe. Remember her from the wedding party? Strand has the bright idea to open the door to her balcony. Uh, you really shouldnt have done that. The mother of the bride takes a swan dive off the balcony. Oh well. Mama Luther (ie Brenda Strong) is needed back on "SuperGirl" anyway. Strand sneaks away and jumps into a fine sports car. Let's hope he doesnt run into any walkers and mess up that nice paint job.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). I am both shocked and saddened by the loss of Travis. Will his death bring the other family members closer together? And how much longer before they team back up with Strand (whom we saw briefly) and Ofelia (whom we didnt see at all) again. We know Jeremiah captured her last season. Speaking of the Salazaars, word on the street is Ofelia's father Daniel did NOT die in that fire and will return this year. Good! These people need some serious help.

While the premiere is one of the best in the series, I'm still cautiously optimistic. I've been burned by "FTWD" before. Time will tell if the episodes between the premiere and finale can keep us entertained and coming back for more.