Melissa McBride makes her mark in soaring premiere of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — Book of Carol

As a long-time fan of “The Walking Dead,” I must say that this episode was a rollercoaster of emotions for Carol and the audience alike. The writers have masterfully woven together the past and present, creating a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with viewers who have followed Carol’s journey since season 2.

When it became known that Melissa McBride was no longer part of the The Walking Dead spinoff she and Norman Reedus (as Daryl Dixon) were set to headline, the response was quite significant. Therefore, when Carol (McBride) made an appearance in the last episode of season 1 of that spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, the excitement among fans was noticeable. And the announcement that she would share the lead role for season 2, now titled The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol (quite a mouthful for a keychain), brought renewed energy to a waning fan base.

Fortunately, McBride’s character, Carol, meets all the anticipations pinned on her by the audience. A significant portion of the first episode, titled “The Kindness of Strangers,” focuses on Carol as she courageously and persistently journeys to France, a destination that seems improbable given the circumstances. Simultaneously, Daryl finds himself in the same predicament, both figuratively and literally, as we last saw him.

Review: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol Episode 1, “La Gentillesse des Étrangers”

Following his decision to rescue Laurent, the potential world savior who appeared on the beach amidst a horde of walkers much like an overripe piñata just as Daryl was preparing to depart for America on a boat, Daryl remains as resolute as ever in returning home. The deceptive opening scene (which may cause you to believe that we are still on the original beach when in fact we’re outside Laurent’s current residence at the religious sanctuary known as “The Nest”) seems to suggest that things might not be what they seem during this season, or perhaps only within the French segments.

Daryl informs Losang that he’ll stick around until he gets a ride home, but only for as long as necessary. It’s been two weeks since his travel plans were delayed, and Losang appears uninterested in the self-defense lessons Daryl is giving to Laurent during this time. When Losang suggests Laurent has greater purposes, Daryl wonders aloud if those purposes are more significant than learning how to survive. Losang’s response raises serious concerns for Daryl.

Actor Joel de la Fuente subtly conveys a concerning statement as if it were insignificant, but keen observer Daryl doesn’t miss the muddy footprint on the path that suggests the cult is leading unsuspecting Laurent astray. Despite this, Laurent’s aunt Isabelle remains oblivious; she persists in pushing Daryl to take on a greater role as mentor to Laurent and to stay at the Nest with them permanently.

Despite appearing unsure about the destiny discussed, Daryl frequently expresses thoughts about his folks back home. “I often find myself pondering those I left behind, questioning whether they’re also thinking of me.” Though it may appear strange given that the showrunners mention only a few months have passed since Daryl departed from the U.S., in this post-apocalyptic world where a single misstep could be fatal, his concern becomes more understandable. However, this sentiment aligns particularly well with Daryl’s history.

In season 1, Daryl confided to Andrea that nobody searched for him when he was a kid, lost in the woods, hinting at his low self-esteem, much like Carol’s. We understand this about him. He’s aware that he left Carol behind in the secure Commonwealth with Judith, RJ, and her former husband Ezekiel. It’s not unexpected, considering Daryl’s past experiences of leaving the group, that he could envision Carol finding comfort again with Ezekiel, forming a new family, and moving forward from the traumatized, violent individual that Losang is causing Daryl to recall himself as.

Carol pulls out all the stops to find Daryl and get to his side

Without a doubt, Carol hasn’t let go of him, and we swiftly transition to an undeniably memorable scene of her riding Daryl’s motorbike, relentlessly searching for her beloved partner, no matter where he might be. The opening scenes of The Book of Carol leave us in no question about her character. Her cunning, adaptable nature to extract information from the garage where Daryl was last known is a perfect reflection of her: from seemingly innocent to deadly force to sarcastic, quick-witted humor. Possessing Daryl’s motorbike and then his crossbow serves as a poignant trail, only for it to abruptly end when she discovers that Daryl embarked on a journey to France by boat, never to return again.

Fortunately, Ash, a solitary yet compassionate pilot (and let’s face it, the charming single man of the apocalypse, portrayed by Manish Dayal), with his small aircraft, enters Carol’s life, becoming the ideal she’s been yearning for. Yet, persuading a stranger to abandon his (admittedly vacant) existence to take her to France is no easy feat, so we witness Carol delve into her less refined strategies in an attempt to succeed.

Ash’s dwelling bears a striking resemblance to Bill’s in the series “The Last of Us“. He cultivates food in a greenhouse, sets traps, and uses electric fences as barriers against walkers and the outside world. However, he lacks protection for a woman who empathizes with him, knowing exactly how to persuade him to join her quest. Noticing Ash’s crippling sorrow and remorse over his deceased son years prior, Carol leverages her own past to persuade him to transport her by revealing she is searching for her daughter Sophia.

In a poignant manner, it’s apparent that Sophia’s death is still deeply affecting Carol, as her grief subtly bubbles beneath the veneer of her resilience. Director Greg Nicotero masterfully executes this by triggering a flashback when Ash invites Carol to sleep in his barn. This flashback transports us back to the heart-wrenching moment when Carol’s reanimated daughter walked out at Hershel’s farm, mirroring an exact scene from season 2 of “The Walking Dead.” The transition from night to day, the symbolism of Carol’s world turning bleak in that instant, and Melissa McBride’s consistently impressive acting create a profound sense of sorrow and despair reminiscent of the best moments of “The Walking Dead.

Later, Carol’s heart swells with nostalgia when she finds a Cherokee Rose in a bottle in Ash’s kitchen. As she gazes at it intently, she’s struck by a different kind of emotion than at the barn. This prompts a flashback to the moment Daryl gave her a similar flower, offering hope during Sophia’s absence. It serves as a poignant reminder of their initial bonding, hinting that perhaps the universe is guiding Carol on the correct path.

In the beginning of the episode, when Daryl hints that Losang believes he’s too aggressive, Isabelle tells Daryl, “I believe you do whatever needs to be done, even if others won’t. That’s especially true then.” This line has been used to describe Carol in the past and underscores why Carol and Daryl share such a strong connection and bond. Their actions in “La Gentillesse des Étrangers” demonstrate this trait in parallel ways; Daryl works to rescue the Union of Hope’s prisoners, while Carol attempts to arrange for Ash to fly her to France. However, it also hints at a growing divide between them. As Daryl struggles with self-doubt, Isabelle and Laurent remind him of his worth as an individual and their desire for his presence. On the other hand, Carol has only a friendship that she knows is based on deceit, but she’s trying hard to reach the one person who makes her feel cherished.

Although it seems Carol might be deceiving Ash, her feelings and intentions appear genuine; without Daryl, she felt trapped and is taking every opportunity to extricate herself from trouble. The image of Carol, with supportive Ash, soaring towards the ascending sun suggests that for these budding companions, a fresh day is breaking and their destiny lies ahead, hanging by a thin thread of hope.

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2024-10-04 21:41