A zombie show derived from another zombie show that was derived from a comic book? How could this possibly be good? This question was swiftly answered by an hour with the cast and creators at Paleyfest 2016.
The event kicked off with a clip of the final scene of the season 1 finale, catching us up on the emotional note where we left off with Travis having killed Liza. The audience was then treated to two exclusive sneak peeks from the season two premiere that sent adrenaline coursing through the veins of even a newcomer to the show like myself.
Although we were still engrossed in the suspenseful scenes, as the cast stepped onto the stage one by one, they were greeted with the audience’s full attention and enthusiasm.
Throughout the panel, moderator Bob Moynihan asked a range of questions from the technicalities of filming on a boat to the writing challenges of separating this show from its companion The Walking Dead to the inner struggles of individual characters. The thoughtful insights about characters and stories delivered by each member of Fear the Walking Dead were punctuated with jokes and funny moments that sent the audience into uproarious laughter multiple times.
It was made abundantly clear that the passion the fans have for this new show is shared by its cast and creators. They poked fun at themselves for the supernatural storyline, talking about how fun it was to film with zombies. Yet at the same time deeply connected the audience to their characters. Not many people can relate to living with an impending zombie apocalypse, but the raw emotion evoked is something that is universally resonant.
Of course, season 2 could not be completely divulged to us. However, besides the sneak peeks, we were given hints of questions that might be answered. The tangled web of characters, some of whom are family, some not, will face new tests both with each other and the apocalyptic world they live in. To put it simply in the words of Rubén Blade, “Season one was about discovery. Season two is about reaction.”
Fans: stay tuned and brace yourselves for what promises to be a phenomenal season. Non-viewers: start binging. There’s a reason why the fans are so invested. Catch the season two premiere Sunday, April 10th.
By Arielle Goldberg
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