Daryl and Carol return for a third season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Now that Laurent has safely left France, our duo can begin their journey back home, but alas, trouble finds them at every turn.
How do they find themselves in Spain? And will season 3 be an improvement from season 2? Now that the premiere is out on AMC and AMC+, we go over its biggest moments and our thoughts.
What happens in Daryl Dixon season 3 episode 1
When we last left Daryl and Carol, they successfully saved Laurent, who escaped via Ash's plane. Genet, the main villain of the series, was killed, leaving many to wonder if the chemically altered walkers arc is over as well.
Taking the tunnel to England, our duo arrives in an empty London until they find themselves about to be overrun and seek refuge inside an abandoned apartment building. After residing for a few days with no food but mostly liquor, they deduce they'll have to fight their way out, which will probably lead to their deaths.
But hope arrives in the form of a signal and a kind British man named Julian. Like many minor characters in The Walking Dead Universe, he's harmless, but our main characters remain cautious and untrusting.
That is, until he reveals he has a boat. Carol tries to convince Julian to go with them back to America, but he'd rather stay and have them live with him in London. After some more convincing, he agrees, and the next morning, the walkers disperse thanks to Big Ben. Provisions ready and a boat, the trio now set sail for America. However, Julian is worried due to his failure to properly navigate boats.
But so far, so good, until a storm emerges. After Julian is wounded, it's up to Daryl and Carol to steer the boat. Sure enough, the next day, they find themselves ashore, forced to kill a now-walker Julian. As per TWD fashion, the minor character or extra tragically dies thanks to the main characters.
That evening, Daryl notices blood on Carol's back, and she's running a fever. Was she bit? Nope, just suffering from an infected wound. It is here, like other small conversations throughout the episode, that Daryl and Carol attempt at small talk.
Daryl reflects on his youth with Merle, including a weird flashback that isn't addressed, and his obvious sadness over Isabelle's death. Carol's now-tended wound will have to take a backseat because people emerge from the woods, dressed like ancient warriors donning animal bones and fur.
They raid the boat, taking the remainder of the food and supplies. Daryl and Carol thankfully elude the threat and decide to leave the beach the next morning. Nope, just suffering from an infected wound. It is here, like other small conversations throughout the episode, that Daryl and Carol attempt at small talk.
When Daryl leaves the next morning, successfully hunting a rabbit, he witnesses a military vehicle drive by full of young and able-bodied men. Worried for Carol, he returns to the shack to find her missing. Was she kidnapped? Did she just go for a quick walk to explore?
Season 3 might redeem season 2's issues
It's no secret that Daryl Dixon season 2 was a disappointment compared to season 1. It was messy to put it lightly, with unnecessary character introductions, odd character motivations, and decision-making, especially when it came to character deaths.
As apprehensive as I am about season 3, I will admit the premiere episode was very well done. Although Julian's fate was painfully predictable, the sets and location changes were very welcome and appealing.
I especially loved the beautiful yet dangerous London apartment building, appearing as a white palace with iron accents, decorated in thriving plant life. While I'm unsure about the opening credit sequence (season 1 was just a true piece of art), and the teleporting walkers continue to baffle me as they always surprise our characters, season 3 is already channeling season 1 energy.
I truly don't know where the story is going next, nor which new characters we'll be introduced to. I can safely assume, not every plotline will conclude, as season 4 has been confirmed to be the final season.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3 episode 2 will air on Sunday, Sept. 14 on AMC and AMC+.