Fear the Walking Dead: Monster (2016)
Season 2, Episode 1
6/10
"Monster" sets a compelling tone for the second season of "Fear the Walking Dead," expanding the narrative scope and exploring new thematic territories
10 April 2024
As the group flee the beach to the Abigail, LA is napalmed by the military as the Infected swarm the coast. On course to San Diego, the group finds a skiff with people onboard but Strand refuses to save the skiff. During the trip, Alicia manages to get someone on the radio and talks a bot named Jack, Chris is still angry and grief stricken that Travis shot Liza despite holding a burial at sea for her, and Daniel begins to question Strand's motives. Later, the group comes across a wrecked boat that they recognize as the skiff they passed. Travis and Nick manage to retrieve the ship's log. They leave as another ship appears on the radar that they deduce is coming for them next.

"Fear the Walking Dead" Season 2 opens with the episode "Monster," which immediately thrusts the audience into the midst of chaos as our group of survivors seeks refuge from the undead apocalypse on Victor Strand's yacht, Abigail. This setting shift from land to sea offers a fresh perspective on the apocalypse, juxtaposing the vastness of the ocean with the confinement of the yacht. As they navigate away from the burning ruins of Los Angeles, the episode skillfully blends the horror of the undead with the psychological tensions of a group trying to maintain humanity in the face of desperation and fear. "Monster" excels in showcasing the immediate challenges of survival, including dealing with the dead, scarcity of resources, and the complexities of group dynamics in close quarters.

The episode is notable for its exploration of moral ambiguity and the concept of isolation. The survivors encounter another boat in distress, leading to a significant moral debate: should they attempt a rescue and risk their own safety, or continue their journey and preserve their resources? This dilemma highlights the series' ongoing exploration of the thin line between survival and humanity. Additionally, the episode delves into the psychological impact of the apocalypse on individuals, particularly focusing on Madison's protective instincts towards her children, Nick's adaptability and growing competence in this new world, and Strand's mysterious motivations and plans. The cinematography effectively captures the claustrophobia and isolation of being at sea, contrasting the expansive but treacherous freedom of the ocean with the characters' internal struggles.

In conclusion, "Monster" sets a compelling tone for the second season of "Fear the Walking Dead," expanding the narrative scope and exploring new thematic territories. The episode raises poignant questions about survival ethics, leadership, and the psychological toll of the apocalypse. It establishes a tense atmosphere of uncertainty and claustrophobia, promising a season that will further test the limits of its characters' morality and humanity. The introduction of the maritime setting not only refreshes the series' aesthetic but also symbolizes the vast, uncharted territory of challenges and moral dilemmas the survivors will face. "Monster" successfully navigates these complex themes while setting the stage for a season of high stakes, intense character development, and the relentless pursuit of sanctuary in a world gone mad.
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