The Walking Dead Season 11 Review - 6 Ups & 2 Downs From "Variant"

8. Down - An Awkward Embrace

One of the most emotional moments from last week saw Lydia telling Carol about finding love once again with Elijah before they set off for Oceanside. But with one awkward scene, it certainly didn't seem like it.

After stopping for the night at an abandoned medieval theme park, Elijah and Lydia are trying to light a fire. Making eye contact with her, he goes in to kiss her, only to be rejected as his new partner moves back to avoid the embrace.

What makes this particular scene stand out is that they are seen to be laughing and flirting with one another earlier in the episode, embracing and enjoying each other's company despite the potential dangers ahead. It just doesn't come off as a natural scene that instead creates an unnecessary dramatic arc in their story to build some tension.

While Lydia does eventually confront her new boyfriend with a tender kiss after surviving a horde of the undead, her earlier rejection of his advances didn't match with what she said to Carol before their departure. Overall, the scene came off as more awkward than a natural obstacle for them to overcome for their newfound love after so much loss.