Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol review - this series continues to reignite TWD universe

On September 29, AMC and AMC+ will debut the second season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, subititled The Book of Carol. The six part season will lead into the third installment as AMC has already renewed the series ahead of its season 2 premiere. This season reintroduces Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier as a main character, who was last seen in the final episode of the main series in 2022.

Below is a non-spoiler review of the first episode, "La gentillesse des etrangers," of season 2 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol.

"The new season picks up where The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon left off, following fan-favorite characters Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (McBride). They both confront old demons while she fights to find her friend, and he struggles with his decision to stay in France, causing tension at the Nest. Additionally, Genet’s (Anne Charrier) movement builds momentum, setting Pouvoir on a violent collision course with the Union of Hope in the fight for France's future."

- AMC Press Release

Daryl Dixon season 2

The season wastes no time putting Carol back into full-on badass mode. Her story begins after she has already begun her search for Daryl after he didn't arrive at the Commonwealth as promised during a brief radio call between the characters in season 1. She retains her quiet, reserved demeanor, taking in her surroundings and noticing the slightest details to aid her in whatever task she takes on.

This episode is emotional, as Carol encounters a new friend, Ash (Manish Dayal), and experiences things that trigger painful memories for her. It is no secret that Ash is in possession of a plane they will attempt to use to travel to France, as this was revealed in the official trailer, but there is an entire story that builds towards that event.

The episode features both Carol and Daryl on their separate but parallel journeys, hers in the US and his in France. The wooded setting versus the backdrop of France offers a very interesting dynamic as the story for this season is set up.

Daryl continues trying to fit in at The Nest but has difficulty acclimating. He longs to return to his family in the US and wonders if they think of him. He is eager to join their cause in whatever way he can be helpful.

There are many familiar faces from the previous season featured in the first episode, including, Isabelle (Clémence Poésy), Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi), Sylvie (Laïka Blanc-Francard), Genet (Anne Charrier), Losang (Joel de la Fuente) and more.

The premiere episode sets important ground work for what's to come. Fans can expect great things according to Reedus who believes the season finale is the best hour of TWD ever! And when we get to that stellar episode we can rejoice because the series will continue in Spain during the third episode.

Don't miss The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol, which premieres on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, September 29, at 9 p.m. ET.

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