Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

As a die-hard fan who has been following The Walking Dead since its very first season, I must say that Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol episode one was nothing short of a delightful rollercoaster ride! It’s been a long time coming for this spinoff series, and it didn’t disappoint.


Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol episode one has finally dropped, so here is our full recap of the first outing for the second season of The Walking Dead spin-off show.

At long last, the highly anticipated spin-off series of “The Walking Dead” featuring Daryl Dixon has arrived! Although the new installment continues where the first one left off, it’s making some significant changes right from the start.

Episode one, ‘La gentillesse des Étrangers,’ reestablishes Daryl’s newfound place in France while reintroducing Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) to The Walking Dead franchise. Continue reading for our full recap of Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol, episode one. 

Caution: Spoilers are scattered across, so avoid reading further if you haven’t seen the first episode of this season yet.

Daryl is still struggling to find his place in France

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

In the premiere of “Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol,” we catch a glimpse of a brief encounter between Daryl and Laurent in France. This scene takes place just two weeks after the finale of season one, as suggested by the narrative. Primarily focusing on Carol’s story, this episode also hints at Daryl’s role in advancing the overarching plotline concerning France and the Union.

In a different context, Daryl is teaching Laurent self-defense skills using weapons, but this practice is disapproved by Losang, the head of the Union of Hope. When Daryl defends his methods and elaborates on the necessity for Laurent to learn self-protection, Losang emphasizes the significance of maintaining “compassion” in Laurent.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder over a discussion later in the episode suggesting that Laurent might be participating in a secret ritual, potentially his rise as the new Messiah. This intriguing development hints at grander schemes the Union has for Laurent, and it seems Daryl’s training could pose an obstacle.

Gene returns as the series’s main antagonist

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

When Losang discloses to Daryl that a compact rescue squad is planning to ambush a convoy to liberate numerous captives taken by Marion Gene, the series’ primary adversary, Daryl promptly volunteers to join the mission.

As Daryl and their group successfully rescue the hostages from the convoy effortlessly, Anne Charrier (Gene) exits the vehicle and confronts Daryl. In the act of reloading his shotgun to shoot her, an explosion suddenly occurs behind him. Upon turning back towards Gene, she has mysteriously vanished.

It’s not likely that we’ve seen the last of Gene; the trailer at the end of the episode hints that she will have a significant role in the remaining episodes of the season.

Carol is back and being a menace as always

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

It’s no surprise that episode one primarily revolves around Carol, who made a brief appearance at the end of last season. However, her promotion to a series regular in this new season is certainly exciting news for fans.

From a dedicated fan like myself, I must say that stepping back into Carol’s shoes from the early days of The Walking Dead brings on a wave of nostalgia. This first episode skillfully reintroduces her to the world, subtly reminding us of her enduring presence in this post-apocalyptic universe.

Carol successfully locates the junkyard and individuals who saw Daryl’s abduction and subsequent arrival in France. Upon spotting Daryl’s crossbow, she instantly recognizes this as the correct location. After intimidating them, they divulge that Daryl has wound up in France.

Despite seeming to lose all hope, Carol spots a plane passing above and follows its path to a well-guarded site. Typical of Carol, she pretends to be hurt and is met by a helpful stranger who graciously invites her to stay at their home for the evening.

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

Ash, as it turns out, is a solitary dad who suffered a heartbreaking loss when his son passed away at the onset of the zombie infestation.

In a different turn of phrase, during the second season of The Walking Dead, Carol falsely tells Ash that her daughter Sophia is residing in France. Her intention was to deceive Ash into assisting her with travel arrangements to Europe.

In the first episode, Carol effectively establishes that although she has undergone a complete transformation following Sophia’s demise, the memory of losing her child continues to cast a shadow over her, a theme that significantly shapes her character throughout the series.

Carol and Ash take flight and begin the journey to France

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Episode 1 recap: Carol takes flight

Initially refusing, Ash eventually consents to assist her. Following a narrow escape and some thrilling encounters with zombies that ended with the plane propellers annihilating the Walkers, they successfully took off and embarked on their trip towards France.

Although Ash appears to have faith in Carol and seems to accept her deception, a dramatic confrontation looms as soon as he discovers that she’s actually heading to France in search of Daryl.

The Kindness of Strangers delivers a powerful opening act, paving the way for Daryl Dixon: The Carol Chronicles, and it does so at a brisk pace. This fast-paced episode promises an action-packed season and a significant contribution to the expansive narrative of The Walking Dead series.

Daryl Dixon announces that the second episode of “The Book of Carol” will be broadcast on October 6, 2024, which is a Sunday. Don’t forget to return for our summary of the second episode at that time.

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2024-09-30 07:18