After the nuclear blast in Texas, Will, a young survivor, navigates the devastated lands while evading a mysterious group called the Stalkers, who strip the dead of their clothes. Will is eventually captured by Victor Strand's Rangers and taken to the Tower, a settlement that Strand established in the office building where he survived the nuclear blasts. Strand lives a luxurious lifestyle and only takes in survivors he feels will be of use to him. Threatened with being kicked out, Will reveals that he has the medallion that Strand had given to Alicia and agrees to lead Strand to her.
Will reveals he was part of a group that had been slaughtered by Teddy when the doomsday cult took over the bunker under the hotel, and fell in love with Alicia, who exiled him for refusing to do something for her. The pair encounter and put down a number of reanimated survivors from the bunker, concerning them as to Alicia's fate. They find the bunker abandoned and a note for Will reading "PADRE" which Will calls the dream of something better, but he doesn't know what or where it is. Deciding he needs to cut himself off from his loved ones in order to lead the Tower effectively, Strand throws Will off the Tower to his death, believing that Alicia will never forgive him for it, and uses a lighthouse beacon to draw a massive horde to the Tower to act as a moat against his enemies.
"Fear the Walking Dead" Season 7 opens with Episode 1, "The Beacon," which marks a significant shift in the series' narrative direction. The episode follows the aftermath of the missile attack on Tank Town, with survivors scattered and seeking refuge. One of the key focuses is on Alicia, who discovers a mysterious settlement called The Beacon, which promises safety and community. However, as Alicia delves deeper, she realizes that The Beacon is not what it seems, leading to a confrontation with its leader, Teddy.
The episode's standout scenes include Alicia's exploration of The Beacon, which initially presents itself as a beacon of hope but gradually reveals darker undertones. The tension builds as Alicia uncovers the truth, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with Teddy that sets the stage for future conflicts.
Thematically, "The Beacon" explores the idea of false promises and the lengths people will go to in search of safety and belonging. It also delves into the concept of leadership and the dangers of blind faith. The episode challenges the characters' beliefs and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world they now inhabit.
In conclusion, "The Beacon" is a strong start to the seventh season of "Fear the Walking Dead," setting up intriguing new storylines and deepening the characters' development. With its compelling narrative and powerful themes, the episode lays a solid foundation for the season ahead.
