WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Fear the Walking Dead Season 6, Episode 10, "Handle With Care," which aired Sunday on AMC.
The latest episode of Fear the Walking Dead marks one of the few times the show doesn't have a clear villain. The protagonists prepare to encounter the mysterious "Who are the End is the Beginning" people, a group even Virginia seemed afraid of. As such, Morgan and Daniel try to ready the group and make their new home safe. However, when Morgan sets off on a supply run, Daniel experiences psychological distress that puts everyone in danger. Right before he banishes himself, Daniel finds support from an unlikely person -- Victor Strand.
Daniel and Strand's complicated relationship stems back to Fear the Walking Dead Season 1. When first fleeing Los Angeles, Daniel immediately becomes suspicious of Strand -- and for a good reason. Both Daniel and fans of the series know Strand is a complex character, primarily motivated by selfishness and survival. However, he's proven himself loyal to the group more than once, earning him the reputation as a fan favorite despite his flaws.
While out at sea on Strand's yacht, Daniel and Strand continuously butt heads, but Season 3 marked the most strained moments of their relationship. Strand and Daniel reunite at Gonzalez Dam. Strand is stunned to see the old man alive after Daniel was presumed dead during the mansion fire. When Daniel asks about his daughter, Ofelia, Strand -- once again -- lies, telling him she's at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Things unravel after Ofelia's bite and death. Considering Daniel was on a wild goose chase looking for Ofelia, he blames Strand for not getting there in time to say goodbye to his daughter.
To make matters worse, Victor sells out the dam to the Proctors, resulting in a brutal invasion. But the ultimate betrayal comes when Victor holds Lola and Daniel at gunpoint before firing a bullet into Daniel's cheek. Moments later, the dam explodes, separating Victor and Daniel until their recent reunion in Season 5.
Now, in Season 6, Daniel is trying to keep the group's new home safe. Weapons must be checked at the door and order established. However, when the weapons go missing, and an explosion attracts nearby walkers, Daniel suspects a traitor among the group. Once again, his suspicions land on Strand, who broke the rules and snuck in a gun. While it's not unusual for Strand to break protocol, Daniel fingers him for the crime, locks him up and interrogates him. Strand insists on his innocence, but for Daniel, it's clearly personal. Daniel worked hard to keep Gonzalez Dam running smooth, and Victor -- almost single-handedly -- destroyed it all. Judging by past behavior, Daniel suspects Strand plans to do it again.
Upon Morgan's return, the group discovers Daniel moved the weapons without remembering. Through testing, June dismisses a neurological problem, suggesting Daniel is repressing memories due to trauma. According to Daniel, he's done this sort of thing before and decides to banish himself. Just as he's about to ride off to an uncertain fate, Strand intervenes, offering Daniel the option of accompanying him to Lawton.
Morgan is wary of Strand's motives, but Victor assures Morgan they will look out for Daniel, stating the old man will be safer with him than out on his own. While it's possible Strand has other motivations behind helping Daniel, their encounter earlier in Episode 10 suggests not. During the interrogation, Daniel threatens to shoot Strand in the face, confessing the immense physical and emotional pain the injury had on him. Strand seems genuinely concerned about the news, asking Daniel if he meant what he said. When Daniel asks what he's referring to, Strand says, "What you said about your jaw -- the pain I caused you?"
Although Daniel laughs it off, the scene illustrates one of the few emotionally raw moments between the two rivals. It seems the events in "Handle With Care" bonded Daniel and Strand through empathy. While it's doubtful their rocky past is entirely behind them, Strand's offer to help and Daniel's acceptance suggest they are taking steps toward burying the hatchet.
Fear the Walking Dead stars Lennie James, Rubén Blades, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Maggie Grace, Garret Dillahunt, Jenna Elfman, Alexa Nisenson, Karen David, Austin Amelio, Mo Collins, Zoe Colletti and Christine Evangelista. New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on AMC.