The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol – Review
Where to Watch
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book Of Carol and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 1 & 2 Box set
Director: Greg Nicotero, Daniel Percival, Michael Slovis
Writer: Shannon Goss (Screenplay)
Cast
- Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints)
- Melissa McBride (The Mist)
- Clemence Poesy (In Burges)
- Louis Puech Scigliuzzi
- Laika Blanc-Francard (My Night)
Plot: Carol maps a path toward Daryl; Daryl, Isabelle, and Laurent define their roles at the Nest.
Runtime: 50 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol
Le Gentilesse des Étrangers (D. Greg Nicotero)
Le Gentilesse des Étrangers follows Daryl (Reedus) continuing to teach Laurent (Scigliuzzi) survival tricks. Elsewhere, Carol (McBride) starts her mission to find Daryl, meeting the last known contacts in America. After she learns about the French trip, she sources somebody who could help her get there. Meanwhile, Daryl is getting restless knowing the threats in France could come back to haunt them.
This is a good return for the show, it proves Daryl still has a desire to get home. However, it shines as we see how Carol starts her mission to save him. After the bombshell of her return in the final sequence of the first season, her connection to Daryl is so strong that is easily going to become the driving force of the show. (4/5)
Moulin Rouge (D. Daniel Percival)
Moulin Rouge sees Daryl dealing with a new threat heading toward the Nest. Meanwhile, Carol and Ash make a stop in Greenland where they meet a couple of survivors. However, they want something more from the pair and Daryl starts to question who he can trust.
This moves both the main characters along, creates a new threat and introduces us to new potential allies. However, it doesn’t seem to be as creative as the last episode and we know the news Carol must break to Ash is going to destroy their friendship. Meanwhile, the Daryl side of the story doesn’t seem as deep as it should be and leaves us not getting enough out of what he gets up to. (2/5)
L’Invisible (D. Michael Slovis)
L’Invisible follows Carol continuing her search around France for Daryl, she meets another group of strangers who offer her clues. Meanwhile, Daryl continues to plan his escape with Laurent, but tragedy strikes and the cult they are living with starts putting their plans in place.
This episode takes Carol and Daryl into new threats and shows how they are prepared to do what they need to, to survive. Carol has the most interesting side of things to do, as she finds herself mixed with his enemies. Meanwhile, the religious cult side of things is not as interesting considering how late into the apocalypse we find ourselves. It is the death of a more enjoyable character which stands out most in this episode. (3/5)
Le Paradis Pour Toi (D. Michael Slovis)
Le Paradis Pour Toi starts with Marion’s attack on Losang. Carol finds Isabelle injured and the two put together their plan to save Daryl. However, the battle finds everyone panicking and the search for Laurent intensifying. It leads to the moment, we have been waiting for, the reunion of Carol and Daryl. In their attempts to get home, they must search for Laurent, meeting other strangers along the way. However, they are left wondering whether to trust their new friends.
This gives us the reunion we have been waiting for, it is held back well, which is nice and not over dramatic. It shows Daryl’s parental nature which has been the backbone of everything he has done in the main series too. This brings a lighter side to everything, despite knowing there will be a bigger threat to come. (4/5)
Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir (D. Daniel Percival)
Vouloir C’est Pouvoir follows Daryl and Carol preparing to reunite with Ash. However, where Carol left him has come under attack. The pair must search for help as Daryl is forced to break the news about Isabelle to Laurent. He wants to offer him a route back to America, but Laurent is starting to see his importance to the cause in France. However, Losang has been searching for Laurent, forcing Daryl to turn to unlikely friends.
This episode increases the peril they are facing, creating a race against time to survive. It leaves everything on edge leading into the season finale. This is the best of the season so far, even if it continues to the similar problems the show has with disposable supporting characters. (4/5)
Au Revoir Les Enfants (D. Daniel Percival)
Au Revoir Les Enfants picks up with Daryl and Carol needing to make a difficult decision. Ash’s plane can’t carry the four of them, meaning someone must stay behind. Daryl and Carol battle to see who should stay or go. Meanwhile, the locals are trying to get the plane before they take off. The question leads to what is next for Daryl and Carol and can they all find a way home?
This is a solid conclusion to the series, it has struggled to create a bigger threat for Daryl to face. The best sequence comes from the next solution to escape and it is a place we could gladly return too. It doesn’t feeel like a season finale, more of a mid-season set up to the next chapter. (4/5)
The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol
Overall, this is a welcome addition to the series, and giving Daryl another original character is great to see. There is no doubt Carol and Daryl’s relationship has been the heartbeat of the show, and they are always around when the other needs them. However, away from their connection, the story feels more of the same, Daryl trying to get Laurent to America. Elsewhere, most of the characters we met in the first season and pushed to supporting roles that don’t seem to mean much anymore. The reality is Daryl is always going to be the drawing point. He is one of the most popular characters in the franchise and we know he can join any adventure to search for survivors and help people. It leaves us in a place with plenty to come in the next season and the potential for even more worlds to explore.
Final Thoughts – The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol continues to be the shiny light of the spin-offs.
