Fear The Walking Dead Season 3 Episode 12 Review: Troy Is The Reason We Can't Have Nice Things

The Broke Jaw Ranch residents (which now includes the ranchers and the Black Hat tribe) are in a bad spot. They're running out of water. Digging a well didnt work. Madison and Walker have gone for help (and picked up Strand and Daniel along the way). If the situation wasnt bad enough, Troy shows up again. Remember he was exiled two weeks ago. He sneaks back to the ranch at night and tells Nick there is something Biblical, evolutionary and Darwinian coming. I dont remember the exact phrases since I dont pay much attention to the little psychopath.

To have survived the zombie apocalypse (thus far), these people have poor decision making skills (especially the Clark family). Sadly, the only way to stop a crazy like Troy is a quick bullet to the head. Mercy is a disadvantage during the ZA. Too bad no one (including Nick and Madison) have the balls to do what is required. Nick seems to find Troy a kindred damaged spirit. And Madison, I have no idea why she hasnt killed him. She does coddle Nick so maybe Troy falls into the same category. Now it's time to face the consequences and their inaction.

Troy is leading a horde of "the infected" (in "FTWD" parlance) straight for the ranch. He plans to kill everyone including his brother. He directs the group by shooting in the direction they wants them to go. Zombies LOVE loud sounds.

Nick and Jake ride out stop Troy. There's a fight. Jake threatens to shoot Troy but is too weak to do it. Nick throws Jake down a bank. A walker bites Jake. Nick chops off his arm and then tries to drive back to the ranch. Too late. Jake turns into a walker. Troy kills him with a sharp knife to the head. Not sure why Troy is being all sentimental. He wants everyone dead. I yell to Nick to kill Troy NOW. Of course, he doesnt hear me... cause he's on TV and I'm not.

Meanwhile the Broke Jaw crew is trying to secure the ranch by arming themselves and parking RVs really close to each other. Seriously? How long do you think that's going to work? Again with the poor decisions. Why doesn't Nick just shoot from the top of a hill and lure the infected AWAY from the ranch? Why didnt Nick tell them about the blood trick? If all the residents covered themselves in blood they would be fine for a while.

The survivors run for the pantry (which is an underground bunker). It looked for a minute like Alicia or Ofelia or Crazy Dog might die. Nope, safe at least till next week. They're trapped though unless Nick does something.

In other news, let's take a moment to recognize that Alicia has really grown as a character and a fighter. She's sharp like her mother and tries to play a long game. Was she using Jake? Maybe. Or maybe the situation just benefited them both. I'm can't say she was madly in love with the dude but who knows. Ofelia has also turned into quite the ass kicker. More action scenes with the two of them please. And please reunite Ofelia and Daniel soon.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). A very good episode with some much needed zombie action. This might be the best one of the season. I just hope they didnt blow their season's budget for walkers. There are 3 episodes left this year so we need some more in the finale. While I am very frustrated with Troy, I understand they need him to generate drama. He still sucks though!