Fear The Walking Dead season 8, episode 6, "All I See Is Red," contains spoilers.
With Morgan's departure from Fear The Walking Dead to search for Rick Grimes, the series has paved the way for a long-awaited reunion between these two estranged characters. From the onset of The Walking Dead, Morgan and Rick have been portrayed as complete opposites. While Rick embraced violence as a means of survival, Morgan adopted a pacifist approach and constantly sought alternative solutions to their problems. Despite their contrasting ideologies within the post-apocalyptic world, these two men have formed a deep and unbreakable bond.
In both The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead, Morgan and Rick often adopted each other's strategies and perspectives. It was fitting, then, that Morgan's departure from Fear The Walking Dead involved a promise to locate Rick Grimes. What makes this even more unexpected is that Morgan's search for Rick is currently underway, despite FTWD still having six episodes remaining. Given Morgan's role as the central protagonist, it was only natural to anticipate his presence until the series finale. However, Morgan departed the spinoff in the midseason finale, Fear The Walking Dead season 8, episode 6, titled "All I See Is Red."
Morgan Is Looking For Rick In The Walking Dead (Again)
While Fear The Walking Dead is quickly running out of time to reintroduce The Walking Dead characters in season 8, the spinoff has just lost its strongest link to its franchise predecessor. After spending the majority of "All I See Is Red" slaughtering walkers and experiencing fits of uncontrollable rage, Morgan reunited with Mo and the other characters towards the end of the episode. Following a heartfelt speech at Eastman's grave, he informed Mo that they would embark on a journey to locate Rick Grimes, regardless of how long it may take. Morgan expressed his determination to search for Rick, whether he remains in Alexandria or has moved elsewhere. In addition, he left a message for Rick on a walkie-talkie, potentially serving as their means of eventual reunion.
Morgan's decision is the culmination of a narrative arc that has been developing over time. Throughout season 8 of Fear the Walking Dead, Morgan has consistently referenced Rick, highlighting their connection in both the midseason finale and previous episodes. Given the history of their dynamic in The Walking Dead, it is logical for the spinoff to once again emphasize their friendship. Morgan's previous journey to find Rick led him to Alexandria, and now the question arises as to what his next search for Rick Grimes will bring in the expansive universe of The Walking Dead.
Fear The Walking Dead Already Set Up Morgan In Rick's Spinoff
Morgan crossing paths with Rick in the character’s upcoming spinoff should not come as a surprise. Morgan has a history with the villains of Rick and Michonne's spinoff, particularly the Civil Republic Military. This organization was first introduced in season 5 when they arrived in Texas, and Morgan discovered their existence. He even witnessed one of their helicopters in "Skidmark." This previous encounter could prove crucial if Morgan learns about Rick's abduction. In such a scenario, Morgan could become a formidable ally to Rick, offering much-needed support in the upcoming battles. Unlike the disappointing villains in Fear The Walking Dead, the Civil Republic Military is a force to be reckoned with. It would require more than just Rick Grimes to take down one of the franchise’s most resilient adversaries. However, if Rick, Morgan, and Michonne are reunited, they might stand a chance.
Wait, Did Morgan Really Just Leave Fear the Walking Dead?
Morgan's departure from Fear The Walking Dead season 8 may seem almost impossible, but according to interviews with actor Lennie James, "All I See Is Red" will mark his final appearance in the spinoff. Morgan has been a pivotal character in both Fear The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead, being the first person Rick encounters after waking up from a coma in the series premiere. Ending Morgan's role in Fear The Walking Dead season 8 was a wise decision, avoiding prolonging his character's fate or resorting to a shocking death in the series finale.
Although Morgan's early exit may have caught viewers off guard, his final moments captured the essence of his character and reassured fans that they haven't seen the last of him. This allowed for a fitting farewell for Morgan while also connecting the worlds of The Walking Dead through the two spinoffs. However, longtime viewers of The Walking Dead may still feel a pang of sadness as Fear The Walking Dead bids farewell to a veteran of the series.