Exploring the Fear the Walking Dead Twist: Unraveling Troy's Fear & Unveiling Tracy's Identity

Summary

Troy's desire for retaliation against Madison is far more intricate than initially anticipated, as he holds her accountable for the demise of his daughter's mother. In the aftermath of the tanker explosion, Tracy, Troy's daughter, is currently absent, and her location remains a mystery.

Troy seeks revenge on Madison to secure a safe place for Tracy and the other children in his care. In a significant twist in Fear the Walking Dead season 8, episode 8 titled "Iron Tiger," Troy unveils the true motivation behind his fight against Madison. This revelation uncovers that Troy's group not only safeguards children but that he also has a daughter whom he has been caring for. This previously unseen character appears to hold a vital role in the second part of Fear the Walking Dead season 8.

Played by Daniel Sharman, Troy Otto takes center stage in the final arc of the spinoff. Despite his supposed death at the hands of Madison before the dam explosion in season 3, Troy reemerges with a deep grudge against Kim Dickens' character. Initially, it is easy to assume that Troy's revenge mission in Fear the Walking Dead stems from the events of season 3, particularly Madison's attempted murder and the loss of the ranch. However, the exchange between Troy and Madison in "Iron Tiger" reveals that his motivations are far more intricate. It appears that there are two other individuals involved, one of whom Madison may have killed.

For more information, refer to the Fear The Walking Dead Cast & Character Guide.

Tracy Explained - When Did Troy Have A Child In FTWD?

Following Charlie's death and the tanker explosion, Troy desperately called out for his daughter, Tracy. Although her age was not specified, considering the time that has passed in The Walking Dead universe, Troy could have fathered a child. His apparent demise occurred in season 3, just a few months after the onset of the zombie apocalypse. Assuming he met Tracy's mother after his disappearance in season 3, it is likely that she was born shortly thereafter.

Nevertheless, the current whereabouts of Tracy are uncertain. Charlie's reckless actions put Tracy's life in danger when she brought the tanker to Troy's compound. Towards the end of the episode "Iron Tiger," Troy was informed by one of the children that Tracy had shown interest in the truck and had approached it before the explosion. Although she could have been killed if she had been too close, her body was neither found nearby nor inside the tanker. Given that zombies arrived at the scene following the explosion, it is possible that their presence forced Tracy to flee, potentially explaining her absence and raising the possibility that Tracy may still be alive.

Who Tracy's Mother Could Have Been

In "Iron Tiger," Troy asserted that Tracy's mother saved him at the dam, giving him a "second chance." While no additional details were provided, events from season 3 may offer potential hints regarding her identity. If she was present at the dam when it collapsed, it is plausible that she belonged to Lola's group. In season 3, Daniel aligned himself with Lola, who led a Mexican community based at the dam. When the dam fell, it can be assumed that they were either scattered or perished. It is conceivable that one of them could have come across Troy and assisted him to safety.

Alternatively, it is possible that Tracy's mother was associated with Proctor John's faction. Proctor John, the antagonist who attempted to assume control of the dam from Lola in the last episodes of season 3, may have had one of his followers survive the explosion and take an injured Troy with her. Whatever her identity may be, it appears that she and Troy managed to survive the aftermath of the season 3 finale, spending an unspecified period together and eventually having at least one child, Tracy.

Why Troy Thinks Madison Killed Tracy's Mother Before FTWD Season 8

To Madison's surprise, Troy held her accountable for the tragic fate of Tracy's mother. Despite not having any previous encounters between the end of Fear the Walking Dead season 3 and the beginning of season 8's second half, Troy firmly believes that Madison is to blame. In an earlier episode, Madison came to the realization that Troy's animosity towards her went beyond the fact that she had attacked him with a hammer and left him for dead. While it was true that she had attempted to kill him, her actions didn't explain how she had supposedly "taken everything" from him. Their conversation in "Iron Tiger" revealed that Troy's true reason for this belief was the notion that Madison had caused Tracy's mother's death.

Madison's activities following season 3 don't offer a clear explanation for Troy's reasoning. Like many other characters in The Walking Dead's world, Madison likely had to kill numerous individuals after season 3, making it difficult to pinpoint who specifically Troy is referring to. Additionally, much of Madison's actions took place off-screen, including her involvement with PADRE. It is widely known that she parted children from their parents, so it wouldn't be surprising if people died trying to thwart her. It is possible that Tracy's mother was one of them. Regardless of the specifics, it is highly likely that this incident will be the central point of their discussion when Madison and Troy inevitably cross paths in Fear the Walking Dead season 8.

Troy's Child Makes His Fear The Walking Dead Redemption More Likely

The revelation regarding Tracy and her mother brings a fascinating new dimension to Troy's character in Fear the Walking Dead's final chapter. Previously, it was understandable that Troy harbored bitterness towards Madison for her betrayal and held onto a deep grudge for years. However, it is now evident that seeking revenge specifically against her is just an added bonus for him. What Troy truly desires is PADRE, which he intends to use to provide a better life for Tracy and the children within his community. By depicting Troy as a father figure who genuinely cares for his family, FTWD has succeeded in making him a much more relatable character.

When Troy claimed to have killed Alicia, it seemed as though Fear the Walking Dead was positioning him as the ultimate antagonist of the series. However, since it remains uncertain whether he was telling the truth or not, it is possible that the show intends to lead his character down a different trajectory. If Troy is not inherently evil and simply wants what is best for his daughter, there is a chance for him to redeem himself by the series' conclusion. While the idea of Troy forgiving Madison is still challenging to envision, the shared objective of finding a safe haven for the children they both care for could potentially pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Fear the Walking Dead releases new episodes on Sundays on AMC.