‘The Walking Dead’ season 6 spoilers: Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride on character romances

Carol -Before you start to freak out here that we’re seeing Rick and Carol hook up on the next season of “The Walking Dead,” that’s not exactly what we are talking about with this article. Instead, we’re speaking a little bit more here about getting the chance to see what happens next for Rick and Jessie, and also the long-coveted potential couple that is Daryl and Carol.

Let’s start here with Rick, who may be changing somewhat in Alexandria, and much of it could be courtesy of Jessie. It has been a while since Lori’s death, and as Andrew Lincoln told TVLine at San Diego Comic-Con, it may actually be time for his character to get out there once again and consider romance:

“One of the great things about playing him is that each season, we’re exploring different parts … We’re a part of our environment. He’s been restraining himself towards the end of last season to be a part of this community, and certainly Jessie is one of the reasons why he changes. He softens, and starts to believe that this is a viable vulnerable. The great thing about playing him is that he is brutal, but there is compassion within him.”

As for Daryl and Carol, Melissa McBride was noncommittal on their future; however, she did make it clear (as she has often done) that a connection is there:

“They obviously have an incredible connection [and] bond they’ve shared since the first season. I think the first encounter between the two of them we saw as viewers, there is something interesting going on. I think both of them coming from an abusive past, having an abuser over them, and coming into their own forced by the circumstances of the Apocalypse … I think they understand each other. That will always be there. They lean on each other.”

We know that “The Walking Dead” is not a romance, but we feel like at this point Daryl and Carol could get together, and it would not be seen as the show just providing ‘shipper bait. We’ve seen the connection form, and the moment at this point feels earned.

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