According to this article on EW.com, which has the first 2:36 of Sunday's episode, Ginny and her group are "The Pioneers". I've been wondering if we were going to get an official name for them, so it's nice to get it.
Fear the Walking Dead - Season 5 discussion and spoilers.
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This last episode was watched by 1.31 million, second lowest in series history. Still a decent number for cable and in line with other AMC shows. The show is already renewed for next season, but they need to figure out how to stop the viewer bleeding. This half season also seems to be the least liked so far based on IMDb ratings - not a great sign.
Fear the Walking Dead
Season 5 / Episode 15 - "Channel 5"
Morgan / Grace: You would think Morgan--knowing how "precious all life is" would tell Grace what he's feeling. He's well aware she was seriously ill, so expressing his feelings is a more personal way of putting his philosophy into action--emotional cost included. Ah, but Grace prevented him from letting it all out, rationalizing that it will make things more difficult. Oh well. At least they are now aware of their feelings, even they're not saying it.
John / June: So, June selected the direction (before John's old west gulch location), and does not really know how to treat Grace. The others rely on her to the degree that she--in theory could or should take the blame if the worst happens...and the teaser promises that. Then there's the "hope" angle of marriage: it is hard to imagine the WD showrunners will subvert expectations to actually allow that to go through without a hitch/tragedy.
Virginia and the Gang: Taking the heroes' idea of video invitations--smart lure. The WD franchise had not created a group using that tactic since Terminus with their signs and radio broadcasts.
Not entirely sold on Virginia as a full-on threat, but she's certainly growing as an asshole begging everyone to paint a target on her back.
Althea / Tom: Enough is enough. It was completely unrealistic for newcomer Tom to be so invested in "getting the story" that he gets himself killed. Yes, the showrunners clearly love making videographers (and by extension journalists) heroic figures, but its a sales job that's not working, as no one in a world overrun by zombies and predatory humans would think "getting the story" is prioritized over basic survival.
..and what about Janice? She has her issues with Virginia, but her brother is dead because he bought the Morgan/Althea pitch. She cannot be so forgiving--not so soon.
Alicia / Strand: Alicia...well, she's investing in hope through her art...possibly romance with Wes. We will see where that goes.
Strand....he's Mr. Negative in this episode, and is still trying his negotiating ways with Virginia, but I hope the series does not do something stupid, like have him betray his allies in order to make a deal (after they try to take the old west resort)--or just take care of himself. The plot is almost leaning in that direction...
Dwight: After the Negan experience, his wanting nothing to do with another group promising a future and security is the most sensible reaction from the heroes. Consistent.
NOTES: Next week is the season finale.
So, the teaser has the group trying to take the old west resort/town. While the reveal was kind of shocking, I thought it would be easy to lead the heard out of one opening, bottlenecking them into a kill zone. That is, if there's not entire walls torn down...
GRADE: C+
Season 5 / Episode 15 - "Channel 5"
Morgan / Grace: You would think Morgan--knowing how "precious all life is" would tell Grace what he's feeling. He's well aware she was seriously ill, so expressing his feelings is a more personal way of putting his philosophy into action--emotional cost included. Ah, but Grace prevented him from letting it all out, rationalizing that it will make things more difficult. Oh well. At least they are now aware of their feelings, even they're not saying it.
John / June: So, June selected the direction (before John's old west gulch location), and does not really know how to treat Grace. The others rely on her to the degree that she--in theory could or should take the blame if the worst happens...and the teaser promises that. Then there's the "hope" angle of marriage: it is hard to imagine the WD showrunners will subvert expectations to actually allow that to go through without a hitch/tragedy.
Virginia and the Gang: Taking the heroes' idea of video invitations--smart lure. The WD franchise had not created a group using that tactic since Terminus with their signs and radio broadcasts.
Not entirely sold on Virginia as a full-on threat, but she's certainly growing as an asshole begging everyone to paint a target on her back.
Althea / Tom: Enough is enough. It was completely unrealistic for newcomer Tom to be so invested in "getting the story" that he gets himself killed. Yes, the showrunners clearly love making videographers (and by extension journalists) heroic figures, but its a sales job that's not working, as no one in a world overrun by zombies and predatory humans would think "getting the story" is prioritized over basic survival.
..and what about Janice? She has her issues with Virginia, but her brother is dead because he bought the Morgan/Althea pitch. She cannot be so forgiving--not so soon.
Alicia / Strand: Alicia...well, she's investing in hope through her art...possibly romance with Wes. We will see where that goes.
Strand....he's Mr. Negative in this episode, and is still trying his negotiating ways with Virginia, but I hope the series does not do something stupid, like have him betray his allies in order to make a deal (after they try to take the old west resort)--or just take care of himself. The plot is almost leaning in that direction...
Dwight: After the Negan experience, his wanting nothing to do with another group promising a future and security is the most sensible reaction from the heroes. Consistent.
NOTES: Next week is the season finale.
So, the teaser has the group trying to take the old west resort/town. While the reveal was kind of shocking, I thought it would be easy to lead the heard out of one opening, bottlenecking them into a kill zone. That is, if there's not entire walls torn down...
GRADE: C+
At this point, this series is going to end with showing someone watching the show, turning it off and going to bed.
I don't know about the IMDB reviewers but I hate the camera POV episodes. Not only is it boring but it really exposes the artifice of the craft where I feel I'm just watching an actor recites some hastily written bullshit. Not that that isn't reality but I don't want to feel that while I'm watching, I want to lose myself in the moment.
The camera "getting the story" subplot was forced and a bad fit from the start, but as I've said, the showrunners seem to want to glorify videographers/journalists by how much people--desperate to survive in a zombie apocalypse--put up with someone shoving a camera in their face and practically demanding personal answers. The showrunners do know no one in reality would tolerate that, so they tried to "badass" Althea up by giving her the S.W.A.T. van--essentially making her valuable so the other would need to subject themselves to her camera.
Further, in this recent episode, we get Tom suddenly all on board the "getting the story" crusade, when he barely knew any of the heroes--and he was also willing to stand on a bridge being shot at by Virginia's gang. Really? In other words, "my...aren't reporters the most brave, heroic people of all?" BS, and that cannot be a continuing theme into the next season, but it will be, as the showrunners have their agendas and if I were a betting man, I would lay cash down on this series ultimately ending with a stream of videos dating back to the interviews with Madison, and anyone else who dies along the way.
Clichéd, but its a possibility.
One of the reasons the two-person episodes have been the best in a long time...especially if there's no video camera around.
Ugh, another found footage episode. I don't care for found footage movies that much, and it was bad enough when this show already one found footage episode, but another a little over a month later? You know a show has problems when I actually find the commercial breaks more thrilling. And then, they finish the found footage aspect with close to twenty minutes left of the episode, though that just turns into a drawn out march to the promised land type affair only to discover the promised land ain't salvation after all. Then the episode ends on a somewhat interesting note with Morgan and gang relenting and agreeing to join up with Ginny and her Pioneers.
And although the ending was the episode's high point, getting back to a comment I made a few weeks ago, it's basically undoing the show's message for this season. Flawed as it is, they seemed to be spending the entire season sending the message about the importance of helping out and doing the right thing, even in circumstances where it's not practical to do so. And then, here we are where after hammering the point home for fifteen episodes, our heroes end up in a situation where their ways have completely screwed them over, and now they have to turn to Negan-lite and her gang for basic survival. I mean, yes, I've been critical of the show's cast turning into a Zombie Apocalypse Peace Corps and how that's not a practical option, but to have the show commit to that route and then have it blow up in everyone's faces, what exactly is the message they are trying to send? That the hopeless optimism expressed throughout the season was indeed as misplaced as we've all been saying? This just makes Morgan and the others look like fools with their heads in the clouds and doesn't really inspire confidence in them at all.
So I see Tom's sister turns out to be the woman saved at the truck stop a few weeks back. Got to say, I'm more convinced then ever that she is indeed a mole for Ginny. I know she's been speaking out against Ginny, but I'm not convinced that's not an act to deflect everyone from her true intentions, though I'll accept I could just be projecting for the sake of my theory. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Janice contacted Ginny to alert her of the Convoy's travel plans, leading to the Pioneers sabotaging the bridge.
And it sure is convenient in a found footage episode that there's always a camera on hand for everything that happens, even little personal moments. Okay, fine, that's part of the aims of this new documentary, misguided as that is, but what about when the truck was stuck on the bridge? Why did both cameras stay on the rear side of the convoy? I mean, even with the desire to capture the drama of the rear guard needing to make it across, should the other camera have been kept at the front, on the safe side of the bridge? After all, that way there they're guaranteeing some of The Story survives. If the bridge crashed while both cameras were on the wrong side, those able to make it to their new home have no way of telling their story and are completely cut off from all the footage recorded for this current documentary. Both of which are apparent priorities for the Convoy.
Wow, Wes sure made a 180 in his outlook. Gone from having a bleak outlook on the world and not buying the optimistic ideals Alicia and Strand tried to pedal about the Convoy and their mission to suddenly pitching in and helping rescue people on their behalf to now potentially developing a romance with Alicia. The damndest thing is, I actually don't object to a romance between the two of them per se, but I would have preferred something resembling a natural build-up to it at least. Oh well, it's a story development that has potential, at least.
And although the ending was the episode's high point, getting back to a comment I made a few weeks ago, it's basically undoing the show's message for this season. Flawed as it is, they seemed to be spending the entire season sending the message about the importance of helping out and doing the right thing, even in circumstances where it's not practical to do so. And then, here we are where after hammering the point home for fifteen episodes, our heroes end up in a situation where their ways have completely screwed them over, and now they have to turn to Negan-lite and her gang for basic survival. I mean, yes, I've been critical of the show's cast turning into a Zombie Apocalypse Peace Corps and how that's not a practical option, but to have the show commit to that route and then have it blow up in everyone's faces, what exactly is the message they are trying to send? That the hopeless optimism expressed throughout the season was indeed as misplaced as we've all been saying? This just makes Morgan and the others look like fools with their heads in the clouds and doesn't really inspire confidence in them at all.
So I see Tom's sister turns out to be the woman saved at the truck stop a few weeks back. Got to say, I'm more convinced then ever that she is indeed a mole for Ginny. I know she's been speaking out against Ginny, but I'm not convinced that's not an act to deflect everyone from her true intentions, though I'll accept I could just be projecting for the sake of my theory. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Janice contacted Ginny to alert her of the Convoy's travel plans, leading to the Pioneers sabotaging the bridge.
And it sure is convenient in a found footage episode that there's always a camera on hand for everything that happens, even little personal moments. Okay, fine, that's part of the aims of this new documentary, misguided as that is, but what about when the truck was stuck on the bridge? Why did both cameras stay on the rear side of the convoy? I mean, even with the desire to capture the drama of the rear guard needing to make it across, should the other camera have been kept at the front, on the safe side of the bridge? After all, that way there they're guaranteeing some of The Story survives. If the bridge crashed while both cameras were on the wrong side, those able to make it to their new home have no way of telling their story and are completely cut off from all the footage recorded for this current documentary. Both of which are apparent priorities for the Convoy.
Wow, Wes sure made a 180 in his outlook. Gone from having a bleak outlook on the world and not buying the optimistic ideals Alicia and Strand tried to pedal about the Convoy and their mission to suddenly pitching in and helping rescue people on their behalf to now potentially developing a romance with Alicia. The damndest thing is, I actually don't object to a romance between the two of them per se, but I would have preferred something resembling a natural build-up to it at least. Oh well, it's a story development that has potential, at least.
The issue with this is that those who deserve te blame for chasing hollow dreams--Morgan and June--are not (at present) taking the blame for stretching out the hopes and resources of the group. Somehow, some way, the rest just seem to think misfortune grows up around them like weeds instead of their "leaders" repeatedly leading them into harm's way.
Ah, but the showrunners are fueled by sociopolitical agendas, so the heroes will go through bad times, only to have the peacenik routine win out over impossible odds. That way, Morgan or someone else gets to make some "inspirational" speech before the last act of a season--or series. There's no way they will have the group return to the murderous mindset adopted by 70% of Madison's era of the show.
I agree--she's less than emotional about her brother's death and says just the right things to keep the group pushing forward, like lambs being led to the slaughter.
Its showrunner BS. Who would put up with able-bodied people not helping in a critical situation? For most of that scene, it appeared Wes was the only one really trying to repaid the bridge.
...until one of them is killed off.
Wow 4.6/10 on IMDB. It's approaching GOT final episode level of fan revolt... though I was OK with that episode so maybe I won't hate this one? Still, it sometimes takes a little effort to force myself to watch this show these days... and with these reviews on top of everything... ugh. Still, I must at least finish the season.
Which reminds me, I remember taking issue with the third season when Madison and Nick began becoming as bad as the crazy ranchers. But damn it, at least that was rooted in better logic than this whole "we're not doing smart, we're doing right" kick the show is on now.
Well, there's a cheerful thought. But likely, yeah.
Kinda catching up, so please excuse the responses that might not go to the right people, or just random.
But Trek God, in last week's episode, thought the singing was induglent....for me, maybe for Ruben Blades. His voice didn't sound so great...but Karen David was amazing...and if that was her really playing the guitar...wow! i would love to see her in a lead role where she plays a hopeful positive person. I have really grown to like her character, and will be sad when she goes (which seems inevitable).
I actually LIKE the video segments...since they aren't doing flashbacks, this would be a logical way to create backstory narration.Not so sure about the battery situation, but i actually like the concept of dueling videos (could be a great metaphor for today's politics.
i'm don't think Tom's sister is a plant....that just seems too well thought out (outside the story)/convenient (in story) that i don't think the showrunners set that up like that. I think she will just be an expendable character that came and will go just as fast.
ANd with Tom... were they being shot at? Or was it the bridge snapping? Either way, he was being a fool just hanging around... i can see why Ginny thought he was expendable (kinda proving her point). And i thought everyone else was transporting fuel and supplies, so Wes was the only availble to try to fix the bridge.
Now how many showrunners has the show had? It feels like every season, the writers try to fix problems from the previous season, and then trying something new, which it will turn out isn't a sustainable story. That's really my problem with Fear. Without a comic, it's a wide open book...but it would have helped having some kind of story arc they could still flex with.
Now, over the past couple of years, they have given us some really likeable characters (especially John & Grace)...but this just feels like a mess. Hope they have some kind of Endgame to the show... like leading into Rick's movies....which would be perfect for Morgan to come in and save Rick...and come full circle in helping help regain his family/community (again).
Anyone know if there is a map of Ginny' empire? My fanthought would be for a stable civilization that stretches from the North, like the Dakotas down to Texas (to a refinery), and would be the basis for a "happy ending" for TWD.
I am guessing the season finale will have Dwight reunited with Sherry, and maybe "forced" to join her in order to stay with SHerry. We shall see... here's hoping the finale will tease some greater, planned out storylines
But Trek God, in last week's episode, thought the singing was induglent....for me, maybe for Ruben Blades. His voice didn't sound so great...but Karen David was amazing...and if that was her really playing the guitar...wow! i would love to see her in a lead role where she plays a hopeful positive person. I have really grown to like her character, and will be sad when she goes (which seems inevitable).
I actually LIKE the video segments...since they aren't doing flashbacks, this would be a logical way to create backstory narration.Not so sure about the battery situation, but i actually like the concept of dueling videos (could be a great metaphor for today's politics.
i'm don't think Tom's sister is a plant....that just seems too well thought out (outside the story)/convenient (in story) that i don't think the showrunners set that up like that. I think she will just be an expendable character that came and will go just as fast.
ANd with Tom... were they being shot at? Or was it the bridge snapping? Either way, he was being a fool just hanging around... i can see why Ginny thought he was expendable (kinda proving her point). And i thought everyone else was transporting fuel and supplies, so Wes was the only availble to try to fix the bridge.
Now how many showrunners has the show had? It feels like every season, the writers try to fix problems from the previous season, and then trying something new, which it will turn out isn't a sustainable story. That's really my problem with Fear. Without a comic, it's a wide open book...but it would have helped having some kind of story arc they could still flex with.
Now, over the past couple of years, they have given us some really likeable characters (especially John & Grace)...but this just feels like a mess. Hope they have some kind of Endgame to the show... like leading into Rick's movies....which would be perfect for Morgan to come in and save Rick...and come full circle in helping help regain his family/community (again).
Anyone know if there is a map of Ginny' empire? My fanthought would be for a stable civilization that stretches from the North, like the Dakotas down to Texas (to a refinery), and would be the basis for a "happy ending" for TWD.
I am guessing the season finale will have Dwight reunited with Sherry, and maybe "forced" to join her in order to stay with SHerry. We shall see... here's hoping the finale will tease some greater, planned out storylines
Three. Dave Erickson for the first three seasons, Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg took over as co-showrunners in season 4.
Well, Tom is toast. But I didn't really expect him to last long with Ginny-baby around.
Grace is still alive, however, and my speculation that she's not really dying of radiation-induced cancer gained a little traction with June's foreshadowing comment: "Could be cancer. Could be something else." She's probably got a kidney stone. She's got the same symptoms I had when I used to get kidney stones.
I thought going to Humbug Gulch was a great idea-- I'd love to see them spend a whole season, at least, in an Old West town. That would make for a unique Zombie Apocalypse show. When their reaction shots portended disaster, I was afraid that Ginny's minions had burned the place down or something. But it was only full of Zombies. You'd think that this deep into the ZA people would be used to Zombie infestations. Come on, pardners, just open one of the gates and lure them all out. Then close the gate. Also kill as many as you can. Actually, from the look of things, that's exactly what's going to happen. And I really hope that Ginny doesn't survive the season finale.
Grace is still alive, however, and my speculation that she's not really dying of radiation-induced cancer gained a little traction with June's foreshadowing comment: "Could be cancer. Could be something else." She's probably got a kidney stone. She's got the same symptoms I had when I used to get kidney stones.
I thought going to Humbug Gulch was a great idea-- I'd love to see them spend a whole season, at least, in an Old West town. That would make for a unique Zombie Apocalypse show. When their reaction shots portended disaster, I was afraid that Ginny's minions had burned the place down or something. But it was only full of Zombies. You'd think that this deep into the ZA people would be used to Zombie infestations. Come on, pardners, just open one of the gates and lure them all out. Then close the gate. Also kill as many as you can. Actually, from the look of things, that's exactly what's going to happen. And I really hope that Ginny doesn't survive the season finale.
That's the thing--a sudden musical moment seemed forced on behalf of the performers, similar to a good number of Emily Kinney's singing spots on The Walking Dead--more about showcasing the actresses' singing than being a natural part of the plot.
The problem is that its not only impractical, but in a survival situation like the zombie apocalypse, no one would put up with a camera shoved in their face, or not doing their part when there's work to di because they have to "get the story".
The that would make her a bigger waste of screen time, since the Tom angle was built on his search for Janice.
I would like to see Dwight's arc end on a positive note, but TWD TV universe being TWD TV universe, I can see Sherry being corrupt, abused, or turn against Dwight in one way or another.
Well, she was exposed to radiation, and bears the same skin disorders as Alicia--who was splattered with blood from the radiation-tainted Walkers, so its not reaching to think she is suffering from radiation sickness.
I suggested they open one area (provided the rest of the fencing is stable) and bottleneck the Walkers into a kill zone, but this group of heroes is not--at present--thinking like functional adults.
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