Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame (Fear the Walking Dead)

"Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame" is the eighth episode of the third season of the television series Fear the Walking Dead. It first aired on June 25, 2017.

The episode's title is a metaphor representing the impossible or untenable situations faced by the characters in the zombie apocalypse. It symbolizes being trapped between two destructive forces, with no viable escape. "Burning in Water" suggests a futile effort, an oxymoron implying destruction even in an element meant to extinguish fire. "Drowning in Flame" carries a similar contradictory meaning, highlighting the overwhelming and inescapable nature of their predicament.

The episode itself explores the diverging paths and moral compromises made by different characters. Specifically, the metaphor reflects the choices Nick Clark makes, as he grapples with his addiction and the precarious alliances formed in the post-apocalyptic world. His attempts to navigate the dangerous landscape lead him to situations where any decision results in a form of destruction or compromise, mirroring the impossible choice of burning in water or drowning in flame. The title encapsulates the episode's themes of moral ambiguity, survival at any cost, and the corrosive effects of constant threat.