‘Fear The Walking Dead’ Exclusive: Madison Meets Strand’s… Son?

Fear the Walking Dead is about to enter its final run of episodes with this Sunday’s (October 22) airing episode. And with it, comes the highly anticipated reunion of Madison (Kim Dickens) and Strand (Colman Domingo). Only things, as usual with the slippery conman, don’t go the way you might expect in Decider’s exclusive look at the midseason premiere.

In the scene, Madison wakes up hands bound with a mask on to help her breathe. She sees a steen boy playing with a bird and asks him to cut her loose.

“My dad says it’s not safe,” says the kid.

“Huh, what do you think?” asks Madison, to which the kid doesn’t directly answer — but does feed her some soup.

Very quickly it becomes clear that the kid’s dad is none other than Victor Strand, who is denying his identity, and calling himself Anton. When pressed, the kid says the most hilarious thing anyone has said about Victor Strand in eight seasons of Fear the Walking Dead: “I know my dad, he wouldn’t lie.”

Strand, of course, lies as easily as breathing (unless you’re Madison). Madison explains she doesn’t know why Strand would pretend to be someone else, “but it’s really pissing me off.”

Moving on, the kid comments on Madison’s “Nick” and “Alicia” tattoos on her wrist. Madison wistfully explains, “They were my kids.” And it becomes pretty clear that the scene is about, as Strand’s new teenage son explains that he saved that bird, just like Nick and Alicia did as kids. He’s essentially a stand-in for Madison’s children, two people — particularly Alicia — that Strand bonded with on a visceral level, and lost.

Obviously, there’s a lot more there in this week’s episode — and don’t worry, you will get to see Madison and Strand/Anton (Stranton?) together — but in the meantime, watch the rest of the scene above.

Fear the Walking Dead premieres Sunday, October 22 at 9 pm ET on AMC and AMC+.

Here’s the official synopsis for the episode:

Episode 807: “Anton” – Premieres Sunday, October 22 on AMC and AMC+

Strand fights to protect his new life when it’s threatened by the arrival of an old friend.

Written by: Nazrin Choudhury, Justin Boyd

Directed by: Danay Garcia