This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon newest episode
According to Comicbook.com, in an episode full of emotional moments and action-packed scenes, the October 6 installment of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon titled “Moulin Rouge” featured a significant milestone for fan-favorite character Daryl Dixon, portrayed by Norman Reedus (The Bikeriders, Blade II, The Boondocks). The episode, which aired on AMC+, took viewers on a journey to the picturesque Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, where Daryl shared his first-ever on-screen kiss.
In this romantic interlude, Daryl and Isabelle, his companion in the series, locked lips for the first time, marking a tender moment between the two characters. Though not Daryl’s first love interest—fans of The Walking Dead will remember Leah played by Lynn Collins (works)—this kiss was significant because it was the first one seen by viewers. Daryl’s romance with Leah occurred off-screen, partly due to filming constraints during the pandemic.
Also mentioned by Comicbook.com, this week’s episode also highlighted the growing bond between Daryl, Isabelle, and Laurent portrayed by Louis Puech Scigliuzzi (Show Me More), Isabelle’s nephew, as the trio navigated challenges and adversaries in France. In one lighter moment, Daryl taught the two how to play American baseball. Later, Daryl invited Isabelle and Laurent to join him on his journey back to the U.S., emphasizing the deepening connections between the three.
However, the plot takes a darker turn when Jacinta portrayed by Nassima Benchicou (I Still Hide To Smoke, The Vanishing, Dealing With Christmas) staged Laurent’s kidnapping in a bid to test the young boy’s rumored immunity to zombie bites. This forced Daryl, Isabelle, and their ally Fallou played by Eriq Ebouaney (A Season in France, The Horde, Earth And Blood) to fight their way back to rescue Laurent. In a quiet moment before launching their rescue mission, Isabelle accepted Daryl’s offer to go to America. She then taught him the French word “dépaysant,” which means “a nice change of scenery” that allows you to view things differently. This poignant exchange culminated in their kiss.
Also mentioned by Comicbook.com, Reedus, reflecting on Daryl’s evolving character, explained in AMC+’s The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Episode Insider that the concept of “home” has changed for Daryl, and his relationships are becoming more meaningful. Showrunner David Zabel echoed this sentiment, stating that season two has solidified Daryl, Isabelle, and Laurent as a family unit.
Meanwhile as mentioned by Comicbook.com, another subplot of the episode saw Carol, played by Melissa McBride (The Walking Dead, The Mist, The Hapy’s) arriving in Paris with Ash portrayed by Manish Dayal (The Resident, Rise, Holidate) in search of her longtime friend Daryl. Despite years of fan speculation and hopes for a Daryl-Carol romance, the show has confirmed it won’t be exploring a love triangle or romantic pairing between the two. Instead, the focus remains on the deep bonds that Daryl is forming with Isabelle and Laurent as they continue their journey through post-apocalyptic France.
With the storylines developing in both emotional and dramatic ways, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon continues to captivate audiences as it delves deeper into the relationships that define its characters.