The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
Season 3 - Episode 2 - ”La Ofrenda”
DARYL / CAROL 1: Carol sits by a river, happily watching a couple (Roberto & Justina) splash around in the water when Daryl finds her. Carol is so taken by the togetherness of the couple, referring to them as “perfect”. Daryl uses his monocular to take a closer look at the couple kissing, but he says nothing. His expression suggests the sight is making him think of something he will not give voice to. Taking another look, he spots the couple’s belongings, and plans to take some for their needs (despite Carol’s protest), but he’s stopped by the arrival the jeep full of the bandoleros he spotted earlier—noticing how the couple were instantly frightened by the men and attempting to hide in the water.
The couple’s belongings are found, and its not long before they’re discovered by one of the armed bandoleros. Roberto asks to be left alone, but tries to stab the man, who batters Roberto with his gun. The men cannot trust the couple will tell their people who robbed them; as one man prepares to shoot the couple, he’s hit in the chest by Daryl’s arrow, a fate shared by his two companions. Their cries lead Manuel--the machete-wielding leader--to run to the rescue, but he flees in the jeep as Daryl shoots at him, ultimately missing the man.
Justina notices Carol’s condition and offers to help via her grandmother who is a healer, but argues (in Spanish) with Roberto about the idea of even directing the Americans toward their village, which Roberto says is bad, predicting THEY would kill him and send Justina away. Daryl tries to process this cryptic warning but aims the gun at the couple, stating he will not let his friend die.
As the quartet head toward Solaz del Mar, another snare trap swings with the motion of its Walkers….
DARYL / CAROL 2: On the way to the village, Roberto says he and Justina only wanted to see the world, to which Daryl replies it’s not so good out there. Roberto says the same of the village…
As Roberto & Justina are allowed to enter the fortress-esque village entrance with their guests, the couple is approached by Paz, a young, whip-cracking woman on horseback who clearly did not expect the two to return. The village appears to be full of life, yet all residents promptly grow silent at the sight of the Americans. From the balcony of a building emerges several armed guards and Federico de Rivera—Uncle Fede to Justina—who questions why Justina brought strangers to Solaz del Mar. After explaining they were saved from the bandoleros by the Americans, and Carol’s need for medical attention, Federico softens his position—only a bit, but tears into Roberto for taking Justina away shortly before an event called “La Ofrenda”. Roberto’s father Antonio—nervous about the argument—steps in to break the tension by offering Carol (treated by Justina’s grandmother) a bed to rest.
At Antionio’s home, the parent chides his son for trying to escape; Roberto—learning that Daryl needs tools to fix the boat—offers to help…if Daryl helps the couple escape again. Dixon still fails to understand what’s so bad about the town…until Roberto explains that the town will never allow his union with Justina, because of “La Ofrenda”—a sort of lottery.
Roberto lays out his frustrations to Daryl:
ROBERTO: “When I’m not with her, nothing is good. Do you know how that is…to feel that way? Because my own father has forgotten.”
DARYL (sidestepping a direct response to the personal reply): “Maybe he’s just old enough to know that ain’t the only thing that matters.”
DARYL / CAROL 3: The next day, Daryl and a recovered Carol watch as a car convoy from “El Alcazar”, the last vestige of the Spanish monarchy / controlling force in Spain wheels their way into the town center for their annual visit, with its leader—Guillermo Torres---tossing gifts to a population that has rehearsed their “joy” at the visit many times. According to Antonio, El Alcazar visits many villages, offering “protection” and gifts (wine, medicine, etc)…but there’s a price attached.
A man named Jaime stumbles out into the street, accusing Torres of stealing his daughter five years ago, but he’s quickly subdued and taken away. In that moment, the townsfolk are shocked to see a young woman—dressed in ornate finery—step out of the car. Paz and Antonio exchange glances as no woman had ever accompanied Torres on his visits, leading them to believe she may be their next queen. Paz stares at this woman with a look of recognition.
Torres announces a party to be held the next evening…after they conduct the “Ofrenda”, which visibly sinks Justina and Roberto’s already floored spirits.
Antonio finally explains what “La Ofrenda” is: every year, a lottery is held, waging one of the town’s young girls. The “winner” is taken to El Alcazar to—presumably—be married off as a child bride.
Later, Jaime—for daring to ask about his daughter—is punished in the town square for all to see. The torture—called the Strappado—has the man suspended by his bound hands tied behind him, with a basket steadily filled with heavy rocks chained to his feet as a crane operator lifts the screaming man’s body higher as an excruciating counterweight to the rocks. Breaking the townsfolk’s horror (but not Rivera’s disgusted stare), Torres has his men deliver guns and food—part of the annual deal.
DARYL / CAROL 4: That evening, Carol & Daryl overhear Roberto arguing with his father. Daryl gathers donated supplies for their planned boat trip, preferring to stay out of the affairs of Roberto & Justina:
CAROL: “Roberto’s upset. He wants to run away again.”
DARYL: “I think its best if we stay out of that.”
CAROL: “They’d be free if it wasn’t for us.”
DARYL: “No, they’d be dead.”
CAROL: “We made them come back. I just think we owe it to them to help.”
DARYL: “I just think we should get our asses back home.”
Carol briefly studies Daryl and his lack of empathy for the young couple’s situation…
Morning: most of the townsfolk are all engaged in decorating for the party...and La Ofrenda. In another building, several older women—mothers—sadly sew clothing and dress a number of somber girls—Justina among them—to look their best for the gambling of their flesh. Others sew the names of the girls onto bows, which are to be attached to the individual pigs used to race for the lottery. All become a bit shaken when Elena enters the room, inspecting the work—offering a few compliments which do nothing to raise the spirits of the women.
Elena uses the visit to stand on the balcony and give some visual acknowledgement to Paz. Elsewhere, Antonio, speaking to Daryl, continues to explain the lottery and what is essentially selling of the girls for “protection” and guns, which Daryl writes off as extortion. Antonio only wants to protect his son by going along with La Ofrenda, wondering if that makes him a bad father. Daryl counters with the opinion that if Antonio’s worried about how he's doing, he must be a good father. Antonio is momentarily stopped cold by Daryl’s complimentary statement…watched by Rivera, who exchanges glances with Dixon.
DARYL / CAROL 5: The town has set up the raceways for the tagged pigs as the girls are brought out to the town square. With a confident Torres at his side, Rivera serves up a speech he has no choice but to deliver, extolling the merits of El Alcazar, how it benefits them, and promises a better life for a “fortunate” girl. While most of the townsfolk play along with the charade, Roberto and Justina are tense as the pigs are let loose to race; even Rivera’s face tenses up as the pigs reach the finish line. Justina fears the worst, but is relieved when the winning pig carries the name of young Alba Guerro, who cries uncontrollably—along with her mother--at what her “victory” means. Just as Daryl says a bullet was dodged (referring to Justina not being picked), a vehicle pulls up, bearing none other than Manuel, the surviving marauder from Daryl’s attack at the river….
DARYL / CAROL 6: As more festivities are planned, Daryl catches sight of Paz corralling the pigs; he notes how she seems to handles everything—from animals to Walkers (or, as she describes them, “Los Huecos”—the hollow ones with no soul or heart), which are chained together to patrol the walls. Paz is a bit irritated that her long weeks of planning to help Roberto and Justina escape were all for nothing thanks to Daryl bringing them back. She excuses herself to a corner of a building where she has a clandestine meeting with “queen” Elena, indicating some romantic past. Elena always wondered if Paz would ever come to rescue her, but when all else failed, she begged Torres to accompany him on this trip. Although Daryl could not hear the ladies’ conversation, he’s certainly not clueless about their connection.
While having dinner as guests at the table of Rivera, Elena, Torres, et al., the Americans are questioned about their travels, the state of the world, etc., with a suspicious Torres watching them. Carol--obviously disturbed by the lottery—challenges this practice (despite Daryl’s attempt to change the conversation):
CAROL: “But some of your traditions are a bit surprising. One thing I have learned is that the old ways are not always the best ways.”
Rivera—nervous about this line of dialogue—once again attempts to sell how the practices have helped Solaz prosper. He directs the conversation to Carmen, the mother of Alba, asking her to speak on their behalf, but the woman is so heartbroken by her daughter being “won”, that it takes Justina to comfort her. Justina takes over, expressing how much they love Alba, hoping God will look after her in her journey. Hearing that, Elena’s face drops, knowing what will really happen to the girl.
CAROL: “You asked for our wisdom; why surrender your daughters to these people? All for what—some grains and seeds, a jug of ethanol—"
RIVERA (nervously interrupting): “Forgive me. But El Alcazar is Spain’s hope for the future, and La Ofrenda gives these girls the opportunity to thrive and be safe.”
ELENA: “Look at me—I’m the living proof.”
RIVERA: “You see, El Alcazar has been good to us.”
CAROL (To Elena): “Didn’t your mother’s heart break when she lost you? Can you just imagine how unthinkable this is for any parent?”
Rivera goes on to explain (again) how Solaz needed El Alcazar to survive. While he speaks, Daryl and Manuel (now accompanied by two men) notice each other; Daryl—knowing what is about to happen--excuses himself to check on the boat supplies, as Manuel and his cronies follow.
Justina’s grandmother explains that they—in Solaz—have found a way to make their world work, and asks if Carol has done the same at her own home…
DARYL / CAROL 7: A town dance is held, and although Carol is in no way accepting the lottery (especially after watching a distraught Alba quickly walk away from the celebration), she tries to assure Rivera that his system works. Rivera gives a brief history of how Spain imploded—presumably in the wake of the Walker Apocalypse, which led the population to turn on each other. He stresses—almost as a warning about her interference—that his job is to protect his people from all threats, even among themselves.
Simultaneously, Manuel and his men chase after Daryl—the latter finding a cache of weapons he uses to attack the men one by one, until he hurls Manuel over the wall overlooking the Walker “moat”. Daryl checks to see if Manuel met his fate, only to find him hanging on the edge, begging for help. Daryl’s response is to slice the man’s fingers in half, sending him falling to ground—and devoured by the army of Walkers…
NOTES:
Interesting mirror between Carol trying to moderate Daryl’s pressing Julian about the boat in E1 and Daryl trying to do the same when Carol questioned the village’s practices of selling off young girls. Obviously, Carol’s position was one of unquestioned moral truth and outrage, but she was not aware that a threat analysis was made of her every word by Torres, and ultimately Rivera.
The biggest juxtaposition of scenes came in the form of a nod (or swipe) of the baptism / “settling all family business” sequence from The Godfather (1972) in the scene where Rivera is explaining the history and need for security and the sacrifices made for a better life with Daryl systematically ending the life of Manuel and his new, short-lived accomplices.
Since the lottery—and the presence of Torres—only comes one time a year, I have the suspicion Justina and Roberto will attempt to attempt to kill him, with one the pair losing their lives, or perhaps Roberto’s father will die trying to defend his son from retribution. That, or Elena—now reunited with Paz—will aid in any coup attempts, but with a price to be paid.
GRADE: A for the carefully written look at the astoundingly sickening practice—selling the flesh of girls—for aid and comfort. I’m not certain how far the showrunners will go in depicting the end result of the lottery practice, but it does add more layers of depth to the series’ protagonists, showing that they do not readily accept debauchery just to get by (although Daryl did try to steer Carol away from making waves during the dinner scene).
Season 3 - Episode 2 - ”La Ofrenda”
DARYL / CAROL 1: Carol sits by a river, happily watching a couple (Roberto & Justina) splash around in the water when Daryl finds her. Carol is so taken by the togetherness of the couple, referring to them as “perfect”. Daryl uses his monocular to take a closer look at the couple kissing, but he says nothing. His expression suggests the sight is making him think of something he will not give voice to. Taking another look, he spots the couple’s belongings, and plans to take some for their needs (despite Carol’s protest), but he’s stopped by the arrival the jeep full of the bandoleros he spotted earlier—noticing how the couple were instantly frightened by the men and attempting to hide in the water.
The couple’s belongings are found, and its not long before they’re discovered by one of the armed bandoleros. Roberto asks to be left alone, but tries to stab the man, who batters Roberto with his gun. The men cannot trust the couple will tell their people who robbed them; as one man prepares to shoot the couple, he’s hit in the chest by Daryl’s arrow, a fate shared by his two companions. Their cries lead Manuel--the machete-wielding leader--to run to the rescue, but he flees in the jeep as Daryl shoots at him, ultimately missing the man.
Justina notices Carol’s condition and offers to help via her grandmother who is a healer, but argues (in Spanish) with Roberto about the idea of even directing the Americans toward their village, which Roberto says is bad, predicting THEY would kill him and send Justina away. Daryl tries to process this cryptic warning but aims the gun at the couple, stating he will not let his friend die.
As the quartet head toward Solaz del Mar, another snare trap swings with the motion of its Walkers….
DARYL / CAROL 2: On the way to the village, Roberto says he and Justina only wanted to see the world, to which Daryl replies it’s not so good out there. Roberto says the same of the village…
As Roberto & Justina are allowed to enter the fortress-esque village entrance with their guests, the couple is approached by Paz, a young, whip-cracking woman on horseback who clearly did not expect the two to return. The village appears to be full of life, yet all residents promptly grow silent at the sight of the Americans. From the balcony of a building emerges several armed guards and Federico de Rivera—Uncle Fede to Justina—who questions why Justina brought strangers to Solaz del Mar. After explaining they were saved from the bandoleros by the Americans, and Carol’s need for medical attention, Federico softens his position—only a bit, but tears into Roberto for taking Justina away shortly before an event called “La Ofrenda”. Roberto’s father Antonio—nervous about the argument—steps in to break the tension by offering Carol (treated by Justina’s grandmother) a bed to rest.
At Antionio’s home, the parent chides his son for trying to escape; Roberto—learning that Daryl needs tools to fix the boat—offers to help…if Daryl helps the couple escape again. Dixon still fails to understand what’s so bad about the town…until Roberto explains that the town will never allow his union with Justina, because of “La Ofrenda”—a sort of lottery.
Roberto lays out his frustrations to Daryl:
ROBERTO: “When I’m not with her, nothing is good. Do you know how that is…to feel that way? Because my own father has forgotten.”
DARYL (sidestepping a direct response to the personal reply): “Maybe he’s just old enough to know that ain’t the only thing that matters.”
DARYL / CAROL 3: The next day, Daryl and a recovered Carol watch as a car convoy from “El Alcazar”, the last vestige of the Spanish monarchy / controlling force in Spain wheels their way into the town center for their annual visit, with its leader—Guillermo Torres---tossing gifts to a population that has rehearsed their “joy” at the visit many times. According to Antonio, El Alcazar visits many villages, offering “protection” and gifts (wine, medicine, etc)…but there’s a price attached.
A man named Jaime stumbles out into the street, accusing Torres of stealing his daughter five years ago, but he’s quickly subdued and taken away. In that moment, the townsfolk are shocked to see a young woman—dressed in ornate finery—step out of the car. Paz and Antonio exchange glances as no woman had ever accompanied Torres on his visits, leading them to believe she may be their next queen. Paz stares at this woman with a look of recognition.
Torres announces a party to be held the next evening…after they conduct the “Ofrenda”, which visibly sinks Justina and Roberto’s already floored spirits.
Antonio finally explains what “La Ofrenda” is: every year, a lottery is held, waging one of the town’s young girls. The “winner” is taken to El Alcazar to—presumably—be married off as a child bride.
Later, Jaime—for daring to ask about his daughter—is punished in the town square for all to see. The torture—called the Strappado—has the man suspended by his bound hands tied behind him, with a basket steadily filled with heavy rocks chained to his feet as a crane operator lifts the screaming man’s body higher as an excruciating counterweight to the rocks. Breaking the townsfolk’s horror (but not Rivera’s disgusted stare), Torres has his men deliver guns and food—part of the annual deal.
DARYL / CAROL 4: That evening, Carol & Daryl overhear Roberto arguing with his father. Daryl gathers donated supplies for their planned boat trip, preferring to stay out of the affairs of Roberto & Justina:
CAROL: “Roberto’s upset. He wants to run away again.”
DARYL: “I think its best if we stay out of that.”
CAROL: “They’d be free if it wasn’t for us.”
DARYL: “No, they’d be dead.”
CAROL: “We made them come back. I just think we owe it to them to help.”
DARYL: “I just think we should get our asses back home.”
Carol briefly studies Daryl and his lack of empathy for the young couple’s situation…
Morning: most of the townsfolk are all engaged in decorating for the party...and La Ofrenda. In another building, several older women—mothers—sadly sew clothing and dress a number of somber girls—Justina among them—to look their best for the gambling of their flesh. Others sew the names of the girls onto bows, which are to be attached to the individual pigs used to race for the lottery. All become a bit shaken when Elena enters the room, inspecting the work—offering a few compliments which do nothing to raise the spirits of the women.
Elena uses the visit to stand on the balcony and give some visual acknowledgement to Paz. Elsewhere, Antonio, speaking to Daryl, continues to explain the lottery and what is essentially selling of the girls for “protection” and guns, which Daryl writes off as extortion. Antonio only wants to protect his son by going along with La Ofrenda, wondering if that makes him a bad father. Daryl counters with the opinion that if Antonio’s worried about how he's doing, he must be a good father. Antonio is momentarily stopped cold by Daryl’s complimentary statement…watched by Rivera, who exchanges glances with Dixon.
DARYL / CAROL 5: The town has set up the raceways for the tagged pigs as the girls are brought out to the town square. With a confident Torres at his side, Rivera serves up a speech he has no choice but to deliver, extolling the merits of El Alcazar, how it benefits them, and promises a better life for a “fortunate” girl. While most of the townsfolk play along with the charade, Roberto and Justina are tense as the pigs are let loose to race; even Rivera’s face tenses up as the pigs reach the finish line. Justina fears the worst, but is relieved when the winning pig carries the name of young Alba Guerro, who cries uncontrollably—along with her mother--at what her “victory” means. Just as Daryl says a bullet was dodged (referring to Justina not being picked), a vehicle pulls up, bearing none other than Manuel, the surviving marauder from Daryl’s attack at the river….
DARYL / CAROL 6: As more festivities are planned, Daryl catches sight of Paz corralling the pigs; he notes how she seems to handles everything—from animals to Walkers (or, as she describes them, “Los Huecos”—the hollow ones with no soul or heart), which are chained together to patrol the walls. Paz is a bit irritated that her long weeks of planning to help Roberto and Justina escape were all for nothing thanks to Daryl bringing them back. She excuses herself to a corner of a building where she has a clandestine meeting with “queen” Elena, indicating some romantic past. Elena always wondered if Paz would ever come to rescue her, but when all else failed, she begged Torres to accompany him on this trip. Although Daryl could not hear the ladies’ conversation, he’s certainly not clueless about their connection.
While having dinner as guests at the table of Rivera, Elena, Torres, et al., the Americans are questioned about their travels, the state of the world, etc., with a suspicious Torres watching them. Carol--obviously disturbed by the lottery—challenges this practice (despite Daryl’s attempt to change the conversation):
CAROL: “But some of your traditions are a bit surprising. One thing I have learned is that the old ways are not always the best ways.”
Rivera—nervous about this line of dialogue—once again attempts to sell how the practices have helped Solaz prosper. He directs the conversation to Carmen, the mother of Alba, asking her to speak on their behalf, but the woman is so heartbroken by her daughter being “won”, that it takes Justina to comfort her. Justina takes over, expressing how much they love Alba, hoping God will look after her in her journey. Hearing that, Elena’s face drops, knowing what will really happen to the girl.
CAROL: “You asked for our wisdom; why surrender your daughters to these people? All for what—some grains and seeds, a jug of ethanol—"
RIVERA (nervously interrupting): “Forgive me. But El Alcazar is Spain’s hope for the future, and La Ofrenda gives these girls the opportunity to thrive and be safe.”
ELENA: “Look at me—I’m the living proof.”
RIVERA: “You see, El Alcazar has been good to us.”
CAROL (To Elena): “Didn’t your mother’s heart break when she lost you? Can you just imagine how unthinkable this is for any parent?”
Rivera goes on to explain (again) how Solaz needed El Alcazar to survive. While he speaks, Daryl and Manuel (now accompanied by two men) notice each other; Daryl—knowing what is about to happen--excuses himself to check on the boat supplies, as Manuel and his cronies follow.
Justina’s grandmother explains that they—in Solaz—have found a way to make their world work, and asks if Carol has done the same at her own home…
DARYL / CAROL 7: A town dance is held, and although Carol is in no way accepting the lottery (especially after watching a distraught Alba quickly walk away from the celebration), she tries to assure Rivera that his system works. Rivera gives a brief history of how Spain imploded—presumably in the wake of the Walker Apocalypse, which led the population to turn on each other. He stresses—almost as a warning about her interference—that his job is to protect his people from all threats, even among themselves.
Simultaneously, Manuel and his men chase after Daryl—the latter finding a cache of weapons he uses to attack the men one by one, until he hurls Manuel over the wall overlooking the Walker “moat”. Daryl checks to see if Manuel met his fate, only to find him hanging on the edge, begging for help. Daryl’s response is to slice the man’s fingers in half, sending him falling to ground—and devoured by the army of Walkers…
NOTES:
Interesting mirror between Carol trying to moderate Daryl’s pressing Julian about the boat in E1 and Daryl trying to do the same when Carol questioned the village’s practices of selling off young girls. Obviously, Carol’s position was one of unquestioned moral truth and outrage, but she was not aware that a threat analysis was made of her every word by Torres, and ultimately Rivera.
The biggest juxtaposition of scenes came in the form of a nod (or swipe) of the baptism / “settling all family business” sequence from The Godfather (1972) in the scene where Rivera is explaining the history and need for security and the sacrifices made for a better life with Daryl systematically ending the life of Manuel and his new, short-lived accomplices.
Since the lottery—and the presence of Torres—only comes one time a year, I have the suspicion Justina and Roberto will attempt to attempt to kill him, with one the pair losing their lives, or perhaps Roberto’s father will die trying to defend his son from retribution. That, or Elena—now reunited with Paz—will aid in any coup attempts, but with a price to be paid.
GRADE: A for the carefully written look at the astoundingly sickening practice—selling the flesh of girls—for aid and comfort. I’m not certain how far the showrunners will go in depicting the end result of the lottery practice, but it does add more layers of depth to the series’ protagonists, showing that they do not readily accept debauchery just to get by (although Daryl did try to steer Carol away from making waves during the dinner scene).
