TWD: Daryl Dixon Tees Up A Sweet Romance — And A Horrific New Twist

Love was in the air in Sunday's The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Unfortunately, so was the stench of corruption and rotting flesh. Care to hold your nose and discuss? Let's give it a shot.

As "La Ofrenda" began, Carol spied young sweethearts Roberto and Justina from afar. (That wasn't children Carol heard last week; it was these two.) Before Daryl could rob them, they were set upon by bandoleros. Daryl saved the lovers, then forced them to lead the way back to Solaz — the last place that they wanted to go — so that Carol could heal up. 

The village looked nice enough, but we soon learned why the kids had been trying to escape. Every year, El Alcazar — said to be the last gasp of the Spanish monarchy — passed through and traded its "protection" for an offering of a young woman who was never seen again.

Oooh. Now Daryl and Carol got why Roberto and Justina had been running away.

Roberto's father Antonio shared the newcomers' dim view of the ofrenda but not Justina's Uncle Federico, the mayor. He appeared to be all in, even as a pig race was used to decide which girl would be hauled away. To Roberto's relief, Justina's pig lost, and an Alba was chosen.

THE PLOT THICKENS | While all of this was going on, we discovered that a young woman named Paz had helped Roberto and Justina flee. Paz had more secrets, too, such as a romantic connection to the future king's intended.

Daryl wanted nothing more than to get back on the road, but at a big dinner celebrating the king's visit, he was spotted by the only one of the bandoleros that he hadn't killed; it appeared that the goon was a soldier. Before the hour was over, Daryl had dispatched not only that antagonist but two of his pals.

What did you think of "La Ofrenda"? Was it just me, or were you instantly sold on Roberto and Justina's connection? If only I wasn't so sure one or both of them is going to be killed before all is said and done.