Which brings us back to Morgan and Grace, Mo’s adoptive parents. If the apocalypse has taught us anything about families, they’re no longer nuclear, if you’ll forgive the pun. (Hell, even the Clarks and Manawas were a blended family, right?)
While it’s understandable that a beached nuclear sub doesn’t make for the most welcoming nursery, it sure beats braving the harsh elements beyond its walls. That is, until the group’s rations run dangerously low. Even if there’s baby formula to be found, it’s highly radioactive. So out into the wastelands the trio goes in search of something that may no longer exist—at least outside of Strand’s thriving enclave.
But that’s easier said than done. There’s a limit to how long someone can endure such high radiation levels—six hours, to be exact. This hasn’t stopped Grace from going out in search of supplies, though her motivation for doing so stems more from profound survivor’s guilt and the trauma of losing her baby, Athena. Little Mo wasn’t the answer to her prayers; indeed, what Grace wants is to die and leave her pain and misery behind. Why else would she tell Mo, “You didn’t ask to be here and neither did I”?
Kudos to Morgan for recognizing Grace’s unhappiness. He suffered a similar trauma himself after losing his wife and son early on in the apocalypse. He understands the sort of despair that’s darkening her brow and burdening her broken heart. So he’s come up with a plan: a road trip of sorts, in a modded Mad Max-style ride, no less. And who doesn’t like a road trip?
I have to admit, I like the overall direction Fear the Walking Dead has taken this season with its hybrid end-of-world scenario. After six seasons, our heroes had become quite proficient zombie killers, robbing the undead of their bite, if you will. By layering in the more immediate (and invisible) threat of radiation poisoning, suddenly just venturing outside requires a whole other level of preparation and fortitude. Plus the muted, mustardy palette calls to mind the blighted future of Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049. (Interestingly enough, Lennie James has a small role in that movie.)
Still, this atmospheric, apocalyptic aesthetic isn’t enough to rescue a rather convoluted episode that’s rife with contrived perils. It’s no surprise that their car would break down, pitting Morgan’s ability to find a replacement part against that relentless six-hour countdown.