I'm loving the exploration of this theme in season 10 so far.

Eugene/Rosita

I must admit, none of Rosita's choices of lovers has ever made much sense to me. For me, the best relationship she's ever had on the show was with Eugene. This friendship has majorly contributed to making these characters loveable right from the start. In fact, if it wasn't for Rosita, I'd not care for Eugene at all. I think I would really love it if way down the road he would finally win her heart, because he's so devoted to her. I like how he's worked so hard at bettering himself over the years. And it wasn't just to impress Rosita, but she's ignited in him the need for some self respect too. He might have some way to go still, but really, he's become an accomplished fighter, he's smart and fiercely loyal and supportive of Rosita, and appears to be indestructible. He's ticking a lot of boxes. If they will kill off Gabriel and possibly Siddiq too, eventually Eugene will be the only viable option for her. It's not that Eugene hasn't made his feelings clear plenty of times over the past ten years. So what will it take for Rosita to see Eugene in a new light? Will it be possible for her to cross over that fine line?

 

Carol/Daryl

This is also very interesting. So much depends on personal interpretation and preference with these shippy things. I'm fully aware that there are plenty of fans out there who are desperate for this friendship to turn romantic, and they've seen "signs" all along. For me, they were always solidly in the friends zone, except for Carol, who was considering possibilities once upon a time back at the prison, then got pretty quickly over it and settled into the comfortable friend zone Daryl has offered her instead.

I love them as friends, and how they are the most important person now in each other's lives.

Having said that, the show is currently teasing things more than ever. Part of me is cross about that, because I think it's largely fan service, also trying to cushion the budding Daryl/Connie romance, and wish they didn't tease if they don't intend to deliver.

But on the other hand, I kind of like it, because a friendship between a man and a woman (as well as in same-sex friendships) can swing from time to time to the "what-if" zone, it's only natural.

Right now, I think Daryl doesn't have a clue what's going on with him. He's finding himself strangely attracted to Connie, and it's all very new and undefined. Carol is her oldest and dearest friend, her closest family. He's getting really concerned about her and wants to keep her close.

And where is Carol? Struggling to deal with her losses. She's definitely over Ezekiel. Daryl is her rock as always. And now her hallucination pairs them up as a couple. What does that mean? It could mean a number of things. The brain is a crazy place and can come up with the most bizarre connections. I can say with full conviction that I am NOT in love with most men my unconscious brain has paired me with. But there is always *something* behind these things. What was behind Carol's dream/hallucination?

She feels safe with Daryl. Settled. Grounded. Completely herself. She never has to pretend with Daryl. Not much point in even trying. And she's just been entertaining thoughts of eloping with him, like she could run from her grief that way. It's probably this, and nothing more. But it might also be a hint of the subconscious resurfacing thought of "why not be with Daryl", "what would that be like", especially as she has seen him for the first time showing some interest in a woman, - that might have involuntarily triggered such undercurrent thoughts. It's fascinating, really.

Your thoughts?

 

You don't like Rosita? What???
She was the main reason my husband carried on watching TWD till the end of S6, then he refused to return to the lineup. Since then, the only thing he wants to know if Rosita is still alive.
I think Rosita is awesome. Except for her taste in men. Siddiq I got, but then I didn't understand why that was only a one night thing?? I would really like an answer to that. And then she'd rather choose Gabriel?

Abraham... I liked his character, I liked many things about him, but I never really warmed to him, until the moment he died, when he was simply magnificient.

You certainky can't say Rosita has a type. What a range, my goodness. So why not Eugene, at the end of the line?

 

Well, it was meant to be funny, so.

(I think it's best if I ignore the rest.)

 

Lindigo, I agree with all of the above. The Eugene situation needs a resolution, one way or another. I think he's going to walk away now, clinging onto the last crumb of his dignity, and then we'll see where we go from there.

I think you're right about the palpable feminine touch since Angela has taken over, and it was much needed. She's genuinely warm and open, and the show has regained its heart in her hands. In the midst of all the horror and gore and shitty things happening, you need heart. And we lost that somewhat in the season before.

I always enjoy the depiction of undefinable relationships, it's fascinating to watch them evolve. They're doing a grand job of that this season. But to be fair, they did pretty well on that front in the past as well.