Previously on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, the gang finally arrive in Paris. From there, Isabelle’s allies can help transport Laurent to the Nest, but those plans hit a hitch. Laurent overhears an argument between the nun and Daryl and runs away after hearing some hard truths. Shortly after, Codron and Genet’s cronies arrive attacking the camp. As Daryl flees the scene, the dilapidated roof of an old building gives way causing him to fall.
The series wants to portray Laurent as child messiah who is destined to save mankind. The opening plays with the idea showing a more mystical side to the character promoting his faith. It’s frustrating since the scene is a misdirect, but it still reinforces how special Laurent is. It could also signify how much of an effect the kid is having on the main character. Daryl took up the mission as a means to an end, but now he’s even dreaming about his charge.
We also explore more sides to the Daryl Dixon and Isabelle dynamic. It’s a sweet and touching moment when the pair reunite at the latter’s apartment and share an embrace. The concern and relief behind the hug speaks to something more than friendship, but not necessarily of romance. They also prove to be a formidable pair fighting off zombies to rescue Laurent. I really dig Daryl using that mace and chain even performing a double kill.
Then, there is the interrogation scene as they try to gain intel about the Demimonde from one of Quinn’s lackeys. It’s a good cop/bad cop routine with the nun staying in the room and witnessing firsthand what her companion is capable of. This is one of the few times we see our hero turn to immoral methods (“On the Inside” comes to mind) to protect his people. The ambiguous ties of the haunting tale about a kid and his pig in Daryl’s old neighborhood further adds to the discomfort.
Speaking of haunting, Anne Charrier’s Genet is terrifying. She’s searching for some intel of her own questioning the residents at the camp that housed Daryl. Genet could easily be a stereotypical villain, but what separates her is the restraint. The fact that she’s not out on a bloody rampage and killing subordinates for incompetence adds more tension. She’s obviously someone who doesn’t forget and can dish out more punishment keeping people on their toes than ending a life. The entire time she’s soothing a crying baby she is clearly irritated by is the longest and most anxious few moments.
Other aspects of the writing in this episode of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon are hit and miss. It’s a unique setting that’s been developed in this part of the world. Some residents go about their regular lives despite the undead from a person casually practicing their cello to an elderly couple on a coffee date. One image that you can’t forget is a broken-down Eiffel Tower with an endless mass of zombies underneath.
It’s also interesting seeing these different factions plotting and scheming while keeping secrets from one another. There is the uneasy alliance between Genet and Quinn as well as the now seemingly jilted singer Anna making faces every time Quinn takes more interest in Laurent and Isabelle. You can call it good use of foreshadowing or setting up things to be predictable.
“La Dame de Fer” continues to make Paris a unique setting in the Walking Dead Universe but is laying the potential groundwork towards a predictable path.
New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon are released Sundays on AMC.
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