The third season of '' Fear the Walking Dead'', an American horror-drama television series on

AMC AMC may refer to: Film and television * AMC Theatres, an American movie theater chain * AMC Networks, an American entertainment company ** AMC (TV channel) ** AMC+, streaming service ** AMC Networks International, an entertainment company *** ...

, premiered on June 4, 2017, and concluded on October 15, 2017, consisting of sixteen episodes. The series is a companion series and prequel to '' The Walking Dead'', which is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and

Charlie Adlard Charles Adlard is a British comic book artist known for his work on books such as '' The Walking Dead'' and '' Savage''. Career Adlard began his work in the UK on ''White Death'' with Robbie Morrison and '' 2000 AD'' series including ''Judge Dr ...

. The executive producers are Kirkman, David Alpert,

Greg Nicotero Gregory Nicotero (born March 15, 1963) is an American special make-up effects creator, television producer, and director. His first major job in special effects makeup was on the George A. Romero film ''Day of the Dead'' (1985), under the tutel ...

Gale Anne Hurd Gale Anne Hurd (born October 25, 1955) is an American film and television producer, the founder of Valhalla Entertainment (formerly Pacific Western Productions), and a former recording secretary for the Producers Guild of America. Early life Hu ...

, and

Dave Erickson Dave Erickson is an American television writer and producer best known for co-creating '' Fear the Walking Dead'' with Robert Kirkman, for which he was showrunner until the end of the third season; he stepped down in order to make more shows for ...

, with Erickson as showrunner for his third and final season. The season follows a dysfunctional,

blended family A stepfamily is a family where at least one parent has children that are not biologically related to their spouse. Either parent, or both, may have children from previous relationships or marriages. Two known classifications for stepfamilies i ...

composed of

Madison Clark Madison Clark is a fictional character and the main protagonist for the first four seasons of the AMC television series '' Fear the Walking Dead.'' She is portrayed by Kim Dickens, and created by Robert Kirkman and former showrunner Dave Ericks ...

(

Kim Dickens Kimberly Jan Dickens (born June 18, 1965) is an American actress. Her film debut was in the 1995 comedy film ''Palookaville''. Dickens played lead roles in the films '' Truth or Consequences, N.M.'' (1997), ''Zero Effect'' (1998) and '' Mercury R ...

), her fiancé

Travis Manawa Travis Manawa is a fictional character in the first three seasons of the television series '' Fear the Walking Dead'' portrayed by Cliff Curtis. The character is a former English teacher who is dealing with the fallout in addition to a divorce an ...

(

Cliff Curtis Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis (born 27 July 1968) is a New Zealand actor. His film credits include '' Once Were Warriors'' (1994), ''Three Kings'' (1999), ''Training Day'' (2001), '' Whale Rider'' (2002), ''Collateral Damage'' (2002), '' Sunshin ...

), her daughter Alicia (

Alycia Debnam-Carey Alycia Jasmin Debnam-Carey (born 20 July 1993) is an Australian actress. She is best known for her portrayals of the characters Lexa on the dystopian science fiction series ''The 100'' (2014–2016; 2020) and Alicia Clark on the horror drama se ...

), her drug-addicted son

Nick Nick may refer to: * Nick (given name) * A cricket term for a slight deviation of the ball off the edge of the bat * British slang for being arrested * British slang for a police station * British slang for stealing * Short for nickname Place ...

(

Frank Dillane Frank Stephenson Dillane (born 21 April 1991) is an English actor and musician. He is known for his roles as Nick Clark on '' Fear the Walking Dead'' (2015–2018) and 16-year-old Tom Riddle in the film ''Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ...

) and his lover Luciana Galvez (

Danay García Danay Aguilar García (born July 5, 1984) is a Cuban-born actress and model. She is best known for her roles as Sofía Lugo on Fox's drama series ''Prison Break'' (2007–2009) and Luciana Galvez on AMC's horror drama series '' Fear the Walk ...

), as they reach the U.S.-Mexico border and find refuge on a

ranch A ranch (from es, rancho/Mexican Spanish) is an area of land, including various structures, given primarily to ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep. It is a subtype of a farm. These terms are most ofte ...

owned by the Otto family, consisting of patriarch Jeremiah Otto (

Dayton Callie Dayton Callie (born 1946) is an American actor, best known for playing Charlie Utter on HBO's '' Deadwood'', former Police Chief Wayne Unser on '' Sons of Anarchy'', and Jeremiah Otto on AMC's '' Fear the Walking Dead''. He has also voiced ...

) and his two sons Troy ( Daniel Sharman) and Jake ( Sam Underwood). Meanwhile, Victor Strand (

Colman Domingo Colman Jason Domingo (born November 28, 1969) is an American actor, writer, and director widely known for his performance as Mr. Bones in the Broadway musical '' The Scottsboro Boys'' (2011), and for his role as recovering drug addict Ali on HBO ...

) reunites with

Daniel Salazar Daniel Salazar is a fictional character in the television series '' Fear the Walking Dead'', portrayed by Panamanian actor Rubén Blades. The character was created by Robert Kirkman, showrunner Dave Erickson and screenwriter Marco Ramirez. Charac ...

(

Rubén Blades Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna (born July 16, 1948), known professionally as Rubén Blades (, but in Panama and within the family), is a Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist, and politician, performing musically most often in th ...

), who was presumed dead, who returns to find his daughter Ofelia ( Mercedes Mason) who was separated from the group.

Production

AMC renewed the series for a 16-episode third season on April 15, 2016. Production began in January 2017 in Baja, Mexico. This was the final season with co-creator

as showrunner as he left the series after the conclusion of the third season. In February 2017, it was announced that

Emma Caulfield Emma Caulfield Ford (born April 8, 1973) is an American actress. She is best known for her starring role as former demon Anya Jenkins on the supernatural drama television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1998–2003), which earned her a no ...

was cast in the season. In March 2017, it was revealed that Daniel Sharman joined the cast as a series regular. In April 2017, several new actors were announced having joined the series; including

(reprising his guest role from season 2) and Sam Underwood, who, along with Daniel Sharman play members of the Otto family; and Lisandra Tena as Lola Guerrero.

Cast

Main cast

The third season features twelve actors receiving main cast billing status, with seven returning from the first season; nine are listed as main cast members in the second season, while four new cast members are introduced.

was promoted from recurring status and Daniel Sharman, Sam Underwood,

and

Lisandra Tena Lisandra Tena is an American actress, best known for her role as Lola Guerrero on the AMC horror drama series '' Fear the Walking Dead''. Career In 2017, she joined the cast of '' Fear the Walking Dead'' in the series regular role of Lola Guerr ...

were added to the main cast. This is the first season not to include

Elizabeth Rodriguez Elizabeth Rodriguez is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Aleida Diaz in the Netflix comedy-drama series ''Orange Is the New Black'' (2013–2019). She received a Tony Award nomination, and won an Outer Critics Circle Award ...

Michelle Ang Michelle Ang (born 17 October 1983) is a New Zealand actress. She is best known for her role as Lori Lee in the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'', and for voicing the female Jango Fett clone Omega in the animated series '' Star War ...

and Lorenzo James Henrie who were all credited as main cast members in previous seasons. *

: A cunning and domineering high school guidance counselor, the mother of Nick and Alicia, and Travis' fiancée. *

as Travis Manawa: A resolute and peacekeeping high school teacher and Madison's fiancé who is struggling to cope with the death of his son Chris. *

as Nick Clark: A brave recovering heroin addict, Madison's son, and Alicia's brother. *

Alicia Clark Alicia Clark is a fictional character in the AMC television series '' Fear the Walking Dead'', created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson. Portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey, Alicia is the daughter of Madison Clark, the former main protagonist. ...

: The fiery yet compassionate daughter of Madison, and sister of Nick. *

as Victor Strand: A smart and sophisticated conman-turned-businessman, who forms friendships with the Clark family. * Mercedes Mason as Ofelia Salazar: The strong-willed and capable daughter of Daniel. *

as Luciana Galvez: A strong and cautious former member of the La Colonia community in

Tijuana Tijuana ( ,"Tijuana"
(US) and < ...

Mexico Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatema ...

, and Nick's girlfriend. * Daniel Sharman as Troy Otto: The charismatic and impulsive son of Jeremiah, and Jake's half-brother. * Sam Underwood as Jake Otto: Jeremiah's moralistic and wiser son, Troy's half-brother, and Alicia's love interest. *

as Jeremiah Otto: The leader of Broke Jaw Ranch, and Jake and Troy's father. *

: A courageous and pragmatic former member of the

Sombra Negra The ''Sombra Negra'' (Spanish for "Black Shadow"), also known as ''El Clan de Planta'' ("The Plant Clan"), are (as of 2014) death squad groups based in El Salvador, allegedly composed mostly of police and military personnel, that target criminal ...

gang, a barber, and Ofelia's father. He returns after his disappearance in the previous season's mid-season finale. *

as Lola Guerrero: The generous and empathic leader of a community stationed at a

dam A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of surface water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use ...

located in Tijuana, who is responsible for supplying water.

Supporting cast

* Michael William Freeman as Blake Sarno: A member of the militia. * Rae Gray as Gretchen Trimbol: A resident of Broke Jaw Ranch who becomes friends with Alicia. * Matt Lasky as Cooper: A member of the militia. * Sarah Benoit as Pat Daley: An outspoken resident of the Broke Jaw Ranch and Charlene's mother. *

Jesse Borrego Jesse Borrego (born August 1, 1962) is an American actor best known for his roles as Cruz Candelaria in ''Blood In Blood Out'', Jesse V. Velasquez in '' Fame'', Gael Ortega in '' 24'', and George King in ''Dexter''. Early life Jesse Borrego was ...

as Efrain Morales: A man who saves Daniel after he is injured in a fire. *

Michael Greyeyes Michael Greyeyes (born June 4, 1967) (Muskeg Lake Cree Nation) is an Indigenous Canadian actor, dancer, choreographer, director, and educator. In 1996, Greyeyes portrayed Crazy Horse in the television film ''Crazy Horse''. In 2018, Greyeyes port ...

as Qaletaqa Walker: A Native American in a war with Jeremiah Otto, who he claims occupies his lands. *

Justin Rain Justin Rain (born October 27, 1981) is a Canadian First Nations actor. He is of Plains Cree descent. Biography Justin Rain was raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where he attended St. Mary's High School. Justin began abusing drugs in his y ...

as Lee "Crazy Dog": The right-hand man of Qaletaqa. * Kalani Queypo as Klah Jackson: An arrogant member of the Native Americans.

Guest

Noel Fisher Noel Roeim Fisher (born March 13, 1984) is a Canadian actor. He is known for his portrayal of Mickey Milkovich on the Showtime series '' Shameless'', as well as his portrayal of Cael Malloy on the FX series '' The Riches''. He played Ellison " ...

as Willy: A sadistic member of the militia who executes survivors to learn more about the infection. * Lindsay Pulsipher as Charlene Daley: A helicopter pilot for the Broke Jaw Ranch. * Ross McCall as Steven: A survivor who aids Nick and Luciana to escape the militia. *

Brenda Strong Brenda Lee Strong (born March 25, 1960) is an American actress. She began her career in television, including guest starring appearances in ''Twin Peaks'', '' Party of Five'', ''Seinfeld'', '' Scandal'', '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'', '' ...

as Ilene Stowe: A reclusive survivor in the Rosario Beach hotel who lost her sanity after her family's death. * Karen Bethzabe as Elena Reyes: The Rosario Beach hotel manager. * Ramses Jimenez as Hector Reyes: Elena's nephew. *

Jason Manuel Olazabal Jason Manuel Olazabal (born October 14, 1973), also just known as Jason Olazabal, is an American actor, known for playing Ramon Prado in Showtime TV series, '' Dexter''. Life and career Olazábal was born in Santa Maria, California. His acti ...

as Dante Esquivel: The leader of Gonzalez Dam. * Hugo Armstrong as Vernon Trimbol: Gretchen's father and one of the founders of the Broke Jaw Ranch. * Linda Gehringer as Christine: A resident of Broke Jaw Ranch who forms a bond with Alicia. *

Edwina Findley Edwina Findley, also known as Edwina Findley Dickerson, is an American actress. In 2014, Findley began starring as one of lead characters in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series, '' If Loving You Is Wrong''. Findley is also known for her recu ...

as Diana: A pragmatic survivor who becomes friends with Alicia. * Miguel Pérez as "El Matarife": A drug dealer in El Bazar. *

James LeGros James Le Gros () (born April 27, 1962) is an American actor. He was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in '' Living in Oblivion''. Career James Le Gros appeared as Rick in Gus Van Sant's 1989 ...

as Eddie: A doctor at El Bazar who works for Proctor John. * Ray McKinnon as Proctor John: The leader of a gang known as the Proctors.

Episodes

Reception

Critical response

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang ...

, the season has a rating of 84%, based on 6 reviews, whose average rating is 7.25/10. The site's critical consensus is, "A distinctive ensemble brings a compelling flavor of ''Fear the Walking Dead'' mythos, but this ambitious spinoff still shares its originator's penchant longwinded pacing that may diminish the tension for some viewers."

Ratings

Home media

The third season, featuring audio commentaries and deleted scenes, was released on Blu-ray and DVD on March 13, 2018.

References

External links

* * {{The Walking Dead 03 2017 American television seasons