Uncovering 11 Walking Dead References in Dwight's Intense Episode of Fear TWD Sanctuary

Spoiler: This article contains spoilers for Fear The Walking Dead season 8, episode 9.

Article Overview

In the "Sanctuary" episode of Fear The Walking Dead, Dwight and Sherry are brought back to The Sanctuary settlement from The Walking Dead, forcing them to confront their painful past under Negan's rule.

This episode delves into Dwight's determined quest to atone for his past mistakes and break free from the vicious cycle of fear and brutality he once endured at The Sanctuary.

In Fear The Walking Dead's "Sanctuary" episode, The Walking Dead references multiple elements from Dwight's time at The Sanctuary. These callbacks, such as the chained-up walkers and Dwight's burns, serve as powerful symbols of the lingering guilt, trauma, and hopelessness that Dwight and Sherry still carry with them. The crossover between shows and the connection to the characters' past add depth to Fear The Walking Dead's narrative.

The lasting impact of the losses and traumas faced by Dwight and Sherry under Negan's regime is explored in "Sanctuary". This exploration demonstrates how their experiences at The Sanctuary on TWD, both significant and minor, can affect the PADRE story in Fear's final season. Moreover, viewers can gain insight into the repercussions of Dwight and Sherry's trauma by delving into what transpired at Negan's Sanctuary.

11. Negan's Sanctuary Settlement

The Sanctuary was mainly active in seasons 7-8 of The Walking Dead

The Sanctuary settlement itself serves as the most evident callback. Dwight and Sherry's return to this iconic TWD location evokes memories for both of them. Despite its initial appearance of being dilapidated and deserted, the presence of a group residing there mirrors Negan's establishment of his own group. There are also subtle nods to how Negan operated his settlement, such as the pilfered medicine. Negan was known to forcefully acquire supplies from communities, instilling fear in the process.

10. Dwight Needing To Reclaim Insulin From The Sanctuary

Taking insulin from the Sanctuary led to Dwight's return there in TWD

In an attempt to secure Jay's insulin, Dwight goes undercover at The Sanctuary. What adds depth to this situation is the fact that Sherry, in The Walking Dead, previously stole insulin from the same location to help her sister Tina. This act ultimately led to both Dwight and Sherry being compelled to rejoin Negan's settlement. This time, Dwight's mission is fueled by a desire to make amends and set things right, driven by the loss of his son and a sense of hopelessness stemming from PADRE.

Jay's mention of losing loved ones strikes a chord with Dwight, prompting him to offer his assistance. In hindsight, Dwight strives to rectify past mistakes and break the cycle of suffering he and Sherry endured while at The Sanctuary. Additionally, when Dwight sees a photo of himself and Sherry that bears a resemblance to Jay's family photo, he finds another point of connection with Jay. Although Jay ultimately meets the same tragic fate as Tina, Dwight's willingness to help someone in need underscores his stark contrast to the harmful ideologies of The Sanctuary.

9. The Singing Fish In Dwight's Room At The Sanctuary

Dwight uncovers bullets from his past to fight in the present

In "Hostiles and Calamities," an episode of The Walking Dead, Dwight is shown retrieving cigarettes from a secret spot inside his room located at The Sanctuary. This hiding spot happens to be the mouth of a mounted singing fish, which was previously seen in another episode titled "Sanctuary." However, there is a significant difference between these two instances. In the former, Dwight discovers a cigarette stained with Sherry's lipstick, symbolizing their enduring connection even though they are physically separated. Additionally, in this particular episode, Dwight also locates a box of ammunition concealed within a wall cavity and proceeds to reload his gun.

In the latter, however, Dwight explicitly states that he will confront the walkers single-handedly, equipping himself with bullets to face them. His defeat and strained relationship with Sherry in "Sanctuary" highlight their current emotional distance, emphasizing that their separation goes beyond the influence of an external figure like Negan. This serves as a poignant manifestation of how Dwight's sense of hopelessness may surpass even his time at The Sanctuary, given his recent loss. Furthermore, his inclination towards self-destruction is not concealed, evident through the presence of cigarettes and a box of bullets, ultimately being called out by Sherry.

8. Sherry's "Go Now" Note To Daryl From The Walking Dead

The note was part of helping Daryl escape The Sanctuary

Sherry's note triggers her departure and the subsequent separation between her and Dwight. When Dwight comes across the note once again, it undoubtedly resurrects the same anguish he experienced back then. However, it also serves as a symbol of his unwavering commitment to Sherry, as he decided to conceal her escape by falsely claiming that he had eliminated her under Negan's command. This incident highlights the emotional distance that exists between them now, in stark contrast to the physical separation they previously endured. It hints at the possibility that their current distance may not be worth it, considering they managed to find each other despite all the obstacles they faced.

7. The Chained-Up Walkers At The Sanctuary's Fence

The Sanctuary's defense system calls back to the Saviors'

The Sanctuary previously utilized chained walkers along its perimeter fence for defense purposes, effectively enhancing the initial security of the settlement. In "Sanctuary," Dwight reminisces about these walkers, including Gordon from TWD, who had become a zombie. Gordon was a Savior who managed to escape but was later discovered by Dwight. Although Gordon pleaded to be set free, Dwight instructs him to flee only to fatally shoot him from behind.

Although Dwight's act can be construed as a compassionate one, it ultimately backfires as Gordon is ultimately incorporated into the fence as a walker. Dwight's recollection of this specific chained walker serves as a representation of his remorse for his past deeds and a testament to the futility he currently experiences. The reimplementation of chained walkers implies that The Sanctuary is inherently rooted in hostility, as a new faction utilizes similar methods to the ruthless Saviors.

6. Dwight Getting His Face Burned By Negan

Dwight exhibits similarities to Negan at the furnace

Dwight reminisces about the horrifying encounter with Negan as he holds a searing hot iron, recalling the chilling words: "There is always a price. Things are what they are. The rules are important. Who are you, Dwight?" The consequences of his past actions manifest in his burns and his ultimate allegiance to The Saviors, a direct result of him violating Negan's rules. Notably, his subsequent behavior following the haunting question indicates his striking resemblance to Negan.

In a composed manner, Dwight informs Phil, a member of the antagonistic group, that he intends to retrieve a stolen item and return it to its rightful owner. Phil, noticing Dwight's burns, cruelly threatens to inflict the same pain on the other side of his face. However, Dwight skillfully evades the threat and propels him into the furnace head-first. This action triggers a vivid memory of Negan subjecting Dr. Emmett Carson to the same horrific fate. Lost in thought, Dwight fixates on the furnace in the present, appearing visibly stunned. This poignant moment conveys his inner turmoil, torn between his desire to do good and his capacity to commit acts as atrocious as those carried out by Negan.

5. Sherry's Negative Pregnancy Test From The Walking Dead

Sherry's flashbacks highlight her and Dwight's loss

While June is gathering supplies to take care of Dove's gunshot wound, Sherry comes across an old positive pregnancy test in the infirmary. As she stands there in shock, Dwight catches sight of it and notices her reaction. Sherry's mind immediately goes back to the time when she had shown Dwight the negative pregnancy test in the main show, right after they had returned to The Sanctuary and Sherry had become one of Negan's wives.

This further underscores the grief Sherry and Dwight have experienced, as they encounter flashbacks of Finch and other events tied to their past. It serves to highlight the impact The Sanctuary has had on them, as they compare their former lives as Saviors to their current situation, even amidst the turmoil in their relationship. The profound trauma inflicted on them by The Sanctuary becomes evident. Negan's reign prevented their union and the possibility of starting a family, and then PADRE's intervention further compounded their losses.

4. The Metal Head Walkers Suggested By Eugene From The Walking Dead

The metal head walkers add to The Sanctuary's defense

The metalhead walkers, much like their chained-up counterparts, evoke memories of TWD's Sanctuary era. Their metallic heads not only enhance their strength but also make them a tougher target. Inspired by a previous encounter with a similar walker, Eugene's suggestion to encase the walkers' heads in metal serves the purpose of making them virtually indestructible and less prone to decay.

Sherry stumbles upon these walkers after trapping Dwight in a room and bravely ventures out to face them alone. Dealing with walkers who have extra protection on their heads presents a new set of challenges for Sherry. Her solution involves targeting their eyes with well-aimed shots. The presence of these walkers potentially resolves a longstanding mystery concerning Eugene's experiences from seven years ago in season 6 of the main show. It hints at the possibility that this fortified type of walkers could have originated from the current villainous group residing in The Sanctuary.

3. The Infinity Symbols On The Walls At The Sanctuary

The symbol signifies togetherness and overcoming difficulties

Dwight directs Sherry's attention to the infinity symbol adorning the wall of his room, recalling the past practice of placing it discreetly around The Sanctuary to symbolize their enduring unity, unbeknownst to Negan. A glimpse of optimism for their possible reunion is suggested by this same symbol etched near the furnace. Dwight shares how this emblem once instilled in him a belief that they could transform adversity into something positive. However, his subsequent act of punching the wall where the symbol is located signifies that this sentiment no longer holds true.

Dwight's proposed solution is to eliminate the walkers that are weakening the building as a means of honoring Finch. However, Sherry accuses Dwight of being self-centered for knowingly putting himself in mortal danger and proceeds to trap him in the room. This action implies that the symbol of their estrangement and loss still holds significance, and that they have the ability to transform something negative into something positive by collaborating to repair PADRE and reconcile with one another. By the conclusion of the episode, Dwight acknowledges his mistake in leaving and emphasizes that he, Sherry, June, and Dove (now known as Odessa) are a tightly bonded family.

2. The Herd During The Siege Of The Sanctuary From The Walking Dead

The fall of The Sanctuary symbolizes healing

The infiltration of The Sanctuary by the walker herd serves as a catalyst for Dwight's journey from despair to reuniting with his family. This chaotic and dangerous presence represents Negan's stronghold, which Dwight ultimately overcomes. Their destruction of the building mirrors the walkers' rampage in the "Time for After" episode of The Walking Dead, causing significant damage and loss of life.

As the herd breaches the building's walls, they overpower Marty and his group, symbolizing the defeat of the villains within The Sanctuary. With the collapse of the structure and the walkers crushed by debris, Dwight and the others are finally safe. This downfall of The Sanctuary signifies the end of a looming threat and a fresh start for Sherry and Dwight's healing process. It also demonstrates that even once seemingly invincible structures, like Negan, can be brought down when faced with determined opposition.

1. Dwight's Final Conversation With Daryl From The Walking Dead

Daryl's words impact Dwight's attempts to do the right thing

In this scene, Dwight experiences a series of flashbacks featuring Daryl. One significant moment is when Daryl, previously held captive at The Sanctuary, implores Dwight, "Go out there, and you make it right." Following this event in The Walking Dead, Dwight ventures to Texas, determined to find Sherry and ultimately bring some positive resolution to the conflict between the Saviors and the Militia. However, given his strained relationship with Sherry and the unfortunate demise of Finch, Dwight grapples with the true meaning of making amends.

After Jay's departure, Dwight desperately calls out to Daryl, confessing his failed attempts to fix the situation and expressing regret that he should have killed himself instead. This heartfelt display of grief reveals the immense pain Dwight carries from his past losses. However, just as he pleads for release, Sherry, June, and Dove unexpectedly appear. Their unexpected return serves as a symbol of a new opportunity for Dwight to set things right. Their arrival forces him to find the strength to persevere, as they now depend on him. Throughout this episode of Fear The Walking Dead, the intertwined storyline references Dwight and Sherry's past experiences at The Sanctuary on TWD, emphasizing the extent of their transformations and the lasting trauma they share.

Don't miss the premiere of Fear The Walking Dead season 8, episode 10 on November 12, 2023, exclusively on AMC and AMC+.

Fear the Walking Dead, a prequel to AMC's popular series, takes viewers on a journey through Los Angeles as it descends into the terrifying zombie apocalypse. The first part of the series focuses on a group of strangers who form a new family, striving to adapt and survive in the midst of the chaos. In the second half, the original franchise survivor, Morgan Jones, joins forces with the remaining members of the cast to navigate this new world.

Editor's P/S

As a Walking Dead fan, I was thrilled to see the return of Dwight and Sherry to the iconic Sanctuary settlement. The episode delved into Dwight's quest for redemption and Sherry's struggle to come to terms with her past. The callbacks to Negan's reign at the Sanctuary, such as the chained-up walkers and Dwight's burns, served as powerful reminders of the trauma and guilt that the characters still carry with them.

I particularly appreciated the way the episode explored the lasting impact of the losses and traumas faced by Dwight and Sherry under Negan's regime. Their experiences at the Sanctuary continue to affect them in the present, and it was fascinating to see how these past events shaped their actions and motivations in the episode. Overall, I thought that "Sanctuary" was a strong episode that provided a satisfying conclusion to Dwight and Sherry's story.