More Conversations with the Cast of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’

4/15/2022

Fear the Walking Dead returns to the airwaves on Sunday, April 17, 2022, and in anticipation of its return… we had the opportunity to sit down with cast members: Alycia Debnam-Carey, Alexa Nisenson, Omid Abtahi, Jenna Elfman, and Keith Carradine… to discuss Season 7B and their thoughts on their character’s respective journeys.

Alycia Debnam-Carey, Alexa Nisenson, Omid Abtahi

John Betancourt: Since The Walking Dead Universe is big on messaging, I was wondering what message each of you are hoping resonates with the audience this season.

Alycia Debnam-Carey: I feel like you know, we had, there's a big theme of redemption, in this second half of the season. And then, you know, leading up to that, in the last couple of episodes too… you know, following Alicia’s journey… she's carrying a massive amount of guilt with her for not being able to stop, you know, what sort of, she believes Teddy and then Strand have sort of put in place. And I think she's feeling like since she's been bitten and what's happened to her and having to cut off her arm and become this, you know, new and improved but also even more damaged, somehow, Apocalyptic, leader warrior of sorts. She's sort of decided to take it into her own hands, and now she's able to take that burden of it all.

It's almost as a selflessness in comparison to Strand selfishness. And she's always been a character that wanted to put others first and there is a humanity in her and there is, you know, a stronger belief in humanity's good traits, and she's always sort of leant into that I feel, and I think that's a really important characteristic of hers. And then we see, you know, now this I think, guilt and this need for redemption, you know, propel her to this new place of like, wanting to lead a group of people somewhere, that she believes is there that she's, hell bent on finding, that she will do whatever it takes to make sure that the greater good is taken care of. And so, I think that was a really interesting message to follow through her journey to this back half.

Omid Abtahi: Yeah, I mean, I just have to echo what Alicia said, and she, articulated it wonderfully, it is, it is the redemption parts of some of these character stories that I was drawn to even you know, as, not as just as an actor, but as a fan. And it's just that it's never too late to, in a sense, redeem yourself. From the scripts that I was able to be a part of, that’s what stood out for me.

Alexa Nisenson: Me and Charlie, I'd say a theme that I really love, and I hope resonates with the fans as well would be love. And I think we especially in 710 really get to see that for Charlie. And I love the message that even though in the midst of so much sadness and chaos and tough times and you know, Charlie's grown up in this crazy world and nothing is really normal and there's always crazy stuff going on around her. She's always you know, dealing with a lot and I think in the midst of all that she gets to experience something beautiful and I think that message is really special that you know, even in chaos and sadness, there can still be love and it's not too late and it can never be too hard to possibly experience that, and I hope the fans appreciate that as much as I did playing Charlie and just yeah, as a fan as well. I think it's really beautiful and special.

John Betancourt: I would also like to know, without spoilers of course, what you’re most excited for fans to experience in the back half of season seven.

Alycia Debnam-Carey: There's a lot of cool stuff coming up. Well, selfishly, I'm excited for episode 11. Because I directed episode 11. And that's a really, you know, big milestone for me, it was a really huge moment. As you know, being a part of a show for so long getting that opportunity and, you know, a personal development, a extraordinary opportunity. So that was… I'm really excited for fans to see episode 11. Because that's something that's very personal to me, and very new and something I've always wanted to do for a really, really long time. I've wanted to direct for a really long time. So, I can't wait to share that with everyone. And I hope people like it. And then, on top of that, I'll say there's a really huge arc coming for Alicia that is, is very intense, very, very dense. There's a lot in it. There's a lot to come. And we're going to see really dynamic stuff from her. Right through the end of the season. So, I think fans will be excited for that.

Alexa Nisenson: For me, definitely, I'm excited for the fans to see 710. That's the Charlie-centric episode. And I absolutely love it. It is so, so special to me. And I just cannot wait for the fans to see it. Yeah, I feel like I've waited a while for everyone to see it. And I'm just excited for it to come out. And I'm incredibly proud of it and proud of everyone in it. It's very special to me.

Omid Abtahi: I don't know if excited is the right word, but I am excited to for everyone to see 710. And, and I, I hope there's a backlash against Howard. Because he just… uh…
Alexa Nisenson: You’re so amazing in it!

Omid Abtahi: Thank you. But I want that. I want the fans to be upset about it, because they should be upset about it, and I don't think the last time I played a character like this, there was any social media so there was no way you know, if people didn’t like me, they wouldn't let me know. So, I'm curious and excited to see what happens.

Jenna Elfman and Keith Carradine

John Betancourt: It is definitely safe to say that John and June’s journey this season has been almost inspirational during a very dark time on the show. What do you hope audiences take away from their journey?

Keith Carradine: Well, perseverance furthers. You know, I think that the idea of there always being another chance to do the right thing. And I certainly think that that is John Dorie. He's says: “it's never too late.” And I think that's sort of a predominant theme in his life and the choices he makes and his constant striving for some kind of redemption. And the fact that one never, never ultimately… just don't give up. Don't ever give up.

Jenna Elfman: I love that so much. I love that sense of hope and it's never too late. It's such a great theme. I just love that theme. And I think that directly feeds into, you know, something that helps June keep going, you know, through all these different things is she can, she's always like found herself back on her feet, though changed. But that never giving up or losing hope, I think is something that's just been a beautiful, beautiful gift from the Dorie family as it were.

John Betancourt: Now both of you immediately came onto this show and made a huge impact with the story with your performances and I am curious… as to what you’re most proud of when it comes to your time on Fear the Walking Dead.

Jenna Elfman: I think the transformation of where she started and where she is now, I'm loving, portraying and you know, if a character is not changing like why are we all tuning in? You know what I mean? Like characters must change based on their experiences and how they change is what determines the nature of their character and who they are. And so, I really feel like the change that they've built in for June to go through has just been really fun to play. And I think it's been fun for the fans to watch and get behind and track all of her turns and stuff. I've loved that. Like I think the most I just, oh my God, I just live for it.

Keith Carradine: Well, to do the old psalm, “Pride goeth before a fall”, doesn't it? And so, I hesitate to actually express any pride. I suppose that if in the end, there is not a moment that I have given to this character where anyone doesn't actually believe who I am. Then if I've done that, then in that I will, I will take pride.

These interviews have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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