Warning: General spoilers ahead

Except for the heartbreak of Ofelia’s death, last week’s episode ended on somewhat of a high note for the group. Even though the ranch had been lost, it looks like they may have found a new home, and one that is fortified and has plenty of water. In the world of a zombie apocalypse, it doesn’t get much better than that…and, then Strand happened. After being recaptured by the Proctors and claiming he has something big to offer to Proctor John, you just know that Strand has once again thought of no one but himself and is about to torpedo the group’s new plan of survival.

There’s not too much I can tell you, but I will say this much — yes, Strand does betray the dam to the Proctors. Even the promos make this clear, as the dam appears to be under attack by some unknown group. The group is the Proctors, and they remind me somewhat of the Saviors in that their grand plan is to create an interconnected system of outposts to be used for trading goods. We also learn later in the episode that the group had ties with the Narcos before the apocalypse, and just from that fact alone, we know immediately we’re dealing with some really bad people. That point is driven home even more with the first episode spending a great deal of time getting the audience familiar with the group’s leader, Proctor John (Ray McKinnon, “Sons of Anarchy”).  When we’re introduced to the character, he doesn’t appear that imposing. He’s bound to a wheelchair because of a tumor on his spine, and he’s about to have surgery to have the growth removed. However, the kicker is he doesn’t believe going under is safe, and so, he ends up enduring the entire procedure with just a shot of morphine. Yes, folks, that’s how tough this son-of-a-bitch is, and just watching as his back is cut open and that thing excised, knowing he can feel everything, well, that was enough to make me want to hurl. But, the point is this guy is as tough as nails, and we will ultimately see just how tough and just how brutal he is by the end of the finale.

Knowing that Strand betrayed the dam and given that Proctor John is quickly back up on his feet after the surgery, we know that a big attack is coming. I can’t really provide any details without spoiling the finale, but I will say that not all of the scenes at the dam are just bullets flying. We also get some really emotional, touching scenes including a highly-anticipated one between Madison (Kim Dickens)  and Troy (Daniel Sharman).  After Nick (Frank Dillane)  and Troy arrive at the dam and warn everyone that an attack is coming, Madison and Troy are paired up in making preparations. Troy comments that he really misses these “family” moments, and he thanks Madison for giving him a chance. He also acknowledges how much he likes Nick, and says “I think Nick is my only friend, almost like a brother.” It’s a touching scene, and for a moment, you may actually like Troy. Until you remember that he killed Mexicans for kicks and rained a horde down on the ranch out of spite.

Then, there’s a great scene with Nick towards the end of the finale where he makes a bold and desperate move in a last-ditch effort to save the dam. The catch is if he’s successful, it will also mean that he’ll likely be killed. That is, it’s a suicide mission. Then, as if it’s not enough knowing that Nick will likely be dead soon, you see a single tear flowing down his cheek. Proctor John also sees it and mocks him with the disgusting comment, Ah look, the junkie cries.” Regret? Remorse? Whatever the reason for that tear, make no mistake, it’ll be enough to make you cry as well, and so, better have the tissues ready. In fact, better have those tissues ready for the entire 2 hours.

The 2-hour season three finale of Fear The Walking Dead  airs Sunday at 9/8c on AMC.

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