So Close, Yet So Far

I feel like what frustrates Walking Dead fans about this show is that we've been watching TWD for years already before this releases. I'm rewatching both series - a much older person now - and I see it all differently than I did before. If this show had come out pre TWD - it would have been received better. But what happened is we had fairly high quality TV with TWD for five seasons and then this releases. The focus on this family was honestly done poorly. You don't get attached to anyone right away. I have to keep reminding myself this is normal life and normal people and they have no idea what is to come. But as someone who has been watching TWD - you just scream at the their "idiocy". Which isn't really idiocy - because we never saw the true beginnings of the epidemic in TWD. So this just all feels annoying. I never made it past second season originally, so we will see how I feel after a few more seasons under my belt.

As a colossal fan of The Walking Dead, I had keen interest and anticipation for Fear The Walking Dead as it was my understanding that we'd get to see more of how the outbreak begins and possibly even get some answers as to what exactly it is. Two episodes out of six completed for this season, and I'm stunned as to how stale this show is. Nothing exciting has happened thus far, the acting is truly woeful from everyone apart from the guy who's supposed to be coming off a heroin addiction, and 75% of these episodes are either people arguing with each other, establishing shots of the city, or musical scenes where characters sit around doing nothing. Let's get this out of the way...there's really no gore in FTWD. Everything is off camera. Why? Shouldn't a show with much less substance be even more gratuitous as compensation? So in essence there's nothing. It's painfully clear these writers have nothing to do with the original show, and have zero idea as to why it is popular. Case in point, when everything is going to hell in the city, all we as the audience gets is the ability to HEAR what's happening on the street directly outside. Has nobody in this production team heard that shows are also a visual language, and that is what sticks with people? Thus, we've waited for FTWD because we'll get to see what happened while Rick was in a coma, only we don't get to see it. To summarize, I sure hope this show makes a strong comeback in the final 4 episodes. As it stands right now, Fear The Walking Dead is looking like a shameless, cheap, as little effort as possible cash grab by AMC because of the demand The Walking Dead franchise has right now. I'll take Season 2 on the farm over this any day.

Fleeing the site of their run-in with Calvin, Travis, Madison and Nick speed home in the truck. They hurriedly decide they should evacuate to the desert. They pick Alicia up at Matt's house, her boyfriend, who has a high fever and a large bite on his neck. After calling 911, Alicia's convinced to come home. Shortly after arriving, Nick goes through withdrawal and Madison goes to the school to find pills to help Nick's symptoms. She encounters Tobias who helps her find supplies and kill a now zombified principal Art before dropping him off home and getting the pills to Nick.

Chris boards a busy city bus that runs into traffic and encounters a mob, who are shouting at police for shooting a homeless man. He is found by Travis and Liza while the mob turns violent and, in midst of the chaos, the trio find shelter in Daniel Salazar's barbershop, who's convinced at the insistence of the man's wife Griselda and daughter Ofelia to take them in. Travis and Daniel's families wait out the night as the power begins to fail.

The second episode of Fear the Walking Dead, titled "So Close, Yet So Far," continues to unravel the fabric of normalcy as the characters grapple with the escalating chaos. Set in Los Angeles, the episode follows Madison and Travis as they strive to protect their families amidst the growing uncertainty.

The narrative delves deeper into the emotional turmoil faced by the characters, particularly Madison's son, Nick, whose struggles with addiction are exacerbated by the apocalyptic events unfolding around him. This conflict is highlighted in a poignant scene where Madison confronts Nick, showcasing the profound impact of the crisis on familial relationships.

In addition to the personal struggles, "So Close, Yet So Far" also explores broader themes such as the fragility of society and the primal instincts that emerge in times of crisis. The introduction of Strand adds a layer of mystery, hinting at the complexities of human nature in the face of disaster.

Thematically, the episode delves into the breakdown of social norms and the stark realities of survival. It raises questions about morality, compassion, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. As the characters navigate this new world, the episode sets a tense and gripping tone for the season ahead.

In Los Angeles, Alicia goes to Matt's house and finds that he is sick. Soon Madison, Travis and Nick arrive and ask her to leave Matt and they go home. Nick has a crisis due to the withdrawal and Madison goes to the school trying to find some medicine to calm him down. In the school, she meets Tobias and gives his knife back. When she sees Principal Artie, Tobias asks her to run but Madison decides to talk to him and finds that he is a zombie. Meanwhile Travis drives to the house of his ex-wife Liza and convinces her to seek Chris out. They find him in the middle of a riot and they seek shelter in a house of a stranger.

"So Close, Yet So Far" is a good episode specially the segment with Madison. Travis and his family is kind of pointless and boring, but Madison makes worth watching this show. Now the zombie epidemic has begun and the series is promising. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "So Close, Yet So Far"

I mean... at least show you care.

The mom is just so relaxed as if it is not urgent at all. Sometimes she just wonders around.

She can't even handle her house and she just say "we will get you help" She is NOT helping at all.

Even her student is smarter and quicker than her.

I really wonder how they will survive this.

The father is not even better.

I think people are not really rushing the show.

It is more like they don't show how urgent it is but keep saying we gotta go.

Also there are so many things not practical.

I mean if the father already knows the virus affects people why would he not save life essentials?