The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Recap: Je T’Aime

Well, it seems like the safe haven we all hoped for is turning out to be just another snake pit filled with deceit and corruption. I remember back when Daryl first arrived at the Nest, I too had dreams of him finding a place where he could finally rest his weary head. But now, after seeing the Union de l’Espoir’s true colors, it feels like we’re back to running from one danger to another.

Initially, the Nest seemed like a promising refuge for Daryl and his group last season, a place where he might contemplate settling down, despite his desire to reunite with his friends in the U.S. However, the first two episodes of this season have swiftly unveiled the deception hidden beneath the peaceful appearance of the village, exposing the Union de l’Espoir leadership as nearly as corrupt and violent as the Pouvoir des Vivants regime (though perhaps not quite to that extent). Jacinta, in particular, stands out as particularly problematic. Following “L’Invisible,” it’s challenging to envision our main characters ever feeling secure there again.

The narrative opens as Sylvie, a character I found myself rooting for, meets an untimely and unfortunate demise by falling from a balcony while trying to alert the townsfolk about Laurent’s peril. It wasn’t the satisfying resolution I had hoped for, but Sylvie’s development didn’t reach the same complexity as other key characters. I was eager to explore her spiritual struggle following Emile’s passing, but it appears the writers no longer find purpose in her storyline now that he is gone.

Daryl, Isabelle, and Fallou successfully reach the abbey and slip into the ceremony as it starts, abruptly halting it using precise gunshots. As chaos erupts, Daryl remains to battle an endless stream of guards, while Isabelle and Fallou guide a groggy Laurent to a concealed cave. It’s entertaining to witness Daryl engage in an “Assassin’s Creed” style rampage with swift stabs, but the most exciting instant occurs when he knocks one guard down the stairs by hurling a nearby float at him.

A significant portion of the series revolves around Daryl Dixon, often showing him, Isabelle, and Laurent scurrying to evade or re-encounter their captors. This repetitive pattern has begun to feel a bit repetitive. While it’s thrilling to watch Daryl dispatch enemies, it raises intriguing questions about the mindset of the faceless antagonists. Are they devoted followers who unquestioningly obey Losang’s commands without questioning the morality of their actions? Are there any doubts about Jacinta’s influence among them? For instance, what do the villagers think about these events – are they all oblivious to the situation, or are some in the know? How does Losang’s betrayal impact the struggle against Pouvoir des Vivants? Has this show evolved into a survival tale for Daryl and Carol amidst a war between two equally corrupt factions, each with their unique brands of evil?

In a turn of events, Laurent and Fallou successfully reach safety, while unfortunately, Daryl and Isabelle do not fare as well. Tied up and under duress to reveal Laurent’s location, the two have a poignant moment where Daryl hints at a transformation in his feelings towards others. It seems that he once left home without concern for anyone else, but something shifted when he encountered Isabelle and Laurent. Although I am not entirely convinced of this claim – Daryl still appears to care about his friends within the Commonwealth – it effectively refutes Losang’s misguided view of him as self-centered.

I do wish Daryl Dixon did a better job at connecting the two halves of its story, which now take place in the same universe but still aren’t directly intertwined. That looks to change next week when Madame Genet will presumably transform a bunch of people (including Carol) into superpowered walkers before turning them loose on the Nest. To tell you the truth, I think the cliffhanger could be a bit stronger here; the idea of Genet closely monitoring Carol to make sure she murders her friend is pretty fun and dangerous, but the episode ends with Carol essentially thrown into a pack of walkers-to-be, and there’s less stakes there because there’s no way Carol is going to die next episode. Still, this is a finale-esque setup, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next three episodes will look like with Daryl and Carol presumably sharing a lot more screen time.

As the Union de l’Espoir faces an imminent assault, this episode finds Maison Mère abuzz with activity. Carol tends the kitchen and Rémy looks after the stables, while the Guerriers relentlessly gather villagers for execution and conscription into Genet’s undead army. (We’re on the brink of encountering real-life Nazi zombies.) Gleaning useful insights by asking questions and discovering Daryl’s location from Mr. Codron, Carol uncovers vital information; however, Rémy betrays her to save his husband before she can make a successful escape from the compound.

In this episode alone, and throughout the season, Carol has spun various tales. Initially, she claimed she visited France before the outbreak as a tourist. Then, she portrayed Daryl as her brother and the last of her family. Later, when held captive by Genet, she adjusted her story once more. Instead of revealing her intention to be honest about her past, she falsified her motive for coming here: to murder Daryl Dixon.

Previously, I pondered whether Carol and Genet might develop some sort of relationship, and in “L’Invisible,” we witness a hint of that unfolding. Genet’s monologue sheds light on her strong disdain towards the Union; she considers religion as a means for control rather than hope. Consequently, the Union represents oppression, while Genet’s movement emerges as the true resistance. Given our current understanding of events at The Nest, it becomes challenging to dispute her perspective. However, it’s important to remember that this viewpoint comes from a woman who seems to have mobilized hundreds for combat purposes, not everyone has chosen this path.

In this series, there’s been much discussion about faith and the Union de l’Espoir. I must admit, I’m still left with some questions: Is the Union corrupt from top to bottom, or are Losang and Jacinta simply rotten apples? Are there honorable figures in this conflict, or should we not care about who comes out on top? Does the struggle matter only because it affects our central family, who are just seeking a peaceful home? Perhaps the upcoming episode will shed some light on these mysteries.

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It’s disheartening to witness Sylvie’s corpse being swiftly transformed into a walker that attacks Laurent during the ceremony. Somewhat, I can’t help but think it was Isabelle who should have been compelled to pull the trigger instead.

Is the outcome suggesting that Losang might consider giving up, or facing a difficult time, once he acknowledges his mistake regarding his faith?

• Isabelle said “je t’aime”! Time for Daryl to say it back.

Genet, along with her assistant Sabine, used to work as cleaners at the Louvre before the current era. One day, Genet removed the Mona Lisa from its frame after witnessing her lover’s death on the other side of the glass doors. This unexpected detail about her past is intriguing — and her skeptical stance against strikes foreshadows her future political views. Is it safe to say that she shifted from being anti-labor unions to opposing the Union de l’Espoir?

2024-10-12 06:56

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Recap: Je T’Aime

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