‘The Walking Dead’ season 5 spoilers: What comes next for Carol and Daryl?
The bond between Carol and Daryl has turned out to be one of the most unexpected joys of “The Walking Dead,” at least given that we never anticipated the two characters having this great dynamic, and they’ve turned out to be one of the best parts of the entire series.
Unfortunately, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen the two characters together now, given that Carol’s banishment by Rick happened in the first handful of weeks into season 4, and the two did not run into each other while on the road. Carol is still out there with Tyreese, trying to work her way back to Terminus.
When the two characters do run into each other once again, the one thing that you should expect is for their history together, and what happened with the banishment. Per showrunner Scott M. Gimple’s interview with TVLine, both Rick’s move and Daryl’s reaction to it “does have weight” on the story still, and “will be felt throughout the season … It’s part of their history. And they haven’t seen each other since it’s happened. So there will be a catching up to that fact.”
Hopefully, whatever happens between the two will not upset the apple cart that is their relationship too much, since their rapport cannot really be replicated at all. Unfortunately, those wanting a romance may still be waiting for a little while. Based on Gimple’s response to the whole “is Daryl gay?” speculation, it doesn’t sound like the show is looking to explore a physical relationship for the character in the near future.
Still, are you looking forward to actually seeing Daryl and Carol on the screen together at the same time again? Share in the comments, and zombie-crawl over here now to get some further TV updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: AMC
Denise
September 14, 2014 @ 10:26 pm
The chemistry between NR and MMB is so rare…what they bring to the screen is amazI ing. Both are great characters but they bring out the best in one another. Carol’s kindness and love was the first to make Daryl see his self worth.Daryl’s compassion and diligence in finding Sophia was the first kindness Carol experienced from a man. They’ve been friends and confidants…I hope S5 finally gives them more <3 They both deserve each other emotionally and physically.
SoniaSonia
September 5, 2014 @ 1:43 am
I agree with the writer. Carol and Daryl have turned out to be one of the best parts of the entire series. Norman and Melissa have amazing chemistry and I’m always looking forward to their scenes together. The two characters and the two actors bring out the best in each other.
rebs58
September 4, 2014 @ 7:55 pm
Yay more Carol and Daryl, though the have thins to tallk their relationship is strong and they’ll fight side by side
Becky O
September 4, 2014 @ 3:46 pm
I cannot wait to see Carol and Daryl back together. She “got” him, before anyone else in the group. She has always built him up and helped him see his worth. He is going to have her back, build her back up after the double tragedy in season 4. I think this separation will help their relationship in the long run. After all, it all works out the way it’s supposed to.
Deana Folsom
September 4, 2014 @ 6:48 pm
There connection is so much stronger than physical. The looks they give each other and the teasing, playful banter brings a gentle side out of daryl
Soph
September 4, 2014 @ 3:05 pm
I think the relationship between Carol and Daryl is incredibly beautiful, regardless of whether it eventually becomes romantic or not. As the actors NR and MMB say, they are each others person and IMO I don’t think either of them will be closer to anyone else but each other. The chemistry between NR and MMB is amazing, and both characters can hold their own without being reduced to just being recognised as the others “love interest”, even if they haven’t gone there yet. Daryl’s reaction in S4 clearly demonstrated that he understood Carol and was more concerned for her welfare when she was banished….I expect the show will probably not focus too much on the events of S4 much, but I think although Daryl understood Carols intentions, he may be upset that she did not feel she could confide in him and so S5 interactions may be about both Carol and Daryl balancing between strength, determination and pragmatism in order to survive, and the emotional repurcussions of what happened with Lizzie/Mika/Beth. Anyone who think’s Carol has gone “dark” needs to go back and watch the show again…and perhaps look at all the interviews with MMB, SG ect where they have said outright that Carol’s actions were to protect the family she loved, she regrets her actions, and is a very “empathettic” character who’s actions are always coming from a “place of caring” (quotes are MMB’s words herself, and she knows the character better than anyone) She made mistakes but took responsibility for them, and now that S5 is nearly here I look forward to see how she deals with all the bad things have happened in her life; even before ZA her life was miserable so I think she is due a little bit of hapiness! <3
MrsSp0ck
September 4, 2014 @ 2:58 pm
Of course Daryl will and did understand her actions. And I can’t wait to see them back together this season, season 4 really lacked of Carol & Daryl interactions! Though, the fact that they were separated, which never really happened since they met, will definitely strengthen their relationship and deepen their bond. I’m hoping for some romantic development eventually, but we might not have it this season, but it’s not that bad, because watching them having a slow burn and witnessing the sexual tension they have is already satisfying! Can’t wait to see the reunion!
Wendy Coffey Sherman
September 4, 2014 @ 2:48 pm
carol and daryl are soul mates..even if the show does not actual show it ..the viewers all ready know…they are amazing together in ever sense..i have never watched a show where i have loved and enjoyed a couple more and could see the obvisious love between them
Pamela Moss Daigle
September 4, 2014 @ 2:48 pm
Very anxious to see the Carol and Daryl team back on my screen. Season 4 was a major disappointment with how they were ripped apart. Watching Carol evolve into this alpha female might just turn gay Daryl straight, lol! No one can resist her, she is the Queen!
HanT
September 4, 2014 @ 2:45 pm
Can’t wait for more Carol and Daryl scenes. I always loved their dynamic.
mattcon
September 4, 2014 @ 2:45 pm
Daryl will totally understand why Carol did what she did. When Rick told him about banishment his words ” “That’s her”show he understood her actions.
Not a shipper but I do like the chemistry between Carol & Daryl its natural and not forced.
Daryl being gay is just trolling just like he maybe into teen girls and crap.
Btw Lol.. Daryl really moved into the light when he hooked up with a group of rapists and murders in 4b.
In season 5 there will be no light. It is suppose to be a season of brutality and the characters all going ravage.
vicki Harbison
September 4, 2014 @ 4:08 pm
I love getting the perspective of non shippers. Thank you!
Chandra M. Jordan
September 4, 2014 @ 2:40 pm
Well she has to account for what she did, and the fact she kept it from him and everyone, and let Tyreese go after him and Rick. She did not have malicious intentions but she shouldn’t have deceived him either.
Marie
September 4, 2014 @ 5:32 pm
It’s not like she had time to pull Daryl aside and explain it. They left for a run shortly after and telling them at that exact moment when Rick and Ty were fighting would’ve been a bad idea.
Deana Folsom
September 4, 2014 @ 6:52 pm
I can see why she was thinking about it before he left, but agree no time, it would have been stupid to jump in when RICK was beating ty and had to be pulled off. Carol could have lied when rick asked but she is honest
silverstar88
September 4, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Shut up, Chandra. No one cares about what you have to say. Why don’t you go flick your bean to Norman Reedus for the 60th time today?
Deana Folsom
September 4, 2014 @ 6:50 pm
Thank you, beautiful person. Carol is a loving caring person and haters need to stfu
silverstar88
September 4, 2014 @ 7:14 pm
You’re welcome. I’m so over this chick spreading her mess everywhere. It’s getting real old.
Deana Folsom
September 6, 2014 @ 3:17 am
I would love a mute button for a bunch of them
silverstar88
September 24, 2014 @ 4:33 pm
You and me both. Especially Chandra.
Kate
September 7, 2014 @ 2:35 pm
ITA…. Carol shouldn’t get a free pass for her crap… Daryl won’t kick her to the curb, but he isn’t going to be manipulated by her any longer.. Team Rickly all the way. Carol has gone to the dark side… She’s the new Shane.. and daryl, while still badass has become his own man… and he did that without Carol’s lies & manipulations… I wonder if Daryl will find out that “Sophia is someone elses slideshow” to Carol….that would make him sick…. Carol’s humanity is gone… Daryl’s hasn’t…. and hopefully, Carol will meet her fate this season… Justice for Ty, Karen, David… Will Carol continue to lie or will she finally show Daryl the “REAL” Carol….that is the question
Midcenturymadness
September 7, 2014 @ 9:54 pm
This post makes me feel as if I’m watching a different show than you. Lies and manipulation? You mean, carol has at some point manipulated Daryl? Carol is new Shane?
Daryl and Carol are best friends. I don’t know about anything beyond that (honestly, I don’t think Daryl would be a good boyfriend) – but he’s gonna have her back and be happy to see her, 100%. It would be completely OOC and hypocritical for it to go any other way.
Lainey
September 11, 2014 @ 12:23 am
Meh…she’s had a massive hate-on for Carol from the start. Her rants are all over every TWD forum as much as Chandra/Ahrean’s are.
Lainey
September 11, 2014 @ 12:22 am
Oh hai mrskaz.
vicki Harbison
September 4, 2014 @ 2:39 pm
Carol and Daryl’s relationship is one of the joys of the show however you see it and I am very excited to see them together again!
Midcenturymadness
September 4, 2014 @ 2:35 pm
I don’t think carol is any darker than a number of other characters. Daryl has definitely softened somewhat, but IMO I think the evolution of both their own way were necessary. Hopefully their evolution will allow them to meet in the middle. I don’t know if this will be a romantic relationship at any point but I don’t think that matters – it has been one of the best executed parts of the show – last season when they had little interaction it did feel like there was something missing so hopefully they will be able to spend a lot of time together this season
LOL@U
September 4, 2014 @ 2:30 pm
As Norman said himself, those two have an impenetrable bond. I look forward to their reunion and subsequent ass kicking together now that Carol has elevated to BAMF. Friends or lovers, those two need to be on the screen together all the time. Norman is at his best when paired with MMB…
Lainey
September 4, 2014 @ 2:28 pm
Oh, I SO need to see them back together again! Their separation was one of the worst parts of S4 for me. Thank you for this article–I love that you recognize their bond and how unique and wonderful it is. :) It’s managed to melt my cynical heart. I am one who hopes for romance between them. :D
Lainey
September 4, 2014 @ 2:32 pm
Also, I don’t think Carol’s “gone dark” at all. She did what she felt she had to do. Daryl–if he’s written in-character–of all people, will understand.
vicki Harbison
September 4, 2014 @ 4:12 pm
I agree! If Daryl is written in character he would understand. The arguments that I see where some claim she has grown hard are usually from the same people that used to say she was weak. Carol is not hard but pragmatic, no different than several other characters.
Deana Folsom
September 6, 2014 @ 3:09 am
and carol tried to talk to rick but he cut her off. It would’ve made a huge difference to me when I found she did a mercy killing
Soral
September 4, 2014 @ 2:24 pm
It does seem to be the case that as Daryl moves toward the light that Carol has moved closer to the darkness. I guess we shall see.
Deana Folsom
September 4, 2014 @ 6:56 pm
To some extent but daryl was weak, barely able to keep beth safe and made stupid decisions, burning house in dark and getting drunk. He then led himself to believe the claimers werent that bad. He seems like a lost follower now. Carol is adapting to a harsh ugly world, but the compassion and commitment she has shown never wavered
Marie
September 4, 2014 @ 2:23 pm
I think Daryl will understand where Carol was coming from with killing Karen and David. It obviously weighs heavily on her, but I think Daryl will have her back throughout. And that “is Daryl gay?” article seems like pure trolling to me.
Deana Folsom
September 6, 2014 @ 3:11 am
if they have Daryl being a jerk to her, I will finish the job of killing the true Daryl. Questions, hell yes, disappointed she didn’t confide-understandable/ putting head up Rick’s ass and waiting to be told what his own opinion is-unacceptable
BlondieAmbition
September 3, 2014 @ 10:31 pm
I think that reintegration is gonna be one of the most interesting, based on how much they have changed – one literally going one way and the other the opposite. Carol has gone harder and darker, and Daryl has opened up, found hope and himself… Underscore that with the reality of what Carol did to Karen and David, it’s going to, I hope, make for a dramatic plot point.
Deana Folsom
September 4, 2014 @ 7:01 pm
I dont think daryl found himself. He needed help to remember hope but he was a sad weak follower after the finding hope. He was barely able to function and he opened up after losing everything, getting drunk and unintentionally made daryl feel worthless. I dont think he dropped layers for beth but she did pull him out of despair. Carol has proven she is not cold or uncaring