Daryl Dixon Highlights The Walking Dead's Most Complicated Character

There's no denying that this deceit is a major indicator of Carol's negative attributes. On the other hand, there are various instances in which this character has made difficult decisions that portray her as morally gray. In The Walking Dead, she is one of the people who often doesn't hesitate to commit acts of violence against the living to protect those she loves. This is presented in plot points such as her attacking Terminus to save her people, killing Lizzie to protect baby Judith, and taking up arms again to defend the Kingdom against threats such as the Whisperers. Though this is a key reason Carol has struggled so much with her identity as a survivor in the post-apocalyptic world, it is also why she is a fan-favorite character in The Walking Dead universe.

In the new season of this spin-off, Daryl Dixon highlights Carol's evolution by perfectly capturing her characterization. She has often played on others underestimating her to get them to trust her, such as acting like an innocent victim when she enters Ash's compound. She also utilizes this perception of her when she utilizes the memory of her daughter to trick him into using his plane to take her to France. While it's obvious she can handle herself, proven by her and Ash taking on a horde of walkers, the trauma of having a "missing child" gets Carol what she wants most: transportation to help find Daryl. This is consistent with Carol's previous characterization, which isn't just about her making difficult decisions to protect her loved ones but about her going through extraordinary and controversial measures to ensure the safety of people important to her.

Ash and Carol Share a Common Trauma

The common trauma Ash and Carol share cannot be ignored when going into this Daryl Dixon Season 2 storyline. In this first episode, the audience is moved by the loss of Ash's son, Avi, who died after the apocalypse began. This grieving father blames himself for not paying close enough attention to his young child, which he feels caused the demise. This is not dissimilar to Carol losing her daughter in the second season of The Walking Dead. Though it seems as though Carol uses this trauma to manipulate Ash, the scenario is more complicated than that.

The short-lived storyline of Sophia in The Walking Dead is a surprisingly important aspect of this season of Daryl Dixon. Sophia is a crucial part of Carol's characterization, but she's never been more important post-death than in this spin-off installment. In Season 2 of The Walking Dead, Carol's focus is protecting her young child following the demise of her abusive husband, Ed. When Sophia disappears into the woods while being chased by a couple of walkers, she turns up several days later as one of the undead. Carol not only blames herself for this demise but dedicates herself to protecting others she cares about, to try to prevent the pain she endured after losing her child.

Over a decade later, this trauma continues to dictate Carol's decisions. When she learns of Ash's loss, she uses Sophia to manipulate Ash into helping her get to Europe. This is an obvious deception, but one that is not as devious as it seems. Considering how secluded and mournful Ash is years after the demise of his son, it's likely Carol saw herself in the kind stranger. By convincing Ash to take her on an excursion, even under the guise of false pretenses, Carol is removing him from his consuming guilt and giving him a meaningful mission. Though it isn't for the purposes Ash believes, this morally gray but well-intentioned character is giving this recluse an opportunity to experience the world outside his self-induced prison.

This Can Play Into an Important Daryl Dixon Plot

Carol deceiving Ash for her own gain doesn't necessarily make her character unlikable but highlights why she has continued to captivate audiences since the beginning of her evolution in The Walking Dead Season 3. As the franchise has continued, the need for and interest in morally gray characters has become a focal point. In a dangerous and controversial world, Carol is the pinnacle of what makes a fascinating and lovable character. Despite Carol making these questionable decisions for the good of beloved characters, these complicated moral dilemmas result in the most captivating storylines in the franchise.

Among the many fascinating inclusions that will be featured in Daryl Dixon, the premise that places Carol and Ash in France is certainly going to continue audience interest in the spin-off. The Walking Dead has focused on the importance of children on and off throughout its many years, but this fresh addition is highlighting it in a unique way. Between the storyline of Laurent in France and using the trauma of losing a child during the apocalypse, which is a common occurrence in this world, Daryl Dixon emphasizes why the youth of this post-apocalyptic world influences the adult characters.

The promise of The Walking Dead's spin-offs to rejuvenate the horror franchise has not disappointed so far. Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol is continuing the trend of revolutionizing the series, despite it recycling an original character to continue the plotline. Between focusing on previous trauma and new, complex characters, the series emphasizes why the treacherous and elaborate storyline endlessly entertains dedicated and new fans.