The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 premiere started off strong with Daryl and Carol arriving in London seeking a way back home to America. Luckily for them, they meet Julian, who uses his boat to guide them out to sea, until they crash on the shores of Spain.
But after losing Julian and then their supplies to a threatening-looking tribe of people, they must figure out how to leave a new country.
What happens in Daryl Dixon season 3 episode 2
Carol, who is either still suffering from a fever from her infection or a concussion, or perhaps both, wanders from the hut to find a young couple by the water. Daryl finds her, angered that she left, but changes his tune when he notices the young couple has supplies they need.
Moments later, the young couple is found by the same group of men Daryl saw driving the military vehicle. Thankfully, he intervenes, saving the couple, but alas, one of the bad guys escapes (don't they always?).
Daryl and Carol struggle to understand Spanish, but the young woman Justina speaks some English. She instantly wants to help Carol, but her boyfriend Roberto argues against it as they fled their home without providing a reason why.
Worried for Carol's health, Daryl draws his gun on them, ordering them to take them to their home. Upon their arrival in a gorgeous and thriving village in the mountains, we meet a horse-riding tough girl, Paz (more on her later), and the leader of the community, Fede, Justina's uncle.
Both he and Roberto's father are angry with the couple for leaving. Although hesitant at first, Fede agrees to allow Daryl and Carol to stay with them for two days.
They find solace in Roberto's home, where his father immediately takes a liking to Carol, as does their cat. The community is preparing for the Ofrenda, where our possible villain of the series is introduced.
The leader and his silent wife (who is drawn to Paz) arrive, armed military and all, supposedly related to Spanish royalty and thus has more power than Fede. Upon his arrival, it becomes clear that this man is feared, especially by the women of the community.
As tables, food, decorations, and festivities are prepared, we come to learn that Justina and Roberto's romance is forbidden by both Fede and Roberto's father. It is partially the reason why they fled the community.
The second reason is the Ofrenda, where all of the eligible, young, unmarried women of the community are beautifully dressed, with their names sewn onto ribbon to be tied around pigs' necks. Ever the curious type, Daryl makes an effort to learn more about Paz, helping her feed the pigs.
What he doesn't expect is for her to meet secretly with the villain's wife, where it's implied the two knew each other in the past, hinting at a romantic relationship. Daryl watches the exchange from afar but does not speak to anyone about it.
The pigs race, and the winner has the ribbon removed. The name that is revealed is now going to be traded to the villain's group in exchange for food.
Justina had been spared five times already, which she and Roberto deduce to mean her luck will run out. But in a shocking twist, Justina's name isn't chosen; it is another young woman, younger than herself, Alba.
At dinner that evening, Carol decides to speak out against Fede's tradition, ignoring Daryl's silent advice against doing so. Although she comes from a good place, she's choosing the worst time to bring it up as Mister Bad Guy is right there...and the last thing anyone wants is to make Fede and his community's life more difficult.
Wait until the bad guy leaves, then state your complaints. Carol is even scolded by Justina's grandmother, who, as unhappy about the situation as she is, would love to hear Carol's ideas on how to fix it.
During this exchange, Daryl notices the bad guy who got away earlier in the episode eating at a table with a few others and decides to take matters into his own hands. He kills the four men, dropping one into a pit of walkers, who are used to protect the community.
While he does so, Carol and Fede speak before the Ofrenda's closing celebrations.
Season 3 episode 2 review
So far, so good. Episode 2 begins world-building by introducing Daryl and Carol to bad guys and a new community, who, like many, suffer under the rule of those more powerful but seemingly make it work (for now).
It's not pleasant, but thus far, it's a lot better than most places we've seen in The Walking Dead Universe. Fede, Justina's uncle, is already becoming my favorite character of the new season.
He's very calm and eloquent; a true, sophisticated gentleman. We have yet to really know his community or how they found themselves in the predicament they are in, but so far, my first impression of him does not give off any sneaky, untrustworthy vibes yet.
We can already tell that Paz's situation with the villain's wife is going to become a key plot for the season, foreshadowing some troubling times ahead. Daryl and Carol seem to blend in with the community, but we all know their two-day stay is going to be extended.
Just how they will be roped into another side quest that will delay their journey home, again, is yet to be known. But so far, I continue to enjoy season 3 a lot more than season 2.
Let's see how the next episode fares.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 episode 3 airs on Sept. 21 on AMC and AMC+.