The episode opens up on waves crashing onto a beach bringing in floaters; a different name for a different kind of walker. The walkers use the tide and current of the water to wash up on shore making them even more threatening and an unstoppable force. Two carefree children appear on the beach and begin to play and ignore their surroundings; so it appears. As the walkers creep up upon the kids; it feels like these walkers are going to have a snack, but the walkers hit a fence and it quickly shows the kids were actually never in danger. The kids bring over artwork to place in front of the walkers at the fence and they are unfazed by their presence.
Back on the Abigail (their yacht) Strand is keeping his eyes on the the sonar and monitors and Madison is scolding Nick for risking his life and swimming over to the other boat. She was worried for his safety and Travis’s as well but Nick tells her he heard something and wanted to help. He asks his mom if they are still trying to help people (they did leave a raft of people behind) and Madison assures him yes but people they can see. Travis interrupts their bickering to explain that he found something in the log book Nick found and it’s not good.
They take the Log book up to show Strand what they found; the new information that’s been brought to light. San Diego is dead, it’s gone; burned. The military burned it down in efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Strand isn’t believing it but everyone else is. He is more worried about what’s following them and what took down that other boat. He knows the other vessel is following them and he believes it’s Alicia radio crush and makes a remark about not talking to strangers. Strand wants to hide and stick to the coast so they can loose them. Strand sees a cove nearby where they can hide but Travis sees a wildlife refuge and ranger station and suggests to go there instead. He explains their will be a radio and supplies and it’ll be more beneficial for them to go there and hide out. Strand agrees with the others and they head to Catrina Island.
Travis let’s Chris know their plan and seems optimistic that it’ll work out but he is reluctant towards his dad. As they make their way to the island one of the houses lights flash on quickly and then again, alerting our group to that location. As they dock, Strand tells the group that he’ll stay on the boat and watch to see if the other bigger vessels passes them by. Daniel, suspicious of him volunteers him and Ofelia to keep him company, not trusting him at all and still wants to keep a close eye on him.
Travis, Madison, Alicia, Chris and Nick go investigate the house that shined their lights. Travis calls out insuring the people in the house that they are to be trusted and just want information. He tells them they aren’t threats or sick but just needs help. A young boy appears out of the house, the boy from the beginning of the episode and we quickly learn his name is Harry. His dad yells for him to get back inside and apologizes and explains that they haven’t seen anyone (alive) in awhile. He tells them the light was an accident but Madison doesn’t believe it and Travis quickly breaks the tension by introducing himself to the strangers. We learn Travis’s last name is Manawa and the father of this family is named George. Travis mentions that the sea isn’t as safe as it appears and George says what makes you think this place is safe. Travis explains they just need to get their bearings and they’ll be on their way; there’s nothing to fear from us.
George offers Travis a beer and mentions he can have any book he wants in his library. George tells Travis that the military used napalm up and down the coast and that he’s been checking in with other ranger stations and it’s happened in every city; as far as he can tell. He names the cities he knows for sure; Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and San Diego all burned. They shut down the boarder both ways and the interior is no better then the coast. Last time George talked to the ranger in Joshua tree he said the petrified Forrest was gone. California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado all went dark, all gone. Half the country has gone dark and Travis’s optimism is dwindling.
Madison is helping George’s wife in the kitchen and she seems to be grilling Madison about what she did and if she enjoyed it. She mentions she used to be a MSW (youth social worker) and that she enjoyed it and did it before she met George. She asks Madison if she liked taking care of other peoples kids and Madison explained that she tried her best and gave it her all even when she thought she couldn’t. She asks if she taught other ages besides high school and Madison mentions she never got the chance. Madison says she liked when her kids were little and preferred it. Melissa’s oldest son comes into the kitchen suspicious of Madison and concerned about his mom. He seems very distant, uninviting and the vibes feel very strange.
As Seth and Harry get off the boat the group sees a walker approaching from the dock. They see that it’s Melissa, Seth and Harry’s mother and she has already turned. Ofelia asks her dad, Daniel to do something but he tells her that the kid has a rifle and he can handle it. Daniel is hiding the fact that it’s bothering him and he can’t look at what’s about to happen. Seth tells his brother to wave to the nice people so he doesn’t see him having to shoot his mom. It’s kind of homage to “look at the flowers” what Carol did for Lizzie when she had to put her down in the episode the grove in the walking dead. Which is a homage to “of mice and men” George and Lennie.
As Abigail sails away, our group watches in horror, having to see Seth put down his own mother and Alicia begs Chris not to look but he does anyway. You can see the guilt on Travis and Madison’s faces. Everyone feels horrible about what just happened especially Daniel, maybe he has a soft side after all.
After this weeks episode we know that the western portion of the country is infected and has been burned. We know the land and sea are just as dangerous and no where really is safe; danger lurks everywhere. Not everything appears what it seems. This virus hit hard and spread quickly. The other boat is still out there and looking for them. Strand is talking to a mysterious person, who could it be? Next weeks episode looks like an intense thrill ride! If you watched the mini series Flight 462; you’ll be seeing a familiar face enter into the main show and hopefully become a series regular.
Tune in next week to find out!
