Fear the Walking Dead season 8 has yet to air, yet the mystery of why Morgan never made it back to Alexandria has already been solved. While it’s true that Morgan hasn’t been motivated to go back to Virginia for quite some time now, The Walking Dead’s massive time skip made his continued absence from Alexandria a bit more complicated. Since the main series is so far ahead of FTWD in the Walking Dead timeline, it made sense that he would have found an opportunity to return.

By jumping ahead by six years, The Walking Dead effectively confirmed that Morgan won’t be reuniting with his friend anytime soon. Due to him not being around in any of the show’s final three seasons, it became apparent that something would have to keep Morgan away for at least that long. Either that, or Morgan had given up on going home altogether. It was understandable that Morgan hadn’t left in the timeframe of Fear the Walking Dead’s story, especially since he had been kept busy with threats like the Pioneers and Teddy’s cult.

Why Morgan Didn't Return After Fear The Walking Dead

Morgan looking afraid in Fear the Walking Dead Season 8

All things considered, it did seem reasonable that a chance for Morgan to make the trip to Alexandria would present itself before a full six years could pass by, but a seven-year time jump in Fear the Walking Dead season 8 points to the contrary. As revealed by the synopsis and the season 8 teaser trailer, at least part of the story will take place seven years later, where the battle with PADRE remains unresolved. It would appear that Morgan has been a prisoner of the Fear the Walking Dead villains since season 7 ended. In other words, Morgan couldn’t have returned to Alexandria even if he had tried.

As it turns out, PADRE will occupy even more of Morgan’s time than originally expected. From the looks of things, the mysterious organization is the real reason why Morgan never returned. Such a reveal makes sense, particularly when considering all the motivation Morgan should have for going back. In light of the nuclear fallout in Texas, Morgan’s group is in desperate need of a new home, and Alexandria would be a natural choice for their destination – if PADRE wasn’t standing in the way. Had PADRE not been an issue, there’s a good chance Morgan and the others would indeed have made the long journey to Virginia to take up permanent residence in Alexandria.

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Morgan Must Still Return In The Walking Dead

Lennie James as Morgan in The Walking Dead season 8 premiere

Fear the Walking Dead may have justified Morgan not heading back to Virginia before the main show’s final season, but that doesn’t mean a return shouldn’t happen. Not only would Alexandria provide a home for his allies, but it can also be a way to rope him back into the wider narrative. Morgan has been enjoying his own story for years now, but his ties to Rick’s group shouldn’t be forgotten. It would be perfectly fitting for this connection to be remembered before the franchise ends. If Fear the Walking Dead ends with Morgan’s return to Alexandria, the series would be able to set up a future team-up with Rick.