The Walking Dead panel discusses the return of Carol to Alexandria

On The Walking Dead, Carol made the surprising decision to leave King Ezekiel at the Hilltop and return to Alexandria after many years away. Our panel had some thoughts on Carol’s choice.

The Walking Dead did some shuffling of the communities in the season finale. Facing a tough winter in the Kingdom with lots of instability the residents of Kingdom relocated to Hilltop. Hilltop had some spare room after the losses they racked up in the initial round of the war with Alpha so it made sense for Hilltop to take in the Kingdom refugees.

But the queen isn’t staying with the Kingdom people at the Hilltop. Carol went back home to Alexandria where she hasn’t been in a long time. Carol first left Alexandria before Glenn and Abe’s deaths and before the war with Negan and The Saviors. A lot has changed at Alexandria since then but it still seemed like Carol needed to go home in order to process the loss of Henry.

It makes sense that she would want to return. Even without Rick, and Carl, and the other residents who didn’t survive the long years when Carol was at the Kingdom Alexandria probably still feels like home to her. Being near Judith, and Daryl, and Michonne, and the other members of Team Family is what she needs to get through her grief. In times of trouble and turmoil, people always return home, even after a long absence.

And Carol probably needs a little distance from Ezekiel and the Kingdom survivors too. Right now the reminders of her like at the Kingdom with Henry are probably very painful for her. Fans have been debating Carol’s decision bitterly since the season finale. Our panel had some thoughts on Carol’s controversial decision:

The Queen Gives Up Her Crown

What do you think of Carol’s decision to go to Alexandria?

Sonya says:

"I think it was the right decision. The bond that Team Family has can never be broken. Even when the original survivors are apart from each other whenever something bad happens they need the support of the family members that they have survived so much with. Carol needs to be with Daryl, Michonne, and the others right now."

Sara says:

"Carol needs time to grieve, as does the King. In this situation, a temporary separation isn’t abnormal. I think Carol made the right decision to take a break and find herself again before returning to Ezekiel. I think she still loves him a lot, but she needs to find Carol again before going back to her life with him"

Jeffrey says:

"I think Carol made the right decision. I truly believe she loves Ezekiel, but she needs so time to mourn and readjust to this new life without Henry. Carol moving to Alexandria will allow her to be with Daryl and Michonne, the two people she has known for the longest in the apocalypse. While I do believe Carol and Ezekiel will get back together one day, I think this time apart is crucial for both of them to heal."

Sarabeth says:

"I’m not surprised that she needed to take a step back to heal. I’m not so sure this means anything for her relationship with Daryl so much as she needs time to figure out her next moves with a clear head. I think she sees herself as more of an asset in Alexandria right now."

What do you think of Carol’s decision to relocate to Alexandria TWDFamily? Do you think her move is permanent? Tweet us @SonyaIryna, @WrittenBySara, @TWalkingDWorld, @SarabethPollock, and @UndeadWalkingFS to join the conversation.