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The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – Season Premiere Review

The latest episode of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon wasted no time diving back into the uneasy, atmospheric storytelling that made last season so gripping. With Daryl finally reunited with Carol, the show is entering new terrain—literally and narratively—while still carrying the weight of everything that’s come before.

Picking Up From Last Season

This premiere works as both a continuation and a reset. The French monastery, Laurent’s prophecy, and the question of whether Daryl truly belongs in Europe still hang over him. At the same time, Carol’s arrival shifts the dynamic. Last season was about survival and reluctant responsibility; this season feels like it’s about choices—choosing where to go, who to trust, and whether the U.S. is still home for Daryl.

Julian’s Short Arc

Fans were surprised by how quickly Julian’s arc wrapped up. Introduced with some intrigue last season, he was poised to play a bigger role, maybe even as a rival or uneasy ally. Instead, the writers closed his story within the first episode, making him feel more like a narrative stepping stone than a lasting presence. In hindsight, it was probably done to clear the path for Daryl and Carol’s journey without distraction, but it still felt like a missed opportunity for deeper conflict.

Steven Merchant Steals the Show

One bright spot is Steven Merchant’s continued brilliance. His sharp delivery and knack for blending humor with menace gives his character a presence that’s impossible to ignore. In a series that can get weighed down by grim atmosphere, Merchant knows exactly when to inject levity without breaking tension. It’s no exaggeration to say he elevates every scene he’s in.

Why We Knew They Weren’t Going Back to the U.S. Yet

As soon as the premiere set its course, fans knew there was no chance Daryl and Carol would be back stateside by the end of the episode. The Walking Dead has always thrived on the long road—the slow build of a journey rather than quick resolutions. Bringing them back to the U.S. right away would’ve undercut the suspense. Instead, the episode wisely doubled down on Europe as a setting. The showrunners know we’re here for fresh landscapes and unique threats, not just a rehash of Virginia woods.

What’s Next in Spain?

The tease of Spain as the next major stop for Daryl and Carol is exciting. If France was about mystery and prophecy, Spain looks to be about power and resistance. Early hints suggest new factions vying for control, and maybe even the possibility of other American survivors scattered across Europe. For Carol in particular, Spain could test her instincts as both protector and strategist, while Daryl continues wrestling with whether he wants to find his way home—or if he already has.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t the most explosive premiere in the franchise, but it was layered, purposeful, and set the stage for a compelling season. With Merchant anchoring the supporting cast, and Spain opening up fresh storylines, the journey of Daryl and Carol feels like it’s only just beginning. Overall, this preimeire gets just an avergae grade of a C. There's a lot of potential moving the series to Spain, but it could be hit or miss.