"Welcome to the Club" is the second episode of the sixth season of AMC's Fear the Walking Dead. It is the seventy-first episode of the series overall. It premiered on October 18, 2020, the same night as "The Tyger and the Lamb", the third episode of the first season of The Walking Dead: World Beyond. It was written by Nazrin Choudhury and directed by Lennie James.[1][2]
Plot[]
Virginia forces Alicia and Strand to clear an unusual walker threat, where an encounter with a new ally gives Strand an idea that could be the key to their freedom.
Synopsis[]
In the middle of the night, a group of workers is escorted to a warehouse at a sugar factory where 500 walkers wander around inside.[3] A ranger, Jeb, tells them that this is their chance to redeem themselves in Virginia's eyes. He then bangs on the door separating them from the walkers they are tasked with killing, as a worker hands the rest their spears. One of the workers, Sanjay, drops his spear and attempts to walk away out of fear, but is forced back to his post at gunpoint by Jeb. A worker then proceeds to open the door to a room drenched in a sticky, viscous substance. Unfortunately, the door gets stuck, allowing the walkers to crawl under, grab the unfortunate door handler, and pull him to his doom. The other workers attempt to fight the dead, but fall one by one as the walkers pull them under the door. With only Sanjay left, Jeb commands him to close the door, but the former is paralyzed with fear. Begrudgingly, Jeb tries to close the door himself, but another surviving worker, Ridings, grabs ahold of his leg as she is being pulled under, begging him to save her. Jeb coldly executes her instead, but this doesn't release his leg from her grip, resulting in Jeb getting pulled under along with her corpse by the walkers. Grabbing onto the descending door, Jeb pleads for Sanjay to save him, but the latter is unable to, resulting in Jeb being pulled away by the walkers to be devoured as the door slams shut behind him.
The next morning in Lawton, Strand and Alicia are tasked with cleaning out the town's latrines. Right after they light the barrels of waste on fire, a couple of rangers drive up in Althea's MRAP. One of them, Marcus, demands that they move the barrels, as the wind is blowing the smell to the cafeteria. The pair refuse, prompting Marcus to threaten them. Despite this, Victor remains unintimidated, and even throws his waste bucket at Marcus' feet, provoking the ranger into holding him at gunpoint. A young girl from behind the fence yells at Marcus to leave Victor and Alicia alone. The ranger complies, but after Hill arrives to inquire, Victor and Alicia are taken into custody so Virginia can judge them.
As they're being escorted through Lawton, Alicia spots the girl from earlier and thanks her for saving them, but the latter tells her to think nothing of it, and introduces herself as Dakota before departing. The pair are brought before Virginia, who is receiving a haircut from Daniel. They try to greet their friend, but to their shock, he doesn't recognize them. Virginia explains that Daniel was hellbent on getting Skidmark back, and lost his memory in the resulting altercation. Virginia then reprimands Victor for assaulting a ranger, and decrees that they will be assigned to a job that better suits their talents, pulling Alicia's sharpened barrel shroud out of the drawer. She hands it over to Hill, and warns Victor to not squander another opportunity, before leaving. Alicia asks Victor what Virginia meant by that, but he claims to not know. Victor then tries to communicate with Daniel in Spanish to get him to drop the act, but his comrade still doesn't recognize him, but offers him a religious medallion to help him bare his burden, since Daniel senses that Strand lost someone.
On the road, Alicia asks if Victor really believes Daniel doesn't remember anything, but Victor notes that Daniel never flinched before, not even when shot by the former in the face. He looks around the S.W.A.T van and bitterly muses how he gave it to Virginia, but Alicia is certain she would have gotten it sooner or later. Upon their arrival to the sugar plant, Hill tells them to get out, as the two grow concerned over the sound of walkers. Alicia asks Hill what's behind the door besides the dead, but he nonchalantly tells her they will find out when they clear it. Victor presses for more info, but Hill simply tells them that whatever is behind the door is the key to the future Virginia is trying to build and, if they survive, they will get to be a part of that future. One of the workers tries to make a run for it past them, but is quickly gunned down by a ranger. When Hill hands Alicia her weapon. She protests that they need more efficient weapons to clear that many walkers, so Hill says he will send a truck with supplies. Victor wonders why they can't just use the MRAP to clear the plant, but Hill says that would destroy what Virginia wants to obtain. He then leaves them to their mission. Alicia notes that the Pioneers don't trust them, but Victor points out it's with good reason. As Strand and Alicia inspect the gate, they are reunited with Charlie, who reveals that she's being punished for trying to run away. They are also joined by Janis. When asked who's in charge, Janis replies that the rangers are, but they keep their distance after what happened to the night team. She also reveals that there are 9 rangers guarding them. Victor then inquires about the trustworthiness of the other prisoners, before putting forth his plan: killing the rangers and escaping.
While cleaning the floor, Sanjay explains to Victor that one of the molasses tanks burst, and that the walkers are covered in it, so when they grab you, it's nearly impossible to break free. He also reveals that this is how the night team died. When questioned about how he made it out, Sanjay says that he stayed back, although he admits he could have done more to help. Sanjay also expresses his admiration of Victor for standing up to Marcus. Victor and Alicia are then summoned by two rangers to pick up their delivery. The promised supply truck is loaded with spears. Alicia doesn't believe their plan will work. Victor protests that they outnumber the rangers three to one, but Alicia points out the rangers have guns. Despite this Victor is adamant that this is their only move, but Alicia senses that Victor is doing this for some other reason. Victor asserts that they've been listening to other people for long enough, and that it's time they start making the calls themselves. Just then, Charlie discovers Dakota hiding in the back of the truck. She pleads with them not to alert her to the rangers, as she heard their conversation, and knows what Virginia will do if they try to kill them. When asked how she knows this, she reveals that she is Virginia's sister.
Continuing their conversation in a tent, Dakota explains that others have tried to escape before, and that Virginia will either hunt them down or, if she can't find them, kill the people they love. Victor realizes that Virginia is going to come looking for her sister, and Dakota acknowledges this, but claims that she wanted to get away from her sister and find people that could help her do that. She picked them since she saw the tapes they left. Victor asks how they're supposed to help her escape if they can't. Dakota claims that there is a weapon in the warehouse they're supposed to clear, and Virginia wants to use it against someone she's been trying to kill. Dakota doesn't know anything more about the weapon, but believes that they can use it against Virginia if they recover it. Strand asks why they should believe her, to which Dakota replies that she hears everything that goes on in Virginia's house since she lives with her. As an example, she cites the deal Strand made with Virginia. Puzzled, Alicia asks Victor about this deal, before angrily storming off. He rushes after her, and explains that he gave her the S.W.A.T van so Ginny wouldn't separate them. Alicia protests that she can take care of herself, but Strand admits that he did it for himself, since he needs her to survive "the way it should be done". When asked to elaborate, he recounts how Daniel told him to remember who he was, and that being with her helps him do that. Alicia smiles at that, but goes on to state that they shouldn't go through with their plan, dubbing it too risky, and thinks they should get the weapon instead. Victor thinks that could get them killed, but Alicia points out his way could as well. She reminds him of what he said about making their own decisions, and thinks they should make this one. Victor reluctantly accepts her plan.
They construct a makeshift corridor to corral the walkers. After Janis reassures him the structure is sound, he asks Sanjay if he is sure he is ready, but Sanjay claims he wants to escape as much as they do. Before they start, Victor asks Alicia if she is having second thoughts, but she is certain the plan will work. With that, they get into position, as Sanjay raises the door and the walkers come pouring out. At the end of the corridor, the workers quickly dispatch the approaching walkers and drag them away. As the walkers begin to pile up, however, the structure begins to give way. Victor orders Sanjay to close the door, but the latter is nowhere to be found. Strand instructs Charlie to close the corridor gate instead, while Janis and some others rush to reinforce the corridor wall. In the commotion, Charlie is grabbed by the walkers and pulled in. Although the other are able to kill most of the walkers attacking her, Charlie is unable to free herself due to the molasses. Just as a walker is about to bite her, Dakota saves Charlie in the nick of time by killing it. The workers are able to close the gate, and Charlie thanks Dakota for saving her. Just then, two rangers arrive and discover Dakota. They alert Hill to her location, and order the workers to drop their weapons. Victor and the others comply after some hesitation. As the rangers try to apprehend Dakota, Janis yells that the barricade they're holding up is about to break. Alicia quietly tells Victor they need to finish this, and he agrees, ordering the others to pick up their weapons and Janis and her group to let go of the barricade. The walkers come tumbling out, as the rangers radio their colleagues to prepare for evacuation. Victor jokingly asks Alicia to reaffirm that this is better than "cleaning up shit", but she replies to ask her again when it's all over.
As the rangers attempt to contain the breach, Strand and the others open the gate once more and start killing the walkers, using the pallets as makeshift shields. The rangers try to drag Dakota away, but she wriggles out of their grasp and escapes. While trying to apprehend her, the rangers are grabbed and devoured by the walkers. Alicia signals Strand that there are too many walkers, and that they need guns. Victor yells that he thinks he can get them, before running with Dakota to a nearby RV. They find Sanjay cowering inside, too afraid to face the walkers. Victor tries to distract the herd by honking the horn, but the walkers ignore it. Sanjay says that isn't going to work, as walkers choose fresh meat over anything else. Victor orders Sanjay to hand him the knife and follow him. Outside, Victor regrets his decisions, and tells Sanjay that they should have just killed the rangers like he planned. When asked why he didn't, Stand dubs it a good question, before pinning Sanjay and stabbing him in the leg while covering his mouth. He tells the panicked Sanjay that this is his chance to stand up to them like he wanted, before shoving him towards the walkers and onto the floor. Both Victor's and Sanjay's yells get the walkers' attention, as they creep their way towards the helpless Sanjay writhing in pain. The distraction allows Alicia and Janis to grab the deceased ranger's guns and mow down the rest of the walkers, as Victor watches Sanjay get devoured. After it's done, Alicia notices Sanjay dead, and Victor claims he sacrificed himself for them. The group then hears Virginia radio one of the rangers, and note that they don't have much time. Victor thinks they have enough, and invites the others to come retrieve what they came for.
Inside, however, they find no trace of the promised weapon. They grill Dakota over this, despite her insistence that she wasn't lying. As they hear Virginia arrive, Alicia cautions Victor that they can't fight her off, which he agrees with, telling the others it's over. They meet Virginia and her escort outside. After the sisters are reunited, Victor tells Ginny that the others were acting on his behest, so she should only punish him. Virginia questions why she would do that, since he accomplished his mission and cleared the sugar plant. When Victor points out there was nothing in the plant, Ginny explains that what she wanted wasn't in the plant after all, but was him all along, i.e. a true leader. She congratulates him and the others on a job well done, and exemplifies this as how they survive. She also tells Victor that he just formed them an army. When asked what the army is for, she says that she will reveal it in time. Victor asks how she expects the workers to follow her, since she isn't very popular among them, but Ginny says that is his job, and hands him a key that authorizes him to use his soldiers however he sees fit, but that they need to be ready for when she calls upon them.
After they return to Lawton, Daniel cuts Charlie's hair to get the molasses out. She asks if he really doesn't remember anything, but he doesn't, asking her, in turn, if she is a friend of his late daughter. Victor arrives and says that he's packed Charlie's things. She grabs a banjo from the box he's holding and starts playing a melody, which Daniel recognizes. Charlie tells him that he taught it to her, but Daniel remains clueless. Alicia walks Charlie to the truck, but is surprised Janis isn't coming, as Strand has her staying in Lawton. Victor soon comes to see them off. Alicia notices he's wearing a key to the city, and asks if his newfound privileges afford him the right to determine where they go next. He confirms this, and reveals that he's reassigned her to somewhere far away from him. He recounts how they almost died today, and how Sanjay did die. Victor does not believe this had to happen, but claims that it did because he hesitated and didn't trust his instincts. Despite Alicia's protests, Strand reiterates that she makes him remember the person that he is, and in order to do what needs to be done, he needs to forget that person. He also tells Alicia that he doesn't want to drag her down with him, as while he might have to forget who he is, she doesn't. He urges her to never forget, as he hands her the medallion Daniel gave him earlier. With that, they part ways. Wiping the tears from his face, Victor catches Cameron preparing to take Daniel back to Paradise Ridge. He muses how he felt sorry for Daniel because he couldn't remember, but now he envies him. Just as Daniel and Cameron exit through the town gates, Daniel whistles, before suddenly halting their cart. Daniel tells his guard that he left his good scissors behind. Annoyed, Cameron instructs Daniel to stay put and heads back to town. With his guard gone, Daniel climbs down from the cart armed with a pair of scissors and whistles the same tune. He gets a response once more, with someone whistling the tune in the distance. Soon, Daniel is confronted by a walker and prepares to put it down, but the walker is put down by someone else. Daniel thanks the man, and asks if he is a friend. Morgan Jones asserts that Daniel knows who he is, and asks for his help. Daniel jokes that he could use a haircut, and greets Morgan, revealing that he's been faking his memory loss the whole time. The two shake hands.
Other Cast[]
Co-Stars[]
- Charissa Allen as Adrienne
- Samuel French as Ben
- Noah Khyle as Cameron
- Satya Nikhil Polisetti as Sanjay
- Justin Smith as Marcus
- Lee Stringer as Jeb
Uncredited[]
|
Deaths[]
Trivia[]
- First appearance of Marcus.
- First appearance of Cameron.
- First appearance of Dakota.
- First appearance of Frankie.
- Only appearance of Ridings.
- Only appearance of Jeb.
- Only appearance of Ben.
- Only appearance of Adrienne.
- Only appearance of Sanjay.
- First appearance of Lawton, Oklahoma.
- The title of the episode, "Welcome to the Club", refers the phrase Hill said while welcoming Strand into the Pioneers' ranks.
- Originally, the title of this episode was "Let Strand Be Strand".[3]
- The third episode of Season 1 of The Walking Dead: World Beyond is played directly after this episode.
- Craig Nigh (Hill) is upgraded from "Co-Star" to "Also Starring" in this episode.
- Victor is promoted to the position of ranger by Virginia after successfully clearing the sugar factory.
- Despite the bearded man and Ridings having speaking lines in the beginning of the episode, as well as three other extras later in the episode, all characters were left uncredited.
- Victor wearing a 24 on his jumpsuit was a tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in the year.[4]
- This episode was directed by Lennie James, who portrays Morgan Jones, which makes it the second time a main cast member directed an episode in the series, the first being Colman Domingo.
- This episode confirms that Victor knows how to speak Spanish.
Episode Highlights[]
Goofs/Bloopers[]
- After clearing out the undead, the workers venture inside the warehouse where there is no spilled molasses or blood to be seen, despite the constant mess oozing from the warehouse door.