Daryl Dixon Season 3 Episode 1 “Costa da Morte” Recap

The episode starts with a heavy quote from R.M. Rilke: “I have my dead and I have let them go”. It sets the mood immediately. Daryl and Carol walk the English coast, both tired of survival being nothing but running and fighting. Carol clings to a can of hot dogs like it’s a piece of hope. In my opinion this is one of the best opening notes the show has ever done. It shows how much they’ve lost, but also how much they still need each other.

London in Ruins

When they reach London, it’s like walking into a tomb. The Westminster Checkpoint is empty. No guards, no life, just silence before chaos. They fight walkers in an old apartment and end up stuck on a balcony, staring at an ocean of the dead..... That scene works because it’s pure dread. Personally, I think London as a setting should’ve been used more in the franchise years ago; it feels fresh and terrifying at the same time!

A Stranger Named Julian

After days trapped, Daryl spots sunlight flashing from a glass in the building across from them. He flashes back. Later that night, someone climbs the building where he and Carol are hiding. It turns out to be Julian, a tall, awkward man. They catch him at the window, and he nervously introduces himself, offering two rabbits as a peace gift.

The Sailboat Plan

Julian claims he hasn’t seen anyone in years. His story about London being sealed off makes sense, and the fact that he has a boat gives Daryl and Carol a chance. The problem? None of them can actually sail. Carol pitches America as a destination, dangling friendship in front of Julian. To be honest, I found this moment both hopeful and sad, hopeful because they dream of escape, sad because deep down we know it’s too good to last!

Setting Sail

Using Big Ben to lure walkers was brilliant. They grab supplies and push for the Thames. Out at sea, Julian fumbles with navigation but insists they’ll reach America in two weeks. This is where the writing shines: Daryl reflects on his brother, Carol opens up, and for a second, it feels like peace might actually be possible!

The Storm Breaks

Julian shares his loneliness, only to get struck down by the storm and suffer a concussion. With him out cold, Daryl and Carol take over. Carol admits she’s glad she found Daryl, which hit me harder than I expected! Their bond has always been the emotional backbone of this universe, at least for me!

Shipwreck and Loss

The boat crashes on the shore. Carol is injured. Julian is dead… and then reanimated. Watching Carol struggle against him, only for Daryl to finish it, was brutal. But giving Julian back to the water was the right choice. Even if he barely lasted an episode, he deserved that respect.

I honestly wanted to see more of Julian, he seemed like such an interesting character. His awkwardness, loneliness, and strange humor made him stand out. He felt real, and it’s a shame the show cut him short so quickly. He could’ve added a different kind of energy to the show.

Carol’s fever almost takes her down. Then Daryl spots men with torches, skull masks, and horses, straight out of a nightmare cult.

Spain and the Disappearance

Morning comes, and the sign reads Costa de la Muerte. They’re in Spain now. Walkers hang in nets like trophies, and the woods feel cursed. Carol presses Daryl to face his emotions. He admits seeing Isabelle’s ghost gave him reason to keep fighting. Their bond grows deeper, sealed with the line about saving hot dogs for later—a small joke!

Then the gut punch: Carol is gone. Daryl finds signs of a military jeep nearby, and suddenly the story cracks wide open again!

Final Thoughts

This premiere works because it’s more than just killing walkers. It’s about loneliness, holding on to small hopes, and the price of survival. Julian’s brief arc really affected me, even though I expected his fate. Daryl and Carol carry the episode with their bond, which is really the best relationship this franchise has.

The arrival in Spain and Carol’s sudden disappearance promise bigger things. Personally, I think this is one of the strongest openings in The Walking Dead universe since the early seasons.