The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Review

The first season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon was a rare entry into the post-apocalyptic universe, requiring surprisingly little familiarity with AMC’s long-running franchise to enjoy it. The same can’t be said of season 2, with the appeal hinging a bit on our longing to see Norman Reedus’ Daryl reunited with Melissa McBride’s Carol. That said, Daryl Dixon Season 2, subtitled The Book of CarolDelivers on the promised reunion and provides a satisfying continuation to Daryl’s story as a far-flung traveler desperate to get home, only to instead discover purpose and belonging like he never imagined.

Picking up more or less where season 1 left off, season 2 primarily follows two paths until they converge. Daryl watches over Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi), and Carol searches for her long-lost friend, finally making a voyage across the pond to Europe. Over the course of its six episodes, they both find themselves embroiled in the ongoing conflict between Union de L’Espoir and Pouvoir des Vivants, two factions fighting for control in France.

Wow Daryl Dixon Season 2 falters a bit is with the conflict between the Union and Pouvoir. While in season 1 there was a fairly simple story of getting Laurent to the nest, season 2 is more muddled, making it harder to feel invested. Thankfully, there is some very strong character work alongside this, and this is some of the best walking dead Show has ever produced.

Season 2’s story is more complicated than necessary

This is especially true where the show’s antagonists are concerned

The main objective for Daryl in season 2 is protecting Laurent, but before there was only one group hunting them, now there are two. Even more complicated, the second of these groups is Union de l’Espoir, which rather quickly turns out not to be as good as they initially appeared. Putting Daryl and his allies in conflict with the Union while avoiding Pouvoir and Madame Genet (Anne Charrier) intensifies the whole situation in a way that doesn’t feel necessary.

It’s understandable to want to raise the stakes in season 2, but the story doubles down on the same kind of threat. With the two factions both wanting to capture Daryl and Co., they become somewhat indistinguishable and less interesting as a result. The Walking Dead It has long been more about the human enemy than the living dead, but in needing to balance two groups of antagonists with similar goals, they become watered down versions of what could have been some very compelling villains.

Speaking of the dead, Daryl Dixon Season 2 includes more of the super-powered zombie variants introduced last season. They appear in a few harrowing sequences, but are never really used to their full potential. When fast zombies were first teased in The Walking Dead: World BeyondIt was an exciting development, hinting that the dead once again become a threat to experienced survivors like Daryl. And of course, they don’t really threaten our main character any more than a regular walker.

The return of Melissa McBride as Carol gives Daryl Dixon Season 2 a boost

Led by Reedus & McBride, the cast delivers strong performances

Daryl Dixon Season 2 fully earns its subtitle, The Book of CarolFinally become the spinoff it was originally conceived to be. Like many of the franchise’s longtime players, McBride is very comfortable in her role, but here she gets to tackle the kind of material she was only occasionally offered in the main series. Her friendship with Daryl, of course, is explored more deeply, but so is her lingering trauma over her daughter, Sophia. We’re also constantly reminded of what a surprising character Carol is, which is a side that McBride clearly relishes playing out.

Reedus continues to prove that Daryl was a role he was born to play, effortlessly stepping back into character and digging deep to bring new facets of him to the surface. This season really builds on how Daryl developed through season 1, growing his relationships with both Laurent and Clémence Poésy’s Isabelle. He’s pushed in new directions in season 2, and that’s a challenge Reedus takes lightly. Additionally, there are a handful of action setpieces in which he really shines, showing just how formidable Daryl can be when fighting for those he loves.

Surrounding McBride and Reedus is a strong supporting cast, with even minor characters leaving an impression thanks to sharp writing and memorable performances. The overall story may be weak in the second season, however Daryl Dixon is filled with scenes where actors give their all to the material. Notable standouts are Eriq Ebouaney as Fallou, returning as one of Daryl’s most powerful allies, and Manish Dayal as a new character, Ash, a pilot Carol is freed and who joins her transatlantic journey. Dayal, in particular, is a great addition, and he pairs very well with McBride’s Carol.

A final shoutout to France, Daryl Dixon’s true star

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention how Daryl DixonThe French setting truly makes the series unique. While Dead City Has New York and Those who live Having spent some time in the Pacific Northwest, they really cannot compare to the scenery provided by the streets of Paris or the French countryside. Mont-Saint-Michel obviously serves as a prime location; A visual splendor far removed from Alexandria or the Commonwealth. Season 2 remains on location in France and the setting alone enhances the series with a rich story further The Walking Deads many seasons.

Daryl Dixon Continues to be one of the best walking dead Spinoffs. Season 2 isn’t as approachable for new viewers, with possibly even those who enjoyed the first season struggling to follow Carol and Daryl’s long story. It’s also, unfortunately, a more overwrought story this time around, and I found myself struggling to care about certain narrative beats. But the strength of this show lies in its characters and how they react when faced with adversity, no matter how wild or excessive.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Premieres on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, September 29.