Fear the Walking Dead: Skidmark (2019)
Season 5, Episode 4
7/10
"Skidmark" concludes on a high note, with successful acquisition of the airplane, but not without establishing significant emotional and narrative developments
22 April 2024
Strand, Charlie, Sarah and Wendell attempt to steal Daniel Salazar's plane, but he anticipates their move and disables it. Charlie, still in Daniel's car, begins to bond with him and watches him disarm a trap set by the man who used to own the warehouse. The walkers escape the building and he sends Charlie back to the warehouse while he lures the herd away. Strand explains how he lied about Ofelia's whereabouts and prevented him from saying goodbye before she died. At Charlie's insistence, they rescue Daniel but at the cost of the plane. Daniel appears to forgive Strand and gives the group use of his warehouse while he continues his mission.

At the same time, Morgan and Alicia learn process that Max and Annie set up previous walker barriers to scare people away. After saving them after death, they learn that they are part of a larger group of kids, the children of the people who died of radiation sickness at a nearby camp. At the same time, Dylan and Luciana repair the truck stop's long-range antenna and contact Strand who informs them of the plane's fate. Dylan, inspired by Luciana, suggests that they repair their crashed plane to escape.

In the fourth episode of "Fear the Walking Dead" Season 5, titled "Skidmark," the series takes an interesting turn by focusing on both human and animal survival instincts, offering a refreshing break from the usual human-centric narrative. The episode is named after Daniel Salazar's cat, Skidmark, who plays a surprisingly pivotal role in the unfolding events. This episode primarily centers around Daniel and his efforts to secure an airplane from a dangerous area, while Charlie secretly follows him, leading to a sequence of tense and humorous moments.

Daniel Salazar's meticulous planning to retrieve the airplane parts is jeopardized not only by the undead but also by his own psychological barriers. His interactions with Skidmark add a layer of lightness to his stern persona, revealing the softness and vulnerability beneath his hardened exterior. Meanwhile, Charlie's involvement brings her character development to the forefront, showcasing her growth from a fearful child to a proactive member of the group. Their dynamic evolves dramatically throughout the episode, encapsulating a mix of mentorship, companionship, and mutual reliance that enriches the narrative.

The episode also revisits the theme of redemption, as Daniel struggles with his past deeds and seeks to make amends, not just with his group but with himself. His cautious relationship with Strand is put to the test, adding a complex layer to their interactions. The suspenseful sequence where Daniel and the group must disarm a store rigged with traps is both thrilling and a stark reminder of the constant danger they face, which is compounded by human ingenuity in the face of zombie threats.

"Skidmark" concludes on a high note, with successful acquisition of the airplane, but not without establishing significant emotional and narrative developments. The episode successfully blends humor, danger, and character development, which keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. It serves as a reminder of the series' ability to balance action with character-driven storytelling. Overall, this episode is a standout for its ability to integrate lighter moments with intense survival scenarios, all while pushing forward the overarching plot of the season.
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