A life spent within the confines of a heavily fortified community appeared to show as sisters Iris and Hope Bennett defended themselves against marauding zombies in the second episode of The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
Having left their comfortable Nebraska settlement in a bid to rescue scientist father Leo, the pair – accompanied by close friends Silas Plaskett and Elton Ortiz – face their first serious test in the form of a Walker as they adapt to the harsh reality of their surroundings.
Despite having previously received vital training in Walker disposal – aim for the head, stab through the eye – Iris was unable to connect cleanly after lunging at the zombie with her spear.
No skill: Iris Bennett showed a complete lack of skill killing zombies on Sunday during the second episode of the spin-off The Walking Dead: World Beyond
Without the safety-net of her community, the young student was forced to helplessly lash out at the walker while failing to heed the advice of former instructor Felix Carlucci.
‘Iris, we’re not ready! You’re not ready!,’ Hope screamed, but Iris insisted she was – before risking death after losing her balance and tumbling into a pit alongside the feral zombie.
Fortunately the teenager was pulled to safety, but the incident served to highlight the dangers that await them in their quest to free their father, who is being held by the mysterious Civic Republic Military hundreds of miles away in New York City.
Rescue mission: The second episode showed Iris and Hope embarking on a rescue mission to New York
Survival instructor: Felix Carlucci was was shown in flashback teaching the students survival skills
Elsewhere Felix and fellow security officer Huck continued their desperate search for the missing students while questioning the motives and operations of the CRM.
While Huck remained certain they would return home after stumbling across the ongoing tire fire that had, thus far, proved to be a magnet for zombies, Felix was unsure.
Their disappearance had already triggered unwanted memories, with the chief security officer moved to recall the way he was ostracized by his own parents following the apocalypse.
Casting his mind back to the night the world irreversibly changed, Felix admitted his mother and father refused him entry into the family home after discovering he was gay.
With the security officer’s journey taking him past old his house he considered killing his zombie parents, before dismissing the idea and resuming his search.
Up close: The students were startled by a sitting zombie
Close call: The zombie terrified the students when flying insects poured out of it
Security officer: Felix and Huck went chasing after the students
Fortunately for the security officers, they were being given a helping hand in their quest to find the teenagers and bring them home.
With a degree of foresight – and the knowledge that grave danger awaits – Hope was leaving clues for Felix and Huck as they closed on their trail.
And salvation couldn’t come soon enough, with the four friends forced to take refuge in a treehouse while zombies lingered below.
Iris led the group as they eventually evaded the undead near the tire fire, only to get disoriented as heavy smoke blocked out the sun.
Luckily for the group, Elton suggested they turn on the tornado siren as a diversion.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond continues on October 18th, 2020.
Growing concern: Huck felt confident the students would return, but Felix was more worried
Good times: Silas and the students took refuge in a treehouse
Rebellious sister: Hope was keeping a watchful eye on her smart sister Iris
Last generation: Elton called themselves Endlings as the last generation of the species
Kicked out: Felix was reminded of his father kicking him out of the house after learning that he was gay
The students passed some time bowling as Elton described their generation as ‘Endlings’ or the last generation of the species.
Leaving clues: Hope meanwhile was leaving clues behind for Felix and Huck who were close on their trail
Long trip: The students set off on foot from Nebraska toward New York
Not ready: Iris then admitted that she was not ready, but Hope insisted that she should be proud and suggested they rest before making a decision.
Sacrificial move: The episode ended with Hope collecting her thoughts before leaving alone and walking into the fire