Daryl Dixon Season 3: A New Beginning in Spain

Daryl and Carol's New Journey Begins

Daryl and Carol are back for a third season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. With Laurent safely out of France, the pair can now begin their journey home. However, trouble continues to find them at every turn. How did they end up in Spain? And will this season be an improvement over the previous one? Now that the premiere is available on AMC and AMC+, we take a closer look at its most significant moments and share our thoughts.

What Happens in Season 3, Episode 1

When we last saw Daryl and Carol, they had successfully saved Laurent, who escaped using Ash’s plane. Genet, the main villain of the series, was killed, leaving many to wonder if the arc involving chemically altered walkers has come to an end.

Taking a tunnel to England, the duo arrives in an empty London. They soon find themselves overwhelmed by walkers and seek refuge in an abandoned apartment building. After staying there for a few days with little food but plenty of liquor, they realize they’ll have to fight their way out—likely leading to their deaths.

Hope comes in the form of a signal and a kind British man named Julian. Like many minor characters in the Walking Dead universe, he appears harmless, but Daryl and Carol remain cautious and untrusting. That is, until Julian reveals he has a boat. Carol tries to convince him to join them on their journey back to America, but he prefers to stay in London and live with them. After some convincing, he agrees. The next morning, the walkers disperse thanks to Big Ben. With provisions ready and a boat, the trio sets sail for America. However, Julian is worried about his navigation skills.

But so far, so good, until a storm hits. After Julian is wounded, it’s up to Daryl and Carol to steer the boat. The next day, they land ashore and are forced to kill the now-walker Julian. As per TWD tradition, the minor character or extra tragically dies due to the actions of the main characters.

That evening, Daryl notices blood on Carol’s back and she’s running a fever. Was she bitten? No, just an infected wound. During small conversations throughout the episode, Daryl and Carol attempt to have meaningful talks. Daryl reflects on his youth with Merle, including a strange flashback that isn’t addressed, and his obvious sadness over Isabelle’s death.

Carol’s wound takes a backseat as people emerge from the woods, dressed like ancient warriors wearing animal bones and fur. They raid the boat, taking the remaining food and supplies. Daryl and Carol manage to escape the threat and decide to leave the beach the next morning.

When Daryl leaves the next morning to hunt a rabbit, he sees a military vehicle full of young and able-bodied men. Worried about Carol, he returns to the shack to find her missing. Was she kidnapped? Did she just go for a quick walk?

Season 3 Might Redeem Season 2’s Issues

It’s no secret that Daryl Dixon season 2 was a disappointment compared to season 1. It was messy, with unnecessary character introductions, odd motivations, and questionable decision-making, especially regarding character deaths.

As apprehensive as I am about season 3, I will admit the premiere episode was well done. Although Julian’s fate was predictable, the sets and location changes were refreshing and appealing. I especially loved the beautiful yet dangerous London apartment building, which looked like a white palace with iron accents and thriving plant life.

While I’m unsure about the opening credit sequence (season 1 was truly a piece of art), the teleporting walkers continue to baffle me, as they always surprise the characters. Season 3 is already channeling the energy of season 1.

I don’t know where the story is going next or which new characters we’ll meet. I can safely assume not every plotline will conclude, as season 4 has been confirmed to be the final season.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3, episode 2 will air on Sunday, Sept. 14 on AMC and AMC+.