5 questions we have after watching The Walking Dead episode 1001

After that cold exchange, do you think the romantic relationship between Carol and Ezekiel is done forever?

One of the most awkward moments from the season 10 premiere was the interaction between Ezekiel and Carol. It was easy to see he was still hurting while talking with her, but she still wasn’t ready to rekindle anything.

Does the way these two acted toward each other close the door on them getting back together in the future? Here is what our panel thinks.

Sara L says

Absolutely not. This is something up in the air, and I think anyone that has had a long relationship like they have, have given or got the cold shoulder at some point. I think what needs to happen is both of them just need to find themselves, figure out what they want, heal and regroup later to see if they would still like to be together.

If it isn’t then that’s okay. They have honestly gone through so much. At this point, I just want King Ezekiel happy and want what is best for him. If that means a relationship, okay, if it doesn’t then ok. Losing a child takes so much away from the parents, so I think what is happening is normal.

Sonya says

Yes, I do. Carol’s closed that chapter and moved on. The one constant she has always had no matter what type of transformation she’s going through is Daryl, and I think he will continue to be her rock while she figures out how to survive and move past this enormous loss. But whatever comes next will be a new path for her. Carol doesn’t move backward, and the relationship with Ezekiel is done.

Joe says

While they drifted apart at the end of season 9, I find it hard to believe that the romantic relationship between Carol and Ezekiel is done forever. It seems like they both feel some sort of responsibility for the death of their son Henry, which inevitably drove them away from each other as they constantly felt reminded about what they had lost. Perhaps time apart will make them realize that they need to rely on each other if they are going to come to terms with Henry’s death.

Even though there is a large contingent of fans who want Carol to move on from Ezekiel and get with Daryl instead, I just do not see that happening. Yes, Carol and Daryl have been through so much together and clearly love each other, but that love does not necessarily translate to romance. They have always been “best friends” like Daryl says in the season 10 trailer, and it feels more natural for their relationship to remain that way as the series continues.

Jeffrey says

I believe that love always finds a way in The Walking Dead. Carol and Ezekiel were married for several years and the love between them can never fully go away. I do think it is important for them to have some time apart and figure out what they want from this new life after the death of Henry. Carol has been through trauma since long before the apocalypse and her way of coping has always been to separate herself and heal on her own terms.

I think being at Alexandria will allow her to do just that. As for Ezekiel, I believe he will have a difficult time coping by himself, but hopefully, Jerry and his other friends can help to lift him back up. I am unsure if Carol and Ezekiel’s marriage will ever be fixed fully, but I do believe that they will at the very least remain friends. The relationship between Carol and Ezekiel is too important to be wiped away that quickly. Perhaps they can mend things after Alpha and the Whisperers have been taken care of.

Renee says

Sadly, I think it is over between the two of them. I really liked their awkward relationship. It was organic and seemed real, at least on his side. Carol has been burned in so many ways in all these years we have been watching her. I think she will guard her heart more. She has lost so much. They had been together for quite a few years so there probably will always be something between them but I just don’t think it will be a marriage.

Adam says

Carol and Ezekiel made a cute couple. Sadly, the longer they stay separated makes the odds they will get back together even smaller. It stinks to see the King in so much pain, having his wife leave and his adopted son murdered, it’s a surprise he’s keeping it together as well as he is.

Meanwhile, Carol is doing her Carol thing by dissociating herself with everything and diving deep into the darkness. This isn’t something that worked well for her in the past when she was dealing with her demons but hopefully, she can find someone to lean on, whether it is romantic or not.