Honestly, the more I think about why Caryl is taking so long I keep thinking about Carol’s story arc and her journey. She went through some crazy and heartbreaking shit. Said shit that crushed her and made her question a lot of things - though - of course she always somehow found strength through it all even at rock bottom (end of S6). Imagine if we had Caryl early on, such love and fluff would have probably influenced her as she went through everything that she went through and I don’t think she’d be the same Carol which is someone who had to fight for strength from all her losses and all the times her heart and mental state were challenged by her morals or principles being forcefully changed. Would we get the same Carol? I don’t think so. And by her influence alone on Daryl, he has matured a lot and takes actions less impulsively like he used to which is probably also from his character transformations when he felt guilty for Glen’s death. But I think once Daryl found his tribe and that one true best friend (Carol) and a brother (Rick), he realized after experience and mistakes that he has to be more conscious of his actions if he wants to truly protect the ones he loves. I think these beautiful people who entered the apocalypse as damaged people had to find strength in a world that wasn’t normal (anything happens or goes) which includes getting a little more damaged in the process and lean on each other from time to time to find themselves (individually) before finding themselves together as our otp. I’ve always been a loyal passenger on this ship and I think we just might get it if not s10, sometime in the future. They are the final 2 after all once Michonne leaves. Statistically, a big show needs a power couple and I think this new season will be a slow burner to that. Jumping in could be cheesy or acceptable (is what it is) but really showing a power couple as having a strong friendship...really means something and says something. When it does happen (fingers crossed), I think it’ll be worth the wait.
