Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead episode, “New Best Friends.”
Well, it happened. The moment that Walking Dead fans have been waiting for ever since season 4 finally happened with tonight’s episode: Daryl and Carol finally reunited.
The moment seemed to downplay any possible sexual tension, emphasizing the brother/sister relationship the two have had for over the years. (Sorry, Daryl/Carol shippers).
Even without any romantic lust—although that passionate hug did go on for a long time—fans still celebrated the reunion on Twitter under the relationship pairing name #Caryl.
#Caryl for ever #Daryl #Carol #TheWalkingDead
pic.twitter.com/Alf1igaC8q— Spoiler Time (@ItsSpoilerTime) February 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/marti_vani/status/833512421583056900
"Why'd you go?"
When Daryl's voice cracked 😭😭😭#TheWalkingDead #TWDFamily #TWD #Caryl #Carol #Daryl pic.twitter.com/e33sulOeqH— Pooja Davé (@ThePoojaDave) February 20, 2017
While many fans were happy to see the two together again, some weren’t feeling Daryl and Carol’s “weird, sort of platonic but maybe not really” feelings toward each other.
https://twitter.com/Emilys3Guppies/status/833523155184525312
Even if Daryl and Carol didn’t show any physical affection beyond a passionate hug, Daryl’s affection for someone else didn’t go unnoticed.
So #Daryl showed more sexual affection towards Shiva than he did towards #Carol LOL #TheWalkingDead
— Summer_Child (@bacgirl48) February 20, 2017
Daryl’s line “Why did you leave us?” completely shattered some fans. Some were quick to label it Daryl’s saddest line ever, noticing how his voice broke ever so slightly when he first confronted Carol.
#Daryl to #Carol: Why did you leave us? 〜 Daryl's saddest line ever! 😭 #TheWalkingDead #TWD #TalkingDead #sosad #tears
— Shannon★Taylor★Hodnett (@shanonaryder) February 20, 2017
The most shocking revelation to come from the reunion interestingly enough didn’t involve a revelation at all. As Carol asked if everyone was all right in the group, Daryl told Carol a bold-faced lie. He completely failed to mention that significant event from earlier in the season, when Negan killed Glenn and Abraham with Lucille.
Fans have been debating the moment on Twitter. Despite the lie, there seems to be a majority that seem to support Daryl’s decision to lie to Carol in the moment.
That is why #Daryl is the man!!!
Knows what to say & not to say to #Carol #TheWalkingDead— Craig Semon (@CraigSemon) February 20, 2017
Oh Daryl you adorable sweetheart you, sparing her the truth!#thewalkingdead #walkingdead #talkingdead#daryl #carol
— Nutamu (@Nutamu) February 20, 2017
Others seem to be devastated at Daryl’s decision not to tell the truth.
#Daryl lying to #Carol is literally the most painful thing I've ever seen. #TWD #TheWalkingDead #Freshbuzz #Deadbuzz
— OfficialLucille (@VampireBatLucy) February 20, 2017
As heartbreaking as it was, it completely fits with Daryl’s character. He has always been protective of Carol, ever since he consoled her when she lost Sophia. It is arguable that he can be overprotective, and perhaps this lie is an example of that.
However, their relationship has always been a weird but solid one, built on mutual trust and respect. That trust may be in jeopardy now with Daryl’s lie, but it was clear in the moment Daryl wasn’t thinking of the consequences. He was simply trying to protect Carol, as he’s always done.
It’s only a matter of time before Carol discovers the real truth of the situation. Daryl’s lie may have worked in the moment, to both spare Carol pain and to keep her from getting further involved with Ezekiel, but Carol has proved nothing but resourceful and savvy throughout the course of the show.
Daryl’s lie simply prolongs the inevitable.