Episode 5 of "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol" (Season 2) opens with Daryl in a trance-like state, the car's engine rendered useless, stranding him and Carol halfway to Paris. Carol's concern for Daryl is evident, but he brushes it off and starts walking, lost in his thoughts.
Meanwhile, the Rooftop people are astounded by the Union's radical tactics, and Fallou informs Nadine that Losang has strayed from their path. Codron's arrival draws attention, and Laurent vouches for him, emphasizing that Codron once saved his life. Codron then proceeds to recount the tale of Genet's siege and Carol's daring rescue attempt.
Back on the road, Daryl learns about Ash and expresses curiosity about why he agreed to lend a helping hand. Carol suggests that it might be better if she talks to Ash alone, portraying him as a nervous recluse who prefers solitude. Daryl, however, insists on accompanying her, prompting Carol to let slip that she had lied to Ash, much to Daryl's amusement.
Upon reaching the plane shed, now guarded by Ash's intricate traps that have ensnared a couple of walkers and a human, they discover that a group had come looking for the plane, and Ash is nowhere to be found. At this crucial moment, Ash is spotted hiding in a van, but his attempt to flee is thwarted as walkers surround the vehicle, knocking him unconscious.
Daryl leads Carol to the Rooftop, and during their journey, he wonders if she harbors any feelings for Ash, noting her distress over his disappearance. Carol denies this, but admits that she finds him kind and gentle. Once again, Daryl's curiosity piques, prompting Carol to reveal the lie about Sophia. Daryl is taken aback by the revelation, and Carol confesses that she has been reminiscing about her losses as she concocted the lie, painting a vivid picture of her emotional turmoil.
Inside, Sonia and Fallou grill Codron about his sudden change of heart. The time he spent imprisoned gave him ample opportunity for reflection, and he is now consumed by guilt over his failure to safeguard his loved ones, a sentiment that strikes a deep chord in Laurent. Their conversation is abruptly cut short by the arrival of Daryl and Carol. Laurent embraces Daryl warmly, while Carol finds his sincerity endearing as he reveals he has been praying for her.
Switching gears, Carol updates everyone on Genet's untimely demise and seeks their assistance in locating Ash. Meanwhile, Daryl breaks the news of Isabelle's death to Laurent, who accepts it with a heavy heart but a sense of resignation. Daryl further reveals that Isabelle harbored dreams of moving to the USA and invites Laurent to join him, but Laurent declines, insisting that Paris is his true calling, while Daryl belongs across the pond. However, after Daryl's departure, Laurent's eyes well up with tears.
The following day, Carol offers comfort to Daryl, who feels he has let Laurent down. Their search for Ash proves fruitless on the rooftop, prompting them to venture into Demimonde. Carol is astounded by the debauchery and revelry that ensue, while Anna warmly greets Daryl. Saddened to hear of Isabelle's passing, Anna apologizes for the collateral damage, claiming she did what she had to do to survive. Carol's eyes catch sight of Ash's ethanol tanks, and Anna reveals they originated from Maison Mere.
Back at the Rooftop, Codron and Laurent bond over meals that existed in a bygone era, before the apocalypse. Their conversation drifts to second chances, and Codron seeks forgiveness, sharing how Laurent has restored his faith. Suddenly, Losang arrives with the Guerriers, announcing that the Union has allied with Pouvoir to locate and protect Laurent.
As Fallou, Codron, and Laurent go into hiding, Sonia attempts to cover for them. However, Losang spots Laurent's Rubik's cube and realizes the Rooftop is sheltering him, ordering the Guerriers to search the premises. Noticing Jacinta approaching Laurent's hiding spot, Fallou sacrifices himself by giving himself up to create a distraction. Losang attempts to justify their actions by saying they need hope, and Laurent serves as proof that God exists. Fallou counters by arguing that they have forgotten the essence of faith if they require proof. The Rooftop group applauds Fallou's bravery, the noise providing Laurent and Codron with the opportunity to escape.
Daryl and Carol arrive at Maison Mere to find a haunting silence, a grim testament to the fate that had befallen its inhabitants. As they embark on a desperate search for Ash, Carol stumbles upon Daryl's tape recorder, a relic of days long gone. Their quest leads them to Ash’s van, encircled by a menacing throng of walkers. With precision and courage, they dispatch some of the mindless creatures and take refuge within the van.
Inside, they discover a delirious Ash, his voice barely audible amidst ramblings, yet resolute in his promise to secure Carol's escape. Meanwhile, Daryl unearths Dr. Lafleur's virus, a discovery that he puts to immediate use by inoculating two walkers. These newly enlivened monsters wreak havoc, decimating the walker horde that surrounds them. The trio breaks free from the van's confines, only to confront the infected walkers, who Carol swiftly dispatches.
Their perilous journey continues to the plane shed, but hope dampens as they realize they lack sufficient fuel. Ash, still recovering, serves as a silent witness while Daryl implores Carol to confess the truth. Reluctantly agreeing, Carol admits her fabrication, confessing that her lie sprang from a deep-seated wish rather than reality.
Determined to procure fuel, Daryl ventures to Demimonde, where he encounters Laurent and Codron. Anna, ever the benefactor, offers them the precious commodity, driven by her belief that Laurent's safety lies across the Atlantic. Laurent, however, refuses, his heart hardened by grief and despair, predicting Daryl's imminent demise alongside those he cherishes. Their conversation is abruptly cut short by Losang's group, who catch sight of Laurent. Anna attempts to divert their attention, but to no avail. The trio is pursued into the labyrinthine Catacombs, forcing a strategic dispersal that splits Losang's forces as well.
Laurent finds refuge in seclusion, while Codron engages Jacinta's group in a deadly dance of bullets. Daryl, meanwhile, focuses his sights on Losang's men. Amidst a sanguineous struggle, Daryl claims Losang's life, while Codron incapacitates Jacinta. The trio reunites outside Demimonde, only to find Jacinta stirring from her slumber.
Back at the shed, Ash offers Carol solace, assuming the worst about Sophia's fate. He reflects on Carol's pivotal role in helping him navigate the loss of Avi, voicing his gratitude. Overwhelmed with guilt, Carol finally unburdens her secret. Ash's anger erupts, realizing their shared experiences were built on a foundation of deceit. But what fuels his rage most is Carol's exploitation of her deceased child to manipulate him. Carol pleads that her grief is genuine, yet Ash turns a deaf ear.
At Demimonde, Daryl expresses his thanks to Codron, while Anna bids Laurent a poignant farewell. Daryl, driven by a need to lift Laurent's burden of guilt, once again urges him to join their journey. Laurent, swayed by the realization that those he loves desire his survival, finally concedes.
As the climax of "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Episode 5" unfolds, they arrive at the plane shed, where Ash is astonished to behold Laurent. However, the aircraft's limited capacity poses a dire dilemma: it cannot accommodate four souls.
