The Walking Dead Season 9: 6 Ups & 1 Down From 'Stradivarius'

3. Daryl's Dilemma

One of the more interesting narrative threads of Stradivarius finds Daryl alone in the middle of the woods - a place he's seemingly been for quite some time, much to Carol's dismay. No explanation is given at first as to why he feels to need to remain on his own with only the company of his loyal dog, but as the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that there is a method to his madness.

Daryl's inability to accept Rick being dead is a great conflict for the character, considering how close he was to the show's former protagonist. His decision to remain on his own largely stems from the fact that Rick's body was never found, and as a result he continues to search - despite Carol's attempts to persuade him otherwise.

After being rescued by Henry from impending death, Daryl comes to appreciate the importance of human interaction, and sets off with Carol to the Hilltop. While Daryl's obsession with looking for Rick is written off by Carol, it'll be interesting to see if the two characters will ever learn of the fact that Rick is still alive.