Summary
The failed zombie virus cure in Fear the Walking Dead season 8 hints at a potential crossover between The Walking Dead shows.
The Civic Republic Military is poised as the primary antagonist throughout the franchise, and a crossover has the potential to further escalate the conflict against them. June's investigation into the cure for the zombie virus puts her at risk of being pursued by the CRM, creating the possibility of a suspenseful conclusion and the resurgence of Madison's group in upcoming endeavors.
The failed attempt to find a cure for the zombie virus in Fear the Walking Dead season 8 lends support to theories of a crossover within The Walking Dead universe. It has long been speculated that the franchise is gradually leading up to a storyline that brings together its major characters, who have been drifting apart for years. Despite being on different paths currently, certain circumstances could reunite them to face a common enemy.
As for who this enemy could be, the most likely answer is the Civic Republic Military, also known as the CRM. This enigmatic organization has been positioned as the overarching villains of the franchise, playing a role in Rick's absence from the main series. Undoubtedly, they will play a central role in Rick and Michonne's upcoming spinoff, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. However, considering the groundwork laid for the battle with the CRM, it is possible that the fight won't be confined to just one six-episode series. A crossover may be on the horizon, and FTWD's introduction of June's zombie virus treatment only strengthens this possibility.
Why June’s Zombie Virus Treatment Is So Important
In Fear the Walking Dead season 8, June had a major breakthrough regarding the zombie virus. Working with PADRE, she conducted radiation experiments to develop a treatment. Although she was unable to prevent Finch, Dwight and Sherry’s son, from succumbing to the virus, the time it took for him to turn was unprecedented in the world of The Walking Dead. This makes June's achievement significant, despite considering it a failure.
The Walking Dead franchise has been ongoing for over a decade, yet a working cure has not been discovered. The CRM, as shown in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, has made attempts to create a cure but has fallen short. Their closest advancement has been a method to quicken the decay of the dead, which could eliminate the zombie threat if successful. However, it is not a true cure for the virus. The lack of progress towards society's greatest goal is what makes June's work in Fear the Walking Dead so crucial.
June’s Research Should Make Her A Target Of The CRM
PADRE believed that June could assist them in finding a cure for the virus, even though she ultimately did not succeed. It would be logical for like-minded individuals to view June's treatment as a step in the right direction. Considering the extensive reach of the CRM within The Walking Dead universe, it would make sense for them to be interested in June's research and potentially recruit her. This is supported by their previous interest in highly intelligent scientists, as demonstrated by their pursuit of Hope's father in World Beyond. Given the CRM's past history of recruiting or kidnapping individuals with potential, it is not implausible for them to target June.
However, if June decides to remain with Madison's group and focus on building PADRE into something positive, she may have no intention of assisting the CRM. The conclusion of Fear the Walking Dead could potentially offer a cliffhanger similar to Rick Grimes' departure in season 9, with June being abducted by the CRM. This would align with the previous connections between FTWD and the CRM. This unresolved storyline would allow FTWD to leave room for future developments in the franchise. Considering AMC's commitment to keeping The Walking Dead universe active for years to come, this potential scenario is entirely plausible.
Madison’s Group Could Return After Fear The Walking Dead (To Save June)
Heading in this direction would lay the groundwork for the return of Fear the Walking Dead's cast in future projects, particularly a Walking Dead crossover. Strand, Luciana, Dwight, and Daniel have all been part of June's group for an extended period of time, which means there are people who would be motivated to help her if she were captured by the CRM. Madison might be willing to lead the charge, especially since Fear the Walking Dead season 8 further strengthened their bond from season 4's first half. Aligning their goals with Rick and Michonne's would provide The Walking Dead with a valid reason to target the CRM.
By doing so, Rick and Michonne could find valuable allies in their aim to bring down the CRM. Additionally, this would lead to an unexpected reunion between Rick and Dwight, who haven't seen each other since they fought together during The Walking Dead season 8. Moreover, the crossover would offer the opportunity for Rick and Madison to team up, a much-discussed pairing that once seemed unlikely. Witnessing how these beloved leaders from The Walking Dead work together could be a major highlight of the crossover.
Other Characters Who Could Join Rick Grimes’ Fight With The CRM
The crossover theories gain credibility from the fact that the CRM serves as a convergence point for various character storylines in The Walking Dead franchise. It is not limited to just Rick, Michonne, and possibly the current cast of FTWD who may oppose them. Daryl Dixon, Morgan Jones, and the Alexandrians who are not part of the spinoffs - such as Eugene and Ezekiel - could also play a role. This is further supported by the hint in The Walking Dead season 11 that Lance's death will lead to a conflict between the Commonwealth and their unidentified "allies," potentially involving the Alexandrians. If these allies are the CRM, the Alexandrians could be forced to confront them.
Furthermore, Daryl Dixon's indefinite stay in France does not rule out a clash with the CRM, especially considering his mission to rescue Rick Grimes. Morgan, despite parting ways with his friends in Fear the Walking Dead season 8 midseason finale, may also encounter them again as he continues his search for Rick. This sets Morgan on a collision course with the CRM, building up a diverse and exciting cast of characters for a Walking Dead crossover.