En Francais, predictable is "previsible". This episode was predictable because I saw every plot twist coming, robbing the story of what little intrigue, suspense, and emotional impact the powers that be desperately want from it. This episode has a lot to cover, so let's get into it.
“Le Paradis Pour Toi” – THE WALKING DEAD DARYL DIXON THE BOOK OF CAROL, Pictured: Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier. Photo: Emmanuel Guimier/AMC @2024 AMC Inc. All Rights Reserved
Many aspects of this episode did not work for me, but a few did. Michael Slovis, one of my favorite television directors, created Le Paradise pour toi (Heaven for You), a feast of visual storytelling. The initial moments outside the Nest were evocative in terms of terror, as Madam Genet gunned down a gathering of innocent people before transforming them into "super hungry ones." We anticipate Carol to live; otherwise, the Book of Carol would have been laughably short. Carol was among this group, but in the previous episode, she saw the development of these monster walkers, thus she knew what was going to happen. Regardless, she was injected with the jacked-up walker juice but nothing happened to her. Did the needle not go through her clothing? Surrounded by reanimated superwalkers and Genet's gun-toting thugs, Carol jumps up and drives away, rescuing Codron (tattoo face), who had been lashed to the back of a vehicle as walker bait. Yes, this sequence was as ridiculous as it sounds, but it looked fantastic.
Inside the Nest, Losang is still unraveling spiritually and mentally. He attempts to get Isabelle to divulge Laurent's whereabouts while the sanctuary is under attack. Isabelle is not talking. Predictably, she gives Losang a tongue-lashing about being a false prophet because what he really fears is a loss of control. Losang laments about Isabel losing her faith. Isabel claims she hasn't lost faith in Laurent. Laurent is special. He is a boy with the necessary skills—for this time. She stresses Laurent's humanity, noting that he, like Jesus or Mohammad, can die. Isabelle's statements, in my opinion, were some of the most memorable and relevant to the narrative. Isabelle violently attacks Losang, who, predictably, retaliates violently.
“Le Paradis Pour Toi” – THE WALKING DEAD DARYL DIXON THE BOOK OF CAROL, Pictured: Joel de la Fuente as Losang. Photo: Emmanuel Guimier/AMC @2024 AMC Inc. All Rights Reserved
Mortally wounded, Isabelle lives long enough to facilitate the Carol and Daryl reunion and to say her goodbyes to Daryl. I guessed, verbatim, that Isabelle would say to Daryl, “Tell him (Laurent) I’m always with him.” Acknowledging and declaring the deepening love between Isabell and Daryl would have enriched the scene. But no, it did not happen. Isabelle's dying was centered around Daryl's promise to protect Laurent and the beauty of the fireflies she saw, possibly lighting her way to the other side.
Did the episode's title, Le Paradis Pour Toi, Heaven for You, mean to signify Isabelle's passing? I think so.
Carol and Daryl keep things moving. When Laurent and Fallou are not found at the secret training place, Daryl tracks them. Along the way, we see Daryl weakened in his resolve to be responsible for Laurent. He doesn't want to lose him. Carol asks if he will leave Laurent in Paris because he fears ending up like her. Daryl denies this. Before Daryl gets trapped on the boat to France, he and Carol have a telephone conversation with a bad connection. Carol said something unintelligible, then... "came back." Daryl asked her who had come back. It was disappointing to learn that what came back was just her "stuff." What stuff, exactly? Carol eventually presents Daryl with a carving of an angel, a gift from Judith. She says Judith knew Carol had to leave if it meant bringing Uncle Daryl home. I feel this parallels Judith giving Michonne permission to leave Alexandria to bring Rick home.
“Le Paradis Pour Toi” – THE WALKING DEAD DARYL DIXON THE BOOK OF CAROL, Pictured: Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon. Photo: Stéphanie Branchu/AMC @2024 AMC Inc. All Rights Reserved
Carol and Daryl arrive in a quaint village. In this setting, they encounter an older couple. The couple conveniently speak English, possess several old cars, and have ethanol readily available to assist Carol and Daryl. They reported that a car had been provided to Fallou and Laurent for their journey back to Paris. Laurent mentioned that Daryl and Isabel would be arriving, but it was puzzling how they concluded that Carol was the nun, Isabelle, given that Carol was obviously American, just like Daryl. Laurent spoke a lot, revealing that he knew Daryl loved Isabelle, but he wouldn't tell her since it would make leaving harder. When looking for spare car parts, Daryl and Carol learn that the town’s dead did not die violently but from natural causes. Daryl asks why the dead were not buried. The Frenchman responds that they are elderly and that digging graves is too hard. Carol and Daryl bicker like siblings as they work on fixing their getaway car. I found the episode's farm arc mildly amusing, but ultimately cringe-worthy.
Predictably, Carol and Daryl were betrayed, although I didn't think the showrunners would let it play out so poorly. Somehow, the man informs Madam Genet that the Americans are at his house. He defended his actions, saying, "You don't survive by picking the losing side." His partner didn't agree and offered Carol and Daryl a hiding place. A fight ensues. Outnumbered and outgunned, Carol and Daryl get the upper hand and end up in a showdown with Madam Genet, where I feel the viewers are let down in a way some fans felt the destruction of General Beale and his secret CRM force by Michonne and Rick disappointed the viewers of TOWL. Carol shoots her in the back with one of those superwalker tranquilizers, and Genet’s head nearly explodes. Why didn't she get up and charge Carol? She just died in a way that showcased Greg Nicotero’s horror effect wizardry, not to advance the plot.
“Le Paradis Pour Toi” – THE WALKING DEAD DARYL DIXON THE BOOK OF CAROL, Pictured: François-Éric Gendron as Theo. Photo: Stéphanie Branchu/AMC @2024 AMC Inc. All Rights Reserved
The "after the episode" discussion reveals that the powers that be wanted Madam Genet's death to be as monsterous as her villainous nature. I think she was one of TWDU's best villains. She was complicated and contradictory—ruthless but empathetic in her fashion. She kept people fed and safe (for a time). She deserved more time on the show, or more accurately, the show deserved more time with her. Killing her was a giant negation that haulted the story's momentum—at least its interesting, exciting momentum. Good storytelling thrives on tension and keeps the audience guessing until the end. This did not happen in the episode. Instead, we are left with Losang. I’m sorry, but a disturbed, holy man is not a proper villain. Genet's nameless, faceless second in command also remains. She strikes a mysterious deal to combine Madam Genet's vision with Losang's to "create a better, stronger future."
Was Le Paradis Pour Toi heaven for you? The episode was not heaven for me. The vague alliance made between these lesser characters in the series was underwhelming, bordering on boring. Season two has two episodes left to get the story back on track. What do you think should happen? Do you believe Laurent will survive season two, considering the show's history of killing children (such as Lizzy and Mica)? Share your thoughts, and I promise to respond.
Overall Rating:
6/10
Lynette Jones
