Episode 2 of *The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon* Season 3 opens with Daryl stumbling upon a feverish Carol beside a tranquil river. Nearby, a couple, Roberto and Justina, frolic and bicker playfully in the water. Daryl, ever the pragmatist, eyes their belongings with the intent to swipe a few essentials, but Carol, with a moral compass intact, intervenes.
Their tranquility is shattered when a group of thugs from a nearby jeep arrive, taunting and mocking the couple. Despite Roberto and Justina's pleas and promises not to report them, the thugs decide to eliminate the potential witnesses. Daryl, stepping into his role as protector, springs into action, dispatching all but one of the assailants, Manual, who manages to flee into the woods.
With their cover now blown, Carol and Daryl seek refuge and assistance. Justina's grandmother, it turns out, is a renowned healer, but Roberto is reluctant to return to their village, Solaz del Mar. He offers up all his medicines in a desperate bid to avoid going back, but Daryl, unyielding, threatens harm unless they help Carol. Roberto is visibly shaken, and Carol, feeling the weight of her conscience, repeatedly attempts to apologize.
At the village gates, they encounter Paz and Gustavo, the vigilant guards who eye them warily but eventually grant entry. Federico, the village mayor, is displeased to find his niece, Justina, has brought strangers into their midst. Nonetheless, he allows his mother, Dona Marga, to tend to Carol's ailments. Federico is also vexed by Roberto's previous attempt to flee with Justina before la Ofrenda, a significant event. He refuses to let Carol and Daryl stay, but Justina, with pleading eyes, advocates on their behalf. Roberto's father, Antonio, offers his home as temporary shelter, and Federico, relenting, grants them a two-day stay until Carol recovers.
That evening, a bond forms between Antonio and Carol over their shared love of cats and B-rated Western films. Meanwhile, Roberto harbors resentment towards Daryl for thwarting their escape plan. He proposes a deal: in exchange for helping fix their boat, Daryl must assist him and Justina in their bid for freedom. Daryl dismisses it as mere teenage rebellion against their families' wishes, but Roberto hints darkly at la Ofrenda, a lottery that threatens to tear Justina away forever.
The next day, El Alcazar, the Spanish Alliance that unites all the villages, makes its grand entrance. Led by Guillermo Torres, the soon-to-be king, they embark on an annual tour of the region, bestowing gifts such as guns and ethanol in return for la Ofrenda. Tensions flare when a local accuses Alcazar of kidnapping his daughter, leading to a public and brutal torture as a warning to others.
Among the Alcazar entourage is the next queen, who catches Paz's eye with a knowing smile, leaving Paz visibly shaken. Carol and Daryl, intrigued by the festivities, learn from Antonio that la Ofrenda selects a girl to be married off into the Alcazar, never to be seen again. This grim fate is precisely what Roberto and Justina were attempting to escape.
Daryl, ever the pragmatist, wishes to steer clear of the town's internal conflicts. Carol, however, is wracked with guilt as she witnesses Roberto's outburst to his father. Daryl reminds her of their primary goal: to find their way back home. Yet, as he assists with the banquet preparations, he can't help but notice the children playing carefree around him. Antonio, sharing his disdain for the Alliance's practices, explains to Daryl that such alliances, however flawed, offer a semblance of safety for his son.
Elsewhere, amidst the bustling preparations for the Ofrenda, all the maidens are busily getting ready, their hearts fluttering with anticipation and nerves. Among them stands Alba, a first-timer, her eyes wide with fear. Suddenly, the to-be queen, Elena, strides in with an air of regal confidence, her presence immediately calming the room. She comforts the girls with gentle words, promising that the winner of the Ofrenda has nothing to fear. Secretly, she sends a fleeting message to Paz, her eyes sparkling with hidden meaning as they lock gazes, a silent understanding passing between them.
The Ofrenda ceremony commences, and to everyone's surprise, Alba emerges as the "winner." Justina rushes to her side, offering words of comfort, while Roberto breathes a sigh of relief. Daryl, too, feels a weight lift off his shoulders, glad he's no longer the potential target of the boy's wrath. Just then, Manuel, a member of the notorious Alcazar gang, arrives, his presence casting a shadow over the celebrations.
Daryl, ever observant, helps Paz clear away the remnants of the Ofrenda site. He notices her tireless efforts, her shoulders bearing the weight of much of the work. In a quiet moment, she confides in him, revealing that she was the one who aided the young couple's escape. Daryl watches as she makes her way to meet Elena, their reunion a poignant reminder of their shared past. They hail from the same hometown, separated when Elena was chosen for the Ofrenda. Paz tenderly kisses Elena's hand, a gesture of affection and solidarity, before they part ways, careful not to draw unwanted attention.
Fede, ever the gracious host, invites Carol and Daryl to dine with the elites during the banquet. As the conversation flows, touching upon the wider world beyond their walls, Fede inquires about the American communities. Seizing the opportunity, Carol launches into a critique of the Ofrenda tradition, her words sparking a tense atmosphere around the table. Daryl, quick on his feet, does his best to divert attention and steer the conversation to safer waters. But his efforts are in vain when he spots Manuel, his heart sinking as he realizes the thug has seen him too. Without hesitation, Daryl takes off, Manuel and his gang hot on his heels.
Back at the banquet, the debate rages on, Carol's passionate speech on the morality of selling girls for protection met with stony silence. Justina's grandmother, a formidable figure, retorts that they have found a way that works for them. If Carol has a better solution, she's welcome to share it. With that, the debate fizzles out, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake. Guillermo, ever watchful, notices the subtle glances exchanged between Elena and Paz, his mind racing with questions.
Meanwhile, in the deserted alleys of Solaz, a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase unfolds between Daryl and Manuel's gang. The air is thick with tension, every step echoing with the promise of danger.
Back at the banquet, Fede and Carol engage in a deeper conversation about sacrifices, Fede revealing a hint of doubt about the Ofrenda's righteousness. He speaks of Spain, a land of culture and chaos, his words painting a vivid picture of a nation at war with itself. The scene cuts to Manuel's gang, their pursuit of Daryl momentarily derailed by a horde of walkers. Seizing the opportunity, Daryl overpowers them, his actions swift and decisive, leaving no survivors.
As Episode 2 draws to a close, Fede reflects on the Spanish spirit, a blend of strength and self-destruction. He vows to do whatever it takes to protect his own, his words a promise etched in stone.
