The Strolling Lifeless: Daryl Dixon introduced its first season to a detailed with “Coming Residence” written by the group of Jadon Richman and Laura Snow and directed by Daniel Percival. This was a very satisfying ending to a very terrific first season. It looks like there’s a LOT of story nonetheless to inform. Are all of us agreed that Carol (Melissa McBride) is on that boat? Did everybody cheer when she bought out of that automotive??? However, I’m getting forward of myself. A LOT occurred earlier than we bought there, so let’s take a better have a look at this improbable episode…

The episode begins on the seashores of France with lifeless American troopers. I’m positive I wasn’t the one one ready for them to reanimate! They don’t, however they do turn into vital later within the episode. That is simply one other instance of how a lot better the writing is on this collection than each different TWD spinoff. It was only a sensible method to throw us a little bit off kilter, and remind us of different wars which have been fought on this shore. 

After which we’re proper again the place we left off with Daryl (Norman Reedus) within the enviornment going through a drugged, super-charged walker and Codron (Romain Levi) shouting at Daryl that he’s going to pay for killing Codron’s brother. They let the walker go and in some way, with Greg Nicotero on walker responsibility, even these fully new walkers nonetheless really feel like our walkers. We get an incredible sequence of Daryl combating the zombie whereas Isabelle (Clémence Poésy) prays and tries to defend Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi). However Laurent is totally positive that Daryl will win.

I cherished that after he misplaced his weapon skewering the walker, Daryl grabs a flag from the wall. First he makes use of it to spike the walker and cartwheel him via the air, after which – brilliantly! – he crops the French flag within the walker, killing it! 

Genet (Anne Charrier) shouldn’t be amused and asks the Dr (François Delaive) if that’s the perfect he’s bought. He assures her that he was solely the primary. The doorways to the world open and so they are available and drag the corpse out. Then they carry in Quinn (Adam Nagaitis) and chain him wrist to wrist with Daryl. They depart two weapons. Daryl tells Quinn he’s not going to die in there. Quinn tells him he’ll be fast. They foolishly assume that they’re combating one another. The lights go off, and immediately return on – there’s no manner there was time to connect 4 walkers to the partitions, however we’ll let it go as a result of it was simply such a cool scene. Now Laurent is praying exhausting for God to guard Daryl. 

All 4 walkers are shot with darts to tremendous cost them. Certainly one of them doesn’t have an excellent response. This was completely sensible. It begins with a bulge within the neck after which goo oozing out of the pinnacle. The walker is shaking. Quinn appears to be like at is and says “What the fuck is that” – this fully jogged my memory of John Carpenter’s The Factor – in a very good, very refined, homage form of manner. Naturally, the pinnacle explodes, after which I really like the best way that Quinn and Daryl simply flip away to deal with the opposite walkers…

In the meantime on the balcony, Fallou (Eriq Ebouaney), Sylvie (Laïka Blanc-Francard), and Emile (Tristan Zanchi) take up positions across the gallery. Isabelle takes hope when she sees the three of them. Within the enviornment, Daryl tells Quinn to comply with his lead – and immediately Quinn’s his good friend as he says “Certain factor, mate.” Earlier than the primary walker can get to them, he’s tackled by one other, who rips his jaw off! They then use the chain to their benefit, closelining and tripping the walkers. Daryl takes the leg off of 1. Certainly one of them has a bit of metallic on its head, making it very troublesome to kill! It will get Daryl down and he makes use of the chain via its mouth to carry it off himself whereas Quinn tries to beat its brains in. Quinn helps pull it off Daryl simply because the one legged walker assaults him. It’s hilarious as Daryl reaches for his dropped weapon solely to be pulled away from it. Quinn does reach bashing within the brains of 1, however then the opposite will get him down. Daryl can’t attain is weapon in order that they use the chain, wrapped across the walker’s neck to tear its head off!

The group goes wild and begins chanting “Dixon! Dixon!” Genet shouldn’t be proud of the Dr. Daryl picks up the pinnacle and throws it up on the balcony the place Genet was sitting. She tells her troopers to finish it, however earlier than they will shoot, Fallou and his males shoot the guards. Genet is livid with Capo (Maxime Lefrançois). She tells him to take Codron – who she believes is motivated to kill Daryl – with him. She takes Isabelle and Laurent together with her into the tunnels. 

Daryl and Quinn escape into the tunnels. As they’re hiding from the guards, Daryl notices that Quinn has been bitten behind the shoulder. Quinn insists it’s only a burn – it’s nothing and he’s fantastic. 

Isabelle and Laurent are locked in a cell. Laurent tries to flee, however is definitely pushed again in. Genet scoffs “Messiah?” earlier than leaving them. Isabelle asks what Laurent was considering, and he tells her that he was attempting to assume what would Daryl do… aw – WWDD (and a meme is born). Laurent worries that God has deserted them. Isabelle tells him that now’s once they should most have religion… after which she produces the important thing to the cell! She’s picked the guard’s pocket! She tells Laurent its one thing she realized way back… Is it one thing Quinn taught her? Does he get to be the hero twice within the episode?

Quinn is beginning to fade and sits down, telling Daryl he must relaxation. Daryl tells him once more that he’s not dying there. Quinn asks what does it matter, and Daryl says it issues to him. He tries to interrupt the chain. Quinn tells Daryl he was horrible to Issy and had wished to do higher the second time round. Daryl factors out utilizing her child to get her probably wasn’t a good suggestion. Quinn says it doesn’t matter now as a result of it’s too late. Daryl tells him it doesn’t must be – he may purchase Daryl time and assist save Issy and Laurent. Simply earlier than Daryl chops off Quinn’s wrist, Quinn asks for one favor – that Daryl inform Isabelle what he’s performed for her. Quinn races on the enemy once they come on them, in order that Daryl can get away.

Daryl is about to steal a automotive when he meets up with Fallou, Sylvie, and Emile. Daryl says he thinks Isabelle and Laurent are within the cellblock. Fallou will get a automotive working, and Emile will get the chain off Daryl’s wrist. 

Daryl rapidly meets up with Isabelle and Laurent, however they’re on the opposite aspect of a locked gate. It appears to be like eerily just like the dream Daryl had. Naturally, when a walker comes across the nook, it’s Quinn. He comes at them and Isabelle hits him, however he’s too robust for her. He pins her up in opposition to the wall. One other walker comes at Laurent who’s pressed up in opposition to the bars in entrance of Daryl. Daryl skewers it over Laurent’s head. He then offers the weapon to Laurent and tells him to save lots of Isabelle. He tells an appalled and hesitate Laurent that he can do it, shouting encouragement. Lastly, he tells Laurent that God will forgive him. And Laurent kills his father. However actually, he was lifeless already, so certainly that doesn’t depend?!?!?

Fallou and Emile say goodbye to the others – they must go the place they’re most wanted. Sylvie stays with Isabelle and Laurent. Laurent has the watch, and Daryl attaches it to the rearview mirror. Daryl tries to consolation Sylvie, and tells her that Fallou received’t let something occur to Emile. She asks Daryl if he’s ever been in love. He doesn’t reply. 

Isabelle tells Laurent within the again seat that she’d at all times protected him, however this time, he protected her. She tells him she’s sorry he needed to do it. Laurent, very sensibly, factors out that it wasn’t him anymore, and he was by no means his father, and generally you must do horrible issues since you don’t have a alternative and God will forgive you. Like with my mom. After which the automotive dies…

Daryl works on the automotive whereas Sylvie and Laurent sleep within the again. Isabelle tells Daryl that her father tried to show her learn how to change a tire as soon as and gave up after two hours. Personally, I belong to the identical Vehicle Affiliation as my Dad and name them if I’ve one! Daryl tells her that his dad used to have them take aside engines and in the event that they couldn’t put them again collectively, they bought no dinner. I really like the distinction of their childhoods right here. He admits it was exhausting, however his dad was hardly round. His father grew up and not using a dad as a result of his father (Daryl’s grandfather) went off to battle and by no means returned. Isabelle says, he gave his life for France – and naturally, this explains that first scene. Daryl tells her that his household – the pregnant spouse he left at residence – fell aside. Daryl thinks it hardly appeared value that to save lots of France. Daryl tells her it wasn’t even a lot of a struggle. He by no means made if off the seashore…

Isabelle then remarks on how a lot Laurent has modified since he met Daryl. Daryl shrugs it off, telling her youngsters develop up and he didn’t have a lot to do with it. Isabelle factors out that Laurent has by no means had that form of affect in his life, however rising up with no father was higher than Quinn. Daryl tells her Quinn thought of her earlier than he died. She knew Quinn although and asks if Quinn requested him to inform her that – he says no, he simply thought she ought to know, however there’s a pleasant little bit of performing right here as Isabelle smiles, clearly understanding Daryl is mendacity. 

Isabelle admits that initially she was afraid of Daryl – she may inform he’d been via stuff. I imply anybody who hasn’t been residing in a nunnery has, proper??? She may inform that he was harmful – and will assist get them the place they wanted to go. I like their dynamic, however don’t discover it remotely romantic, and I hope the present doesn’t pressure it in that course. She then says she has one thing else to “confess.” Daryl is now underneath the automotive. She tells him that she lied in regards to the image on the seashore – she requested Laurent to attract it after Daryl arrived on the Abby. Daryl appears to be like neither stunned nor upset by this. She says it was silly, and he says he doesn’t know. He’s there now – and it had nothing to do with the image anyway.

After which Daryl asks for a wrench and will get no reply… as Codron has discovered them. As Daryl comes out, Codron hits him with the wrench. Daryl instantly begins pleading for the others, promising to go along with them. Codron tells him it’s too late: they’re all dying right this moment, beginning with Laurent. They stab Isabelle when she tries to save lots of Laurent, after which Capo makes his large mistake. He offers the gun to Codron and tells him to shoot Laurent. Daryl continues to beg whereas Isabelle prays. Laurent merely appears to be like at Codron, and fairly calmly tells him that “God loves you.” 

Codron shoots all the opposite troopers! Sylvie and Laurent rush to Isabelle, and Daryl tries to defend all of them as Codron nonetheless has the gun on them. He tells Daryl not right this moment – subsequent time. Codron picks up the watch and acknowledges St Michel – and asks the Nest? He tells them it’s barely a days stroll. He retains the watch and tells them to burn the truck – it’s simple to trace. They do it – but it surely’s night time earlier than they set out, with Daryl half carrying a wounded Isabelle. 

We get some actually beautiful views of St Michel because the group makes their manner there. The gate opens and they’re greeted by cheering and clapping crowds who place garlands round their necks earlier than taking Isabelle to the infirmary. Their chief, Losang (Joel de la Fuente) accompanies the others into the town. It seems that Losang is from Hoboken, New Jersey. He got here to Paris within the 90s to go to high school. Losang is clearly upset when he learns his good friend, Azlan, didn’t make it. Daryl tells him that Genet is coming for them. Losang says that they’ll pray not however be ready if it occurs. As they stroll up the road, Sylvie places her arm round Laurent and says they’ll go pray for Sylvie. Proper behind them, we clearly see a Jewish man and a Muslim man. It was a pleasant, refined method to present that each one faiths are welcome and revered – one thing we desperately want in THESE occasions. There’s some actually stunning cinematography right here too.

Isabelle wakes up within the infirmary – and it’s clear that Daryl has been sleeping beside her mattress. She goes to the balcony and sees Daryl under her, working taking pictures drills. Laurent is taking part in with the opposite youngsters, however involves Isabelle as quickly as he sees her. She waves to Daryl to who smiles up at her.

Losang walks via the streets, speaking philosophy with Laurent. After which we lower to them having fun with a meal – Daryl toasts ‘chante’ which is probably going a shortened ‘enchante’ which means good to satisfy you in French. ‘Chante’ really means to sing – however may also imply ‘boulder’ and is used to inform a toddler to be robust. I’m wondering in the event that they put that a lot thought into it? Regardless, Daryl’s toast is to the desk, however finishes with Isabelle, and the following scene has Sylvie and Isabelle pausing in their very own work to smile at Daryl sitting with Laurent, taking part in with the rubics dice. Subsequent, Losang is main a gaggle in a spiritual dialogue, whereas throughout the room Daryl sits with a crowd peeling potatoes. He and Isabelle share a smile throughout the room. 

Isabelle is bathing her wound when Daryl walks in. He apologizes and is about to go away, however she asks him to remain and assist her with the wound on her again. He feedback that it’s fairly a battle wound for a nun, and he or she laughs “killer-nun.” She asks if he likes it there. He says it isn’t what he anticipated. She asks what he did count on, and he jokes a bunch of Amish individuals working round. She tells him she likes it there – it looks like residence. 

Losang tells Daryl that he was sceptical about Laurent, however he went on a pilgrimage – and who does THAT in the course of the zombie apocalypse???? – and when he stopped on the Abbey and met Laurent, he knew. Daryl simply replies that he’s an excellent child. Losang says Laurent it there due to Daryl and appears as much as Daryl. Losang says they’re grateful and might be unhappy to see him go. They’ve stored their phrase and there’s a vessel coming to the North coast in two days to take Daryl to England after which to Newfoundland. 

Daryl might want to depart at daybreak, until he’s modified his thoughts. Daryl says he’s bought individuals ready for him at residence. Losang says there are individuals there who need him to remain. Daryl tells him it’s not that simple. Losang factors out that there’s no method to predict the long run – and he clearly implies that “residence” won’t nonetheless be there – and so they want him there. Daryl tells him that Pouvoir isn’t his struggle. Losang means that it’s not the struggle that’s making him really feel torn – they will see Isabelle and Laurent from the place they’re standing, so his which means is evident. He goes on to level out that generally when somebody is away from ‘residence’ they will discover that they belong some place else. Daryl is clearly contemplating his phrases.

Codron lies to Genet about being outnumbered and ambushed. He explains his personal lack of wounds by saying that the boy had escaped and he was chasing him when the others had been attacked. I really like the usage of portray within the present. Genet’s workplace has a portray which depicts battle with greys and blacks and a splash of crimson – in distinction to Quinn’s waterlilies. She tells Codron that within the earlier than occasions she labored in a museum at night time. Alone with all of the artwork (I assume the Louvre?), and that she realized to inform which eyes instructed the reality and which lied from the work. I discover {that a} bit exhausting to imagine – however the level is that she doesn’t imagine Codron. 

When she merely states, ‘You shot my males’ – Codron lights a cigarette, blows the smoke in her face and tells her that he merely couldn’t do it when he was ordered to shoot the boy. She tells him that the Union presents fairy tales and should be snuffed out as a result of they weaken her motion, constructing the long run. They must do exhausting issues. She needs to know the place the Nest is and he simply shakes his head. She tells him it’ll solely get extra painful…

Again on the Nest, Daryl is packing – and he DOES nonetheless have his vest!!! Isabelle exhibits up and isn’t comfortable he was simply going with out saying goodbye. He tells her that he made a promise to them, similar to he made a promise to her. She tells him that she appreciated that he stored his promise to her. She reminds him that he left the Commonwealth as a result of he was searching for one thing and perhaps he discovered it there – despite the fact that he wasn’t searching for it there. Daryl tells her that this has at all times been the story. She asks about Laurent. Will he depart with out saying goodbye, abandoning Laurent the best way Daryl’s father deserted him – that appeared like a low blow to me. Daryl says that’s not the identical. She is astute, and says that she thinks he cares about Laurent and that scares him. She tells him that he thinks he’s escaping historical past, however he’s actually simply repeating it. 

Daryl tells her that they imagine various things. He additionally emphasizes that he respects her for her beliefs – even when he doesn’t share them. He says that he hopes the Nest continues to really feel like residence to her, however he has his own residence to get again to. She tells him that she’s glad they met and needs him Godspeed on his journey. 

Daryl goes to the place Laurent is sleeping. He leaves the Rubic’s dice on the top of his mattress. Then we get one other stunning shot of St Michel as Daryl strikes out on his personal. That is adopted by extra beautiful pictures of Daryl strolling alongside the French coast and countryside. He spends the night time in a leaky constructing, considering what he’s doing by a hearth. He sees few walkers – actually we see just one, caught in tree. 

After which Daryl sees a tattered American flag on the highest of a hill. He goes to the highest and stumbles upon a troopers’ graveyard. And naturally, he finds his grandfather’s grave. So, he does have household in France…Reedus is superb on this scene as we see many feelings go over his face – it’s clearly a profound second for Daryl. 

Daryl sees the ship and yells to it from the cliffs. It flashes it’s lights at him. And naturally, his yelling brings out a whole military of walkers from the grass and dunes. Daryl isn’t his grandfather, nevertheless, and he’s not dying on the seashore! It additionally echoes, his phrases earlier within the episode within the enviornment – I’m not dying right here. After which Laurent is there, calling his title – and Daryl is torn. Does he keep or does he take Laurent with him? Does he take Laurent again? Laurent can be about to have a bunch of walker guests… is he changing into the brand new Carl?!?!?

After which we change to some good biker boots on a bike – Daryl’s motorbike – however because the digicam pans up, it’s clearly NOT Daryl. A automotive is developing quick and the motorbike weapons it to get away. Was anyone in any doubt about who was within the automotive? The biker stops and shoots the mustang within the engine – successfully killing it. He calls for the motive force get out with their arms up – and it’s CAROL!!! She tells him she doesn’t need any hassle (however hassle does at all times appear to seek out her – and that’s why we love her). She’s simply searching for a good friend of hers – Daryl Dixon. The biker says he doesn’t know him, and Carol factors out that he’s driving Daryl’s bike. 

He tells her that he discovered it. She says she got here a good distance… He tells her to maneuver again whereas he appears to be like via her stuff. He has her open the trunk – and as he’s wanting via it, she clocks him with the wrench she’s been hiding. When he wakes up, tied up in her trunk, he’s staring down the barrel of his personal shotgun. He tells her that he traded some dudes for the bike. He tells her the place to seek out them, and he or she tells him if he’s mendacity, she received’t be again and slams the trunk! Carol takes off on the bike… Oh Carol… How I’ve missed you!

This was a terrific finish to the primary season! There isn’t any manner, in my thoughts, that Carol isn’t on that boat. And I feel we are able to all make certain that she might be on board with staying – at the very least for a bit – if Daryl needs to remain and assist struggle. There actually isn’t any manner that Daryl would take Laurent away from Isabelle. I can’t say sufficient good issues about this collection. It was all the pieces that I’d hoped for. Nice performing, nice writing, and nice results. Each episode was splendidly structured to maximise the stress and suspense, however nonetheless crafted some actually splendidly nuanced characters, skillfully delivered to life by the forged. What did you consider the episode? The collection? Will you be again for season two? I do know I might be! Let me know your ideas within the feedback under!