Let’s not focus on the flaws in this season, but what about the positives? After watching the six episodes, I really feel like Caryl is definitely going to happen.
The big positive is Melissa McBride. I wouldn't have even tried to watch if not for her. Her performance was top-notch and she stays true to who Carol is, even when bad writing got in the way (which it did a lot).
I'm glad you're feeling good about Caryl. While I did see certain subtext, their arc was painful in the worst possible way because of Daryl's split personality and the stubborn refusal to let their relationship grow organically. They aren't even the center of what's supposed to be their own story. I'm not comfortable encouraging anybody to ignore the "flaws." If we ignore them, then there's no hope of changing them and something definitely has to change. Look at how the EPs are behaving. Zabel basically tells Carol/Caryl fans to fuck off a month before the premiere and now Nicotero is out there saying they "don't write the show for the fans." That sentiment comes across very clearly in TBOC and it will continue as long as these guys are still the ones in charge of Daryl's and Carol's story.
Daryl and Carol are reuniting on ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol’ and the story will connect back to the characters’ first meeting. Dive into their next chapter in our latest cover story