Strand's Walking Dead Return Sneaks in 3 Brilliant Madison & Alicia Allusions You Missed
Strand's triumphant comeback in Fear The Walking Dead revealed intriguing hidden references From a rescued bird symbolizing Alicia and Nick to a hotel reminiscent of Season 2, and cryptic meanings concealed within books in Episode 7, this article uncovers the clever nods that may have slipped past your notice Don't miss out!
This article contains spoilers for Fear the Walking Dead season 8.
Summary
In Fear the Walking Dead, Victor Strand's comeback subtly alludes to the significance of Madison and her family's relationships in upcoming episodes. Strand's newfound concern for saved birds establishes a connection with Alicia and Nick, echoing Madison's belief in never abandoning anyone.
The hotel setting in season 8 evokes memories of Strand and Madison's time together in season 2, hinting at the potential revival of their camaraderie and alliance.
After adopting the name Anton, Victor Strand has made his long-awaited return to Fear the Walking Dead. Alongside his return are significant nods to Madison and her family, although these references are subtly incorporated, they serve as a reminder to the audience, perhaps even subconsciously, of the events and relationships that have shaped the current characters' journey. With the reappearance of numerous pivotal characters and villains, including Troy Otto, Fear the Walking Dead season 8 is bound to deliver an ending of truly monumental proportions.
Strand's Rescued Bird Is A Reference To Alicia & Nick
: Victor Strand's presence has been crucial to the Fear the Walking Dead series from the very start. Therefore, his absence in the initial half of season 8 felt particularly jarring. Despite being a cunning manipulator, Strand's return brings a sense of relief. He briefly aligns himself with Madison before eventually betraying her. However, Fear the Walking Dead manages to make Strand's return significant and captivating. The scene is brimming with allusions to Madison and her family, hinting at possible developments in the upcoming episodes of the final season.
In the eighth episode of Fear the Walking Dead's eighth season, Strand, using the alias Anton, resides in a hotel named Emissary Suites alongside a group of German tourists. An intriguing aspect of this particular establishment is its tendency to attract birds that frequently collide with the windows. Interestingly, Strand and his companions have taken the initiative to rescue these birds and provide them with the necessary care for their recovery. This seemingly insignificant revelation holds immense significance for Strand's character development as it suggests a potential change and increased compassion within him. Moreover, it serves to establish a connection between Strand and Madison's children, Alicia and Nick, despite his preference for adopting the persona of Anton rather than embracing his true identity as Victor Strand.
The reference to Alice and Nick is closely tied to the birds. In Fear the Walking Dead, Madison once disclosed that prior to the apocalypse, Alicia and Nick saved a bird and named it Amina. Supposedly, this taught the children the importance of never leaving anyone behind, even if they were struggling. This lesson became a significant strategy and belief when the apocalypse struck. Strand's newfound concern for the birds at the Emissary Suites directly stems from Amina. Instead of allowing the birds to perish, as he may have done before season 8, Strand has now embraced Clark's compassionate philosophy, at least to some extent.
FTWD Season 8's Hotel Is A Callback To Season 2
The reunion of Strand and Madison in season 8 at the hotel is not a mere coincidence, despite its seemingly insignificant nature. Madison discovers Strand impersonating Anton at the Emissary Suites, and their time spent together in this establishment bears a striking resemblance to their previous stay at the Rosarito Beach Hotel during season 2. In those days, Madison and Strand were still allies, and, in fact, they shared a deeply personal and exposed moment. Madison confided in Strand, revealing that her husband had taken his own life, and in her anguish, she proceeded to shatter glasses at the hotel bar while Strand played the piano.
Strand's transformation is subtly suggested by the rescue of the birds, while the choice of the hotel setting further hints that he may not be as morally corrupt as before. The Emissary Suites location mirrors the scenes at Rosarito Beach in season 2, where Strand and Madison were not only colleagues but also friends. Therefore, their reunion at Emissary Suites could signify the potential revival of their camaraderie. Perhaps, akin to their alliance at Rosarito Beach, Madison and Strand can once again become allies. Admittedly, Strand's ill-fated decision to sacrifice Madison to Troy Otto's gang complicates matters, but there remains a glimmer of hope for his redemption.
Fear The Walking Dead Season 8, Episode 7's Books Have Hidden Meanings
The final references embedded in Strand's return are hidden gems that are truly worth exploring. At approximately 24 minutes and 45 seconds into the episode, there is a visible stack of books next to Madison and Strand. Two book titles can be clearly read: "Still Life With Bread Crumbs" and "Crown of Dust." The former tells a story about a middle-aged woman discovering her purpose, while the latter delves into a man concealing his true identity within a small community. It is evident that these books symbolize Madison and Strand respectively. These subtle details indicate that as Fear the Walking Dead approaches its finale, these characters will undoubtedly gain even greater significance.
