The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Season 3 Episode 3 – “El Sacrificio”

Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) are back to fighting walkers Sunday nights on AMC and AMC+. They unexpectedly found themselves in Spain this season. Another country, another nightmare.

WARNING: There are spoilers for any previous episodes, however, Season 3 Episode 3 is spoiler free.

Last Seen on Daryl Dixon

Episode 1 gave us a lovely tour of London, and introduced us to the last Englishman alive. After a few days at sea, we lost the Englishman, and Daryl and Carol found themselves shipwrecked on a beach in Spain. In episode 2, after saving a young couple in love, they heavily persuade them to help. Carol was injured in the boat crash, and she’s not doing well.

Welcomed (I use that term loosely) into a new group, Carol is patched up. However, before this new group can send Daryl and Carol on their way, they’re privy to some older cultural traditions, and a new zombie apocalypse tradition. One Carol is openly against. Each year they trade a young woman for supplies and protection. She is to become a wife, however, she is also never seen again. We wrapped up the last episode with Daryl already getting himself into trouble in a new land, and then killing some bad guys. Bad guys that may not be missed, but will be noticed.

“La Sacrificio” or The Sacrifice

Daryl wants nothing more than to fix the boat and head back to America. One jar of olives and a reluctant yes to someone later, and he’s got some help. However, what at first feels like an absolutely terrible idea to say yes to, doesn’t seem so terrible later on. Meanwhile, Carol was left behind to steal supplies and prepare for their voyage across the Atlantic.

While Daryl’s story in this episode moves the story closer to home, Carol’s is doing the opposite. Unknowingly to anyone, the sacrifice made in this episode will shift the course of both of their plans. Or it may just get them back on the same page.

Check out the review for the previous episode: “La Ofrenda”

Hope is a 4 letter word

The last season gave us flashbacks with Carol, and helped her process the worse loss anyone in the world can experience. The loss of a child. While Carol will never fully move on, she has shown a new peaceful way about her. One we really haven’t seen before. Meanwhile, Daryl is at the peak of his grief over losing Isabelle, and worrying about whether Laurent is safe. We see this in each of them and the decisions they’re making. As well as how they look at those who have hope for a brighter future. Having hope in a zombie apocalypse may be something one needs to keep fighting, but it’s also such a tease.

Overall Grade: 8.5/10

With each new group of people we meet in The Walking Dead universe it takes some time to adjust. Not just for our comfort characters that we’ve grown to love (or love to hate), but also for the audience. We’re not always welcoming new faces with open arms anymore than Daryl is. “El Sacrificio” however, hit that moment of acceptance. The villains and heroes have been established. I feel mission coming on, and I’m invested.

Check out Lauren’s review for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 Finale.

For more from Lauren, check out her article about The Walking Dead at New York Comic Con. You can also find her on Hops ‘GEEK’ News.

Are you watching this season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon? Let us know your thoughts.