‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’ Recap – ‘Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir’

10/28/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride as Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier in Epiosde 205 of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’ – ‘Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir’. (Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Guimier/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.

It is definitely safe to say that humanity has quite the love/hate relationship when it comes to religion, and with good reason. After all, religion can be quite the beautiful thing. Since it can offer hope to those who are without it, a sense of direction for the lost and forgiveness for those who have done wrong and don’t know where to find peace. And it does indeed preach love and understanding and the beauty of faith and believing in something more. Something greater that we simply cannot understand, and that is good reason to love it, cherish it, and outright celebrate what it can do for the whole of humanity.

But on the other hand, it has its dark history. For so many have died in the name of a God that does not resemble what religion teaches, and it has in many ways stunted our growth as a society. For far too often, the clergy and others in charge would rather maintain a status quo than embrace progressive ideas, and of course… there is great harm that it has inflicted upon communities and people, as evidenced by the many disgusting transgressions that have come to light. Which gives us, good reason to hate it, and good reason to want it gone from our lives. But alas, we simply cannot quit it, and it does leave one to wonder what it would take to leave it behind since it causes so much trouble, and likely will again.

If anything, our troubled relationship with religion is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol on AMC. A feat that ‘Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir’ accomplished by reminding us of its power and its influence, courtesy of a grand quset for our heroes. For in the wake of the fall of the Nest, Daryl and Carol did their best to prepare for the future, and a return home. Which brought them back to Paris, to find Laurent and find Ash. The former of which, was eager to see Daryl but was not happy with the sorrowful news that Issabelle did not make the journey, and while Daryl tried his best to comfort him, he was unable to and that prompted he and Carol to worry about Ash for a bit and it was a good thing he became their focus.

For he went missing, and that prompted this duo to head to the Demimonde to see Anna and garner ideas on how best to find him. As it turned out, it was best to head back to the Meré, since there were clues that indicated he might have gone there and well, their voyage to find Ash is what brought about the central exploration of that love/hate relationship. Because in their absence, Losang and his reformed cult made their way to the sanctuary in Paris, to bring Laurent in and continue their hideous work and well… the good and the bad of religion was put on display in this sequence. For as Codron, who also arrived here, snuck Laurent out, Losang offered up what makes religion great. For he knew that everyone in the complex had no hope, and he gave them that.

Manish Dayal as Ash in Epiosde 205 of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’ – ‘Vouloir, C’est Pouvoir’. (Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Guimier/AMC.)

Which did remind us of its power in trying times and how easily people can be swayed by it when fear arrives, and well… after finding Ash and getting back to the hanger to heal and rest, Daryl made his way back to the club to get all the fuel they could spare, and learned of how easily people will switch sides, and how it would not be long before Losang caused them more trouble. In fact, he wasted little time at all. Since he showed up looking for the boy, and that led… to one harrowing sequence. One where Codron and Daryl took some serious lumps in an effort to keep him safe. But for their efforts… they were able to end Losang and bring forth a brief respite. Since believers still remain. But make no mistake about it… this was a fine reminder of the darkness of religion, of its relentless nature when the wrong people are in charge and that’s just it.

In that, his story put forth the inherent problem with religion and why we cannot find pure peace with it. Because in the end, it is put forth by people. And we are flawed, and we are sometimes easily lost by ideas and concepts, and when that happens or the wrong person, one that is broken, takes charge of religion… this is what we get. Fury, revenge, and bloodshed, all in the name of a greater good and desire to further a personal agenda over the word of the Lord. Which makes it clear that until we can find real neutral entities, who don’t believe they speak with God or are chosen to spread His word, this kind of madness will continue. Which made for a sobering tale for certain. One that truly made it clear… that it will be a very long time before we find real peace with religion.

Which made for a somber episode, and that somber nature was further enhanced by the fact… that Carol was finally forced… to tell the truth. Because Daryl wasn’t good with her lying, and Ash was slowly figuring things out, so she finally opened up and spoke to the fact that she lied about everything and manipulated Ash to bring her here. Which broke her heart because before Ash really got the truth, he spoke to how this actually helped to heal him. But none the less, she did what she needed to do, and faced the consequences head on, and found real remorse in what she had done. But alas, despite making peace and despite going the extra mile to ensure that Ash would bring them home, with Laurent no less since Daryl wished that and helped Laurent understand why he should come along… they might not be able to make it back.

All of which made, for a powerhouse episode of television. One that did what horror rarely does and explored the after of a heroic moment. Because the end of Genet, and the fall of the Nest were clearly good things. But in the wake of that, there are always lost souls looking for their next cause, and reflection and pain, and that made for a powerful tale. One that also offered up so much commentary on religion and some tough moments regarding the price of lying. If anything, the only true bright spot was Codron’s journey. Since he was a hero here that earned respect, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this bitter tale, it’s onto the season two finale, wherein we simply don’t know if a voyage home awaits our heroes or if Europe will remain home for the time being. Until next time.

Watch ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’

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