The Walking Dead on Sunday pit Daryl (Norman Reedus) against Beta (Ryan Hurst) while defending Lydia (Cassady McClincy) against the Whisperers, a rescue mission that resulted in Daryl, Connie (Lauren Ridloff), and Henry (Matt Lintz) fleeing to Alexandria for refuge.
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“I think, for Daryl, he knows that in some ways the pragmatic choice, the ‘smart’ choice is to wash his hands of this girl. Obviously, the Whisperers want her back, it’s causing problems,” showrunner Angela Kang told EW.
“We’ve seen that he does have some sympathy for her. Both of them being survivors of abuse, he gets the stuff that she’s been through in life, his heart does go out to her. The part of Daryl that’s really empathetic, and that especially can be very protective of young people, and women — all of those buttons are being pushed, but he’s trying to push that away.”
Though Kang didn’t comment on a budding romance between Daryl and Connie — the currently platonic pairing has since officially been dubbed ‘Donnie’ amid calls for the dynamic to turn romantic — the writer-producer did say Connie plays an important role for Daryl.
“I think Connie really acts as a voice of his conscience in a way, the things that she’s saying, ‘We have friends, and she doesn’t,’” Kang said.
“That’s something that gets to him, just the things that he hears Henry say, knowing that Henry is Carol’s child, and knowing that if this is really important to him too…. He just is caught in between what is strategic and what emotionally he feels is probably the right thing to do.”
Though Daryl’s initially hesitant protection of Lydia has resulted in the group’s being hunted by Beta and the Whisperers, he knows it was the right thing to do, as evidenced through a conversation with Judith “Little Ass-Kicker” Grimes (Cailey Fleming).
“Daryl is a person who really acts strongly on emotion. His heart is often moved to do things, whether for good, or sometimes it leads him into directions of what we call feral Daryl, where his anger can take over,” Kang explained.
“I think by the end of everything that happens this episode, there have been enough things and enough people saying the right things, that he realizes he’s gotta do what is actually the right thing. The thing he wants to do, but knows is going to be dangerous and hard. But I think ultimately that’s the kind of person that he is, and that’s where he lands by the end of the episode.”
The Walking Dead next airs 914, ‘Scars,’ Sunday at 9/8c on AMC.
Henry Be Trippin’
yeah, henry try and fix what you started ?? #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/5ZGpHhZBvU
— ??????. (@itisnowsilence) March 11, 2019
Why are they still in the forest … friggin’ run #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/FP8rdtYXNV
— Life_with_Nadine (@Nadine_Campbell) March 11, 2019
Of course the episode begins with Henry tripping #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/ypNox4Znpu
— Heather Parady (@heatherparady) March 11, 2019
of course henry trips in the first five seconds of the show #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/ocPwEKkib8
— natalie (@natalieerin_s) March 11, 2019
Me trying to see what’s on my tv right now… #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/cGZ9o5EFbX
— A.D. Jarvis ?? (@TattleTav) March 11, 2019
I see we’re back to season 8 lighting. Can’t see shit. #twd #TheWalkingDead @WalkingDead_AMC @AMCTalkingDead @TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/9UJwYU0pGv
— Janelle (@JanellieK) March 11, 2019
Burn Baby Burn
When Carol is like, “nah, it ain’t them.” #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/QKwSRF2mhw
— Corrie Powell (@CorriePWow) March 11, 2019
Carol knows it wasn’t the leftover Saviors because … #TWDFamily #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/s9iMS51H1Q
— Black Girls Do Stuff Too (@BlkGirlsDoStuff) March 11, 2019
Carol when they mention Jud’s group #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/lw8ro453ur
— Taryn Strawser (@TarynItUp44) March 11, 2019
WHO ARE THE HIGHWAYMEN AND WHY ARE THEY DEMANDING THAT THE ROAD TO THE KINGDOM IS THEIRS NOW?!? #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/KhdvVvB1R8
— ~Brittany~ (@teenwolfhuman) March 11, 2019
so, it’s the saviors 2.0 #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/DAUXH6SfjD
— ??????. (@itisnowsilence) March 11, 2019
The fair…. #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/bS7Q9xoItJ
— emz (@buchanangrimes) March 11, 2019
New group? ?? #CmonNow #thewalkingdead #twd pic.twitter.com/qth5b9ezgb
— Maggie Rhee ?? (@GreeneisQueen) March 11, 2019
#TWD #TheWalkingDead #TWDFamily THE FAIR!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/6DpIf6D9lt
— ?renee hansen? (@iowamamaof3) March 11, 2019
You Beta Watch Out
Daryl: “Good. We’ll kill him first.”
— ★ChellyBeans★ (@fall_out_love) March 11, 2019
Me: #TheWalkingDead #twd @wwwbigbaldhead pic.twitter.com/92R8vlPPEx
Daryl fear Beta? Beta better be afraid of Daryl #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/XCFG9yY9dA
— Somebody’s Mamma (@VivaciousLaugh) March 11, 2019
Us Daryl Stans if Beta seriously hurts him #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/KjJCY9r2jQ
— ~Brittany~ (@teenwolfhuman) March 11, 2019
i’m a daryl stan all the way but he bouta get a challenge with beta #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/HiVdrdRZ4j
— natalie (@natalieerin_s) March 11, 2019
me waiting for this daryl and beta fight #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/dYGYI5k586
— kathleen (@kathleen_hanley) March 11, 2019
Daryl: This beta, hes your best?
— emz (@buchanangrimes) March 11, 2019
Lydia: *nods*
Daryl: good, we kill him first.
Lydia:
#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/LTAOe9H9Bb
if beta hurts daryl in any way..#TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/XMWotsPQVw
— summer (@dxzeddixon) March 11, 2019
Daryl vs Beta #TheWalkingDead #twd pic.twitter.com/tKz36SdF4L
— ? (@rainingariana) March 11, 2019
Desperateodos
These highwaymen must be desperate people ??? #TWD #TWDFamily #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/MpTXaVvGok
— Devon Williams (@Dw46Williams) March 11, 2019
#twd #TheWalkingDead Carol is going to make the highway men look at the flowers. pic.twitter.com/pVpsvrFkpj
— JJ Hewitt (@TheDarktowerfan) March 11, 2019
The Highway Men: #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/67NuWv1LOn
— Jaymie Rae (@JaymieRae2) March 11, 2019
Nobody better touch Carol!#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/JLRLQNXKQR
— ??♀️ (@NeedRoom4MyLegs) March 11, 2019
Who tf is these background extras. Get the fuck out man this ain’t it chief. Carol blow these fools up #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/RMjB0S8Hq6
— sydnee ellison (@lil_panda14) March 11, 2019
You don’t mess with royalty around here
— Kaitlin Sconce (@_KaitlinwithanI) March 11, 2019
#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/3Nd9bGbseN
lmao what the hell is this really some pirate shit?? whattt?? #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/sPNrd4jtRc
— ??????. (@itisnowsilence) March 11, 2019
Give Jerry his sword back, Highwaymen. #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/aOInh6f6ZX
— Montoya (@monrail) March 11, 2019
What a nice twist to this highway pirates subplot. Wholesome Carol for the win! #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/ZlNfDFbQS9
— Garrett Yoshitomi (@garrettweets) March 11, 2019
This new guy looks like he was on Chuck Norris Texas Ranger #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/mBd7rTzlhQ
— Moe (@MoeHamka_) March 11, 2019
Cowboy dude be like… #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/wFnatfdVpM
— Adam (@adam_fried88) March 11, 2019
me at these new people- #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/YjXKG6VIHC
— natalie (@natalieerin_s) March 11, 2019
When they realized they might be able to see a movie #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/pPvL8FtjUe
— Brianna Meagher (@ItsMeBriLee) March 11, 2019
A Whole New World
Henry be like:#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/wNcykANZWQ
— kat loves bucky and steve (@tarashilltop) March 11, 2019
Oh Henry ..I can’t with you…and I’m trying hard #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/pCpvjES9c3
— Life_with_Nadine (@Nadine_Campbell) March 11, 2019
If he’d only stayed in the damn house #thewalkingdead #twd pic.twitter.com/iQPpDpgFx1
— ajsweetsoap (@ajsweetsoap) March 11, 2019
Y’all really out here trusting Lydia with sharp objects? #TheWalkingDead #DemDeadz pic.twitter.com/9SMkSgwVhv
— Johanna (@artistsreward) March 11, 2019
Over this Lydia chick and Henry. #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/LYdtNiwZQA
— Ahhmahleeahh (@ahhmahleeahh) March 11, 2019
I am sick of Henry #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/oOuFd1lKqr
— Meak (@mzlindsey) March 11, 2019
i really don’t care about henry or Lydia or their storyline at all tbh #twd #thewalkingdead pic.twitter.com/Z4o1z5Cfkh
— mads✨saw cm (@heartofbellamy) March 11, 2019
Daryl watching Henry and Lydia #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/2jWJpJpoFT
— B E A N Z | Currently stuck in Raccoon City (@PhotosByBeanz) March 11, 2019
Daryl watching Henry and Lydia like #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/FQwIX8j6za
— Abraham Ford (@TheAbeFord) March 11, 2019
#twd #TheWalkingDead Daryl just… pic.twitter.com/pG0sECv0vg
— JJ Hewitt (@TheDarktowerfan) March 11, 2019
Our whole family when Henry is on screen, lol#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/3DSV6qquxJ
— onecoolMOmma (@onecoolMOmma) March 11, 2019
Oh Baby Not Again
Not the baby. Lordt. #TheWalkingDead #DemDeadz pic.twitter.com/PmDKlwkQ9Y
— ESSENCE (@Essence) March 11, 2019
Lawd the baby!!!! #twd #theWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/yxGjXJ4P50
— Amber Marie???♍️ (@jUstAmber19) March 11, 2019
me 5 minutes ago: “i hate the highwaymen”
— kathleen (@kathleen_hanley) March 11, 2019
me after they helped the hilltop group: #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/nTtyKM3CC4
Oh my god is the baby okay? ? #thewalkingdead pic.twitter.com/Y76qOI8k90
— Sarah Soll (@vintagewriter13) March 11, 2019
“We’re your escorts to the fair.”
— Kaitlin Sconce (@_KaitlinwithanI) March 11, 2019
Tara:
#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/tfOizf2a19
The Highwaymen coming thru like…#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/wCVMJUrr71
— Hare Of The Blog™ (@Hareoftheblog) March 11, 2019
When you tell a bunch of redneck pirates you’ll let them watch a movie…….#TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/85gqktIQEh
— Ryan The Lion™ (@HerculesHandy) March 11, 2019
I LOVE THESE HIGHWAY MEN THEIR CLASSIC WESTERNY WAY OF LIFE AND THAT LIL “at your service” WITH THEM HATS SND THE MUSIC BEHIND THEM I WANNA JOIN THEM THEY MY NEW FAVE GROUP SORRY #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/9Q0KZuTGqg
— Logan Thomas (@LoganTommo) March 11, 2019
No Way Out
When Daryl and Beta stared each other down. #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/0pozgCV8pN
— Abraham Ford (@TheAbeFord) March 11, 2019
Beta vs Daryl fight incoming. #thewalkingdead pic.twitter.com/zn3NDOnNCb
— Brittany (@califorbritt) March 11, 2019
Daryl to Beta #TWD #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/MzjswQDsTQ
— B E A N Z | Currently stuck in Raccoon City (@PhotosByBeanz) March 11, 2019
Beta is clearly the tallest “walker” in that herd. Hard to miss, Daryl. #TWD #TheWalkingDead ? pic.twitter.com/2LDj8jRiQo
— Montoya (@monrail) March 11, 2019
That small glance at each other was a challenge all within itself yo #thewalkingdead #twd they boutta throw hands AND feet up in this bitch pic.twitter.com/KYUjkVO4d3
— Logan Thomas (@LoganTommo) March 11, 2019
@RamboDonkeyKong coming through that wall like #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/oW4OjrpakW
— CrissCross Applesauce (@kassy_cameron) March 11, 2019
Why does Beta talk like Batman from The Dark Knight!? #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/LFqjDJCIG8
— PATCHY ? (@PatchyBites) March 11, 2019
Daryl is fighting for his life! #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/lDjInx0FIE
— StarryMag (@StarryMag) March 11, 2019
Daryl in this fight….?#TheWalkingDead #twd pic.twitter.com/ox4a0UCnVI
— Beth Hannel (@bethhannel) March 11, 2019
—–
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