As a long-time fan of The Walking Dead, I find myself deeply moved by the poignant and heartbreaking scenes between Daryl and Isabelle, as well as the bond that Daryl shares with Carol. The way these characters navigate through loss, sorrow, and determination is truly captivating.
In many ways, the show ‘The Walking Dead’ and its spin-offs have consistently followed the idea that significant gains often demand substantial sacrifices. Characters are often compelled to make tough choices, encounter new communities and grapple with whether or not to trust them, form bonds only to see them broken, experience loss, love, and more loss again. Each stride forward appears to push them two steps back in this formula. This pattern has persisted in the spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon‘.
In the fourth episode of its second season, titled “Paradise for You,” the much-anticipated meeting between Daryl (Norman Reedus) and his close companion Carol (Melissa McBride) takes place. However, their happiness is quickly overshadowed as this encounter also leads to a heartbreaking loss.
What Happens Before Daryl and Carol Reunite?
Previously, Daryl and Isabelle (played by Clemence Poésy) found themselves captured and imprisoned by Losang (Joel de la Fuente), who was determined to find Laurent’s (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) whereabouts. Losang and his second-in-command, Jacinta (Nassima Benchicou), planned to rally the inhabitants of The Nest and stage an incident where a walker would bite Laurent as proof of his divine status and immunity. However, Daryl and Isabelle were aware that this was not the truth. Despite her wishful thinking, Isabelle refused to subject her nephew to such a harrowing ordeal. Deep within, she recognized that while he was special, he was still just an ordinary human being.
In confinement, Isabelle confesses her love for Daryl, echoing the tender aftermath of their intense kiss from Episode 2. However, he fails to reciprocate immediately, and it seems this hesitation may stem more from anxiety rather than lack of feelings towards her.
Isabelle gets led out of her cell and fastened to a chair for questioning by Losang. As he attempts to persuade her that capturing the boy is necessary for their survival, Isabelle asserts that his real concern is maintaining control. She tells him that what he’s doing is reckless, misguided, and brutal. In response, he suggests she’s echoing Daryl’s words. “No,” she says assertively, “that’s me.
In a moment of attack, Isabelle springs, using a concealed metal object in her hand to slash Losang’s face. He reacts by grabbing a knife and brutally stabbing her in the abdomen, immediately appearing remorseful for his actions. It is believed that Isabelle has perished, but she manages to struggle up and attempt to move somewhere. It is during this struggle that she encounters Carol.
How Carol and Daryl Reunite
Following the discovery and persuasion of Ash (Manish Dayal) to transport her to France in his aircraft under a false pretense that she was locating her daughter, Carol intensely hunts for Daryl. Via a sequence of hints and data unveiled by Codron (Romain Levi), as well as narrowly dodging death from Genet (Anne Charrier), she pinpoints his position and proceeds there. With Codron’s assistance, she navigates through the structure to look for her companion.
Upon her arrival, it turns out there’s quite a commotion. She needs to battle adversaries to navigate the building. As Carol moves through outdoor pathways, she encounters a wounded woman. In the process, she takes the injured woman to a secure spot and attempts to assist. She sits the woman down and identifies herself as Carol. The expression in Isabelle’s eyes suggests that she fully recognizes this American woman.
At that moment, within the structure, a frightened youth swiftly secures a gate against the undead. Upon finding Daryl confined by chains, he decides to liberate him in order to assist. As Daryl marches down the hallway with his flail from the Middle Ages, dispatching walkers one after another, he comes across a woman at the end and advances cautiously towards her to find it’s Carol.
In the heart of a movie scene, I found myself witnessing a touching moment as tears streamed down my face. Carol handed Daryl to Isabelle, a sight both heartwarming and heavy with sorrow. Pale as a ghost, Daryl pleaded to whisk Isabelle away for safety and aid. Yet, Isabelle, her eyes shining like stars, was resolute. She was ready to journey towards the light, she whispered softly, and in that moment, it was beautiful, she claimed.
As Isabelle’s time comes to an end, she requests Daryl to “assure me that he’s alright,” referring to Laurent. Daryl responds with a reassuring promise, saying “We can handle that together.” Carol watches on as Isabelle emphasizes again, “Let’s make sure he’s well taken care of” and “that he understands I’m always by his side.” In this moment, Daryl comprehends that Isabelle will not survive.
The happy moment becomes instantly somber, but at least Daryl has Carol to comfort him.
What Happens Next
Although it’s been a while since Daryl last saw his friend, he’s too busy for small talk or mourning. He needs to locate Laurent and get him to safety immediately. His resolve to protect Laurent has only grown stronger, especially now that Isabelle’s final wish was for this to happen. Carol joins Daryl as they depart from The Nest, which is currently ablaze. As they walk and converse, Carol provides a soothing influence, much like she always does, allowing them a brief opportunity to reconnect. “You were meant to return,” Carol remarks while discussing her journey across the globe based on a feeling. “I was trying,” he responds.
Later on, I open up about my bond with Isabelle. “She was in trouble and I was lost, so we struck a deal.” I point out Laurent as the one who kept everyone united, and confess, “I’ve always yearned to return home to you. But as time went by, it became more difficult.” In this moment, Carol realizes that I had feelings for Isabelle, yet again, I choose not to verbalize it directly. Instead, I assure her, “Laurent is coming back with us,” to which Carol responds warmly, “I understand.
Although the times they spend together are lovely, ranging from peaceful chats to fierce battles against adversaries, it’s tinged with sadness because someone close to Daryl met an untimely end during these events. Isabelle could have avoided this fate and returned with them to The Commonwealth as planned by Daryl. However, fans understand that for Daryl to excel at what he does best, he must remain unfettered by relationships or obligations. Among all others, only Carol has the power to touch Daryl’s heart, even without a romantic connection. Isabelle became an unintentional casualty, and her absence will be felt deeply.
For the main pair, although we have two episodes remaining in season two, it’s no secret that filming for season three has started in Spain. Thus, there’s a strong possibility that we’ll see plenty more adventures featuring our beloved duo.
Stream The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon on AMC+.
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2024-10-21 05:02