Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol episode 3.The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 2 has attempted to recapture the magic of the first season, but it’s taking a huge risk by avoiding the strategy adopted by Rick and Michonne’s spinoff. Despite Daryl Dixon season 2 having a few problems, it has continued to impress with an engaging story, following both Daryl and his allies, alongside Carol. Having Melissa McBride join the cast only gives the project additional star power and helps break up the story more naturally; however, the show has surprisingly taken a different approach to balancing its two protagonists compared to The Ones Who Live.

Rick and Michonne’s spinoff aired at the beginning of 2024 and managed to win over audiences, as The Ones Who Live‘s ending provided two of the franchise’s central characters the sort of closure they deserved. While this wholesome moment was a welcome one, it wouldn’t have been nearly as powerful without a specific strategy. One of the show’s biggest selling points was seeing Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira return to screens together, and how the spinoff chose to reunite them was expertly done, yet Daryl Dixon season 2 has still boldly chosen to try a different method.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Was Smart To Reunite Rick & Michonne In Episode 1

Rick & Michonne Being Together Was Critical For The Ones Who Live’s Story

One of the best decisions The Ones Who Live made was reuniting Rick and Michonne in episode 1. After following Rick’s journey with the CRM, the opening episode ended on a cliffhanger as Rick was nearly killed by the woman he’d been waiting to see for the better part of a decade. The bombshell ending only made seeing things from Michonne’s point of view more interesting, and by the end of episode 2, the protagonists had properly embraced and were already working on their escape from the CRM, which proved to be the right decision.

Given the spinoff was about how strong their bond is after not seeing each other for years, it would’ve made little sense to have them apart for most of the show. Instead, Rick and Michonne interacting so quickly improved the narrative, as it made the struggle to rekindle their relationship feel more authentic. Additionally, watching them work through their differences to the point where Rick proposed to Michonne in The Walking Dead spinoff only proved how smart it was to reunite them in the first episode, and it was a crucial decision that helped amplify their dramatic love story.

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Is Taking Way Longer To Bring Daryl & Carol Back Together

Daryl & Carol Still Haven’t Crossed Paths Halfway Through Season 2

In contrast to Rick and Michonne’s speedy reunion, Daryl and Carol are yet to interact in season 2 despite reaching the halfway point. Although they’ve each had their own compelling journeys, the decision not to bring one of The Walking Dead‘s most iconic duos together earlier is still a gamble, especially since the trailer heavily hinted at them crossing paths at some point. Episode 3’s ending saw Carol arriving at the Nest with Genet’s group, making the reunion feel that little bit closer, but it could still take until the final two episodes for this to finally happen.

It will be fascinating to see how Daryl reacts to Carol showing up, especially since she is somewhat responsible for Pouvoir finding the Nest’s location.

Considering how different the show has felt from other Walking Dead projects, Daryl Dixon season 2 ignoring Rick and Michonne’s spinoff technique isn’t the end of the world. The story is still engaging and, given the relationships Daryl has formed in France, it will be fascinating to see how he reacts to Carol showing up, especially since she is somewhat responsible for Pouvoir finding the Nest’s location. The payoff to this long-winded reunion will hopefully be worth it, and I’m confident the spinoff has something golden up its sleeve considering it avoided the easier route that has worked previously.

Delaying Daryl & Carol’s Reunion At Least Makes Daryl Dixon Season 3 More Exciting

The Spinoff Continuing Will Make Daryl & Carol’s Dynamic Feel Fresher In Season 3

Given The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been renewed for season 3, the delayed reunion adds to the excitement of the next installment. Although audiences are used to Carol and Daryl’s friendship, it will still feel relatively fresh in season 3, given they are unlikely to spend too long together during the remainder of The Book of Carol. With the show also heading to Spain for its next chapter, it will make it all the more thrilling to see Carol and Daryl in a foreign country, especially if Laurent, Isabelle, Ash, or any other supporting characters are involved.

How their reunion actually plays out alongside what other events occur in season 2 will have big ramifications on the show’s future, but Daryl and Carol in Spain won’t at least just be a repeat of their time in France. Their lack of time together will allow them to have new problems and relationship dynamics to overcome, especially with them desperately trying to get home. Therefore, while Daryl and Carol will eventually interact in season 2, Daryl Dixon season 3 will be where their stories truly overlap, adding to the excitement of the spinoff’s next installment.