Daryl & Carol's The Walking Dead Reunion Was So Good, I'll Forgive The 2-Year Wait

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 4.

Although they were only apart for a few short weeks in The Walking Dead universe, Carol and Daryl finally shared the screen together after two long years, and I'm grateful that their reunion in Daryl Dixon was worth the wait. Both characters made their debut in The Walking Dead's first season and have become two of the franchise's longest-surviving characters, cementing their status as fan favorites. In the process, they developed one of the best friendships in the zombie universe, which only added to the emotion behind Carol and Daryl's Walking Dead reunion in their spinoff show.

Daryl Dixon's first season focused on Reedus' character trying to find a way home from France, but Carol's arrival in Europe added a new element to the story and raised the stakes. Her journey involved plenty of lies and deception, which made for some compelling entertainment as Daryl remained optimistic about returning to the US while attempting to protect his French allies. As the drama and tension hit their peak for both central characters, they finally crossed paths under chaotic circumstances, with the build-up and surrounding factors ensuring that Daryl and Carol's long-awaited reunion was everything I could've asked for.

Daryl Dixon Season 2's Daryl & Carol Reunion Was Executed Perfectly

The Duo Had A Wholesome Reunion During High Stakes Action & Drama

After how well The Ones Who Live executed Rick and Michonne's reunion, I was worried Daryl and Carol's would fall flat in comparison, but thankfully, the spinoff nailed the big moment. Even though they haven't been separated nearly as long as Michonne and Rick, Daryl and Carol's relationship is a critical part of the franchise, and they deserved their warm embrace. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the duo was able to find each other in the Nest, as Daryl managed to escape imprisonment while Carol survived Genet's zombie attack, leading to the protagonists running into one another.

They left a wave of bodies in their path, but both were able to fight through groups of enemies to finally reunite. Although this moment happened shortly before Isabelle's frustrating Walking Dead death, the scene did help add to how important it was that Daryl and Carol were back in each other's lives. Seeing them hug and share such a happy moment together is a reminder of everything they'd been through and while Daryl had to endure extremely contrasting emotions moments later, he at least had someone important back in his life.

Their reunion also helped display some of the duo's most prominent character traits. Daryl brutally murdered a bunch of soldiers in order to gain his freedom while trying to find his loved ones. Meanwhile, Carol lied her way to France before improvising an insane plan that somehow worked out, despite hurting other people in the process. Even though they each did bad things to get there, Daryl and Carol's reunion showcased just how much they care about each other and proved that their bond will always be one of the best in the franchise.

Daryl & Carol's Reunion Almost Makes Up For The Walking Dead's Strange Ending

Daryl's Random Exit During The Walking Dead Season 11 Feels More Justified After The Spinoff

With Daryl Dixon doing a great job of reuniting Daryl and Carol, their spinoff scene helps make up for Daryl's strange Walking Dead ending. While opinions were pretty mixed on the main show's conclusion, The Walking Dead season 11's finale gave most of its characters a happy ending, but Daryl's still felt a little bizarre. He's often been a lone wolf throughout his time in the franchise, but I never truly understood why he'd leave everyone behind to see what else is out there. Thankfully, this conclusion has been rectified as it gave him another emotional moment with Carol.

Given they've spent such a large portion of the apocalypse together, it only felt right that they once again got the chance to reinforce how important they are to one another. Although the spinoff has helped Daryl see what was out there by meeting new allies and discovering a whole new culture, it is also a reminder of how much better things were in the Commonwealth. If The Walking Dead season 11 was the end of Daryl's story, it would have been an underwhelming exit, but with Daryl experiencing post-apocalyptic France, his decision in the finale has more meaning.

Therefore, Daryl's reunion with Carol helped ensure his departure in The Walking Dead season 11 wasn't for nothing, as it provided us with a memorable encounter between the two and proved his journey to France had value. Coming face-to-face with Carol acted as a reminder of how much he misses home, and I'm hopeful the duo can bring Laurent to the Commonwealth, as it would be the perfect payoff to Daryl's complicated spinoff story.

What Daryl & Carol Reuniting Means For Daryl Dixon Season 2's Ending & Season 3

The Show's Direction Has Already Started To Change After Carol & Daryl's Reunion

Daryl and Carol's reunion will massively impact season 3 and the remainder of season 2, as it completely changes the trajectory of the story. For a long time, Daryl was still battling with whether he wanted to stay in France or not, even when he outwardly stated his intentions to return to the US. However, with Isabelle gone and Carol back in his life, returning to America with Carol and Laurent will be his main priority. For as much as I've enjoyed his conflicting feelings about going home, seeing Daryl determined to escape France will be an exciting next step.

Carol's involvement means the remainder of season 2 will be about finding Laurent and Ash, before trying to leave the country, no matter the cost. Given how deceitful she has been throughout Daryl Dixon, it's not out of the question that her lies are what prevent her and Daryl's escape, forcing them towards Spain in season 3. While it's impossible to know exactly what prompts the change in location next season, I'm almost certain Carol will play a part in it, and having her around means more classic Walking Dead action as well as more chaotic and ruthless storylines.