"Limbo" is the fifth episode of the third season of AMC's The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. It is the seventeenth episode of the series overall. It premiered on October 5, 2025. It was written by David Zabel & Jason Richman and directed by Paco Cabezas.

Plot

Carol helps Antonio and Roberto while Daryl journeys into the desert in search of someone.

Synopsis

Following the trail of the abducted Roberto and Justina, Daryl finds a spot where the El Alcázar soldiers split up with three going in one direction and two in another. Hearing walker growls from the direction that the three went, Daryl, Carol and Antonio head in that direction.

An unconscious and beaten Roberto is dangled from an overpass over a small herd by Martín and another soldier. The two soldiers sadistically laugh and joke about the young man's predicament, and Martín begins to cut the rope with a machete to feed Roberto to the walkers. Before Martín can cut all of the way through the rope, Daryl kills both soldiers with his rifle. Rushing to Roberto's rescue, Daryl and Carol shoot all of the walkers while Antonio grabs the machete, which had fallen into the shoulder of a walker, and cuts his son down. Antonio tends to his badly injured son as Daryl and Carol watch.

Back at the vehicles, Roberto apologizes, explaining that he had to see Justina who was with El Alcázar. In a flashback, Roberto finds Justina and they drive away, but El Alcázar chases them down and runs the young couple off of the road. The El Alcázar soldiers separate Roberto and Justina and drag them off. Roberto reveals that Justina had never volunteered for La Ofrenda as Fede had claimed. Justina had found out from the collection of ribbons with her name on them in Fede's office that her uncle had cheated at La Ofrenda by rigging it so that Justina was never chosen. Justina had threatened to tell everyone what Fede did if he didn't stop La Ofrenda, but Fede instead traded her to El Alcázar in Alba's place in order to protect himself and lied that Justina had volunteered.

With Roberto in bad shape, Antonio tells his companions that they need to get him back to Solaz del Mar for treatment from Marga. However, Carol doubts that it's safe for Roberto anymore given what they now know. Antonio returns Justina's compass necklace to his son who is devastated to have lost Justina again. Pulling Carol aside, Daryl suggests that they lie about what happened to Roberto to Fede so that the young man can get treatment. "All we need is a good liar, and we got one of those," Daryl quips.

Carol is worried about Justina, but Daryl doesn't think that there's anything that they can do to help her. Carol insists that they can't just do nothing, feeling like they'd be taking advantage of Antonio and Roberto if they do, especially after everything that the two have done for Daryl and Carol. Carol decides to go herself, but Daryl tells her that she can't go. Daryl asks Antonio where the El Alcázar convoy will head next, and Antonio guesses Barcelona where the convoy makes a stop before turning south. Barcelona is a few days travel by road and Antonio has a map in his glove box. Realizing that Daryl has decided to go himself, Carol wants to go with him, but Daryl points out that she isn't fully recovered yet, he is faster on his own, and Antonio and Roberto need Carol more. Daryl promises to be back in a few days and reminds her of their promise about the hot dogs.

Carol and Antonio return to Solaz with Roberto where Marga and Lupe tend to the young man. Marga states that the queimada sooths the sick soul. Antonio explains to Carol that queimada is a special brandy recipe that the meigas know how to brew. The meigas are folk healers with ancient learning passed down from mothers to daughters. Antonio concedes that they're like witches as Marga and Lupe chant over the burning queimada before giving it to Roberto. "If it doesn't fix him, at least it will make him drunk," quips Paz as she watches. Fede enters and looks at the young man being treated.

Outside, as Paz and Sergio watch, Fede reassures Antonio that his mother will do all that she can for Roberto with all of the herbs that she has from El Alcázar. Fede admits that it's hard now in Solaz after the surprise attack by Los Primitivos and they paid a dear price, but he's sure that they will get through it with the supplies and munitions from El Alcázar. Telling Carol and Antonio to take a seat, Fede recalls how his cousin Raúl used to live in this part of town two houses over. Back then, they used the nickname "Toneti" for Antonio. Raúl would show up for dessert almost every night, pretending that it was only a coincidence. In a rare moment, Fede and Antonio share a laugh at the memory of happier times. Antonio's wife Maria was the best baker in Solaz and Fede calls Antonio a lucky man to have had her.

Fede asks how Roberto ended up like this, and Carol and Antonio claim that they don't know, that bandits appeared to have sneaked up on Roberto and left him for dead. Fede asks about the jeep that Roberto had been driving and Antonio claims that the bandits must've taken it. Fede wonders if they think that it was Los Primitivos which Antonio confirms. However, Fede doubts it as they would have killed Roberto. Carol claims that there was no sign of El Alcázar and Fede supposes that that's for the best for everyone. Antonio tells Fede that he knows that his son has behaved very poorly, but Antonio promises to talk to Roberto about behaving once he's well again. Fede accepts this and asks about Daryl who Carol lies went to check on Julian's Boat and is likely going to spend the night there. Fede expresses obvious skepticism about Daryl spending the night on the beach, but Carol calls Daryl "very... outdoorsy" which Fede acknowledges is true. Seemingly accepting their story, Fede tells Antonio that they'll discuss what steps need to be taken once Roberto is healed so they can put all of this behind them and move forward.

Once Fede and Sergio are gone, Paz correctly guesses that El Alcázar were responsible for what happened to Roberto. Antonio reassures Carol that they can trust Paz and Carol tells Paz that Daryl had gone after the El Alcázar convoy to get Justina.

Daryl rides his motorcycle through the Monegros Desert and encounters a nomad who begs Daryl for water. Daryl offers the man a drink from his canteen, only to have the nomad try to drink the whole thing. As vultures circle overhead, Daryl notices that the man's eyes have been removed. "Bone crusher. He waits for me. You're next," babbles the nomad deliriously and cackles madly. Disturbed, Daryl rides away, leaving the nomad behind, calling out for water once again.

Daryl briefly stops after spotting a train being pulled across the desert by a large herd being led by a man playing a guitar on a horse. Inside the train, the Buzzards' leader Chofo relaxes in his bathtub with Blanca. Quique calls Chofo's attention to the window where they watch Daryl riding his motorcycle. Chofo orders Quique to get Daryl's bike for him as well as food for Lola. Chofo pulls a human eyeball out of a fishtank -- revealing that the Buzzards are behind the Nomad's missing eyes -- and feeds it to something next to him.

Two Buzzards chase Daryl across the desert while Quique takes a different road to cut him off. Seeing Quique coming at him head on, Daryl draws a shotgun and he and Quique exchange fire as they ride at each other. Daryl hits Quique in the arm and his bike's gas tank, but Quique's fire damages Daryl's bike in return, forcing him to abandon it and continue on foot.

Daryl walks across the desert, passing the skeletons of two people who didn't survive their journey. Vultures circle over and attack a distant walker as Daryl watches.

At night, a shivering Daryl remembers a boy ordering him to leave and a man rushing towards Daryl. The young Daryl flees and watches the man from where he's hidden behind a tree.

In the present, Daryl's attention is drawn by an approaching man. Daryl threatens the man with his rifle, but he gestures non-threateningly as more people armed with bows and spears join them. Daryl sees that the group, the Limbos, are lepers. The man invites Daryl to join them and introduces himself as Mateo, promising Daryl water.

Daryl is led to a leper colony in the ruins of Old Belchite where he desperately drinks the water brought to the fire Daryl, Mateo and several others are sitting around. Daryl calls for more, but Amaia, who is not a leper, stops them. Mateo explains that Daryl is their guest who the Limbos had found wandering alone in the desert, but Amaia is suspicious of him. Mateo suggests that since Daryl has a rifle, he may be able to help them. Amaia reveals to Daryl that the water he sees is all that they have for everyone, surprising Daryl.

Mateo shows Daryl an empty cistern that had held rainwater collected by the Limbos. However, all of the water has been taken by bandits. "Bad man come. They take our water," explains Amaia who reveals that the bandits are on a train. Daryl realizes that the same people who attacked him had stolen the Limbos' water. Daryl asks if the Buzzards had also destroyed the town, but Amaia and Mateo explain that it was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War to kill the Spanish Resistance led by Francisco Franco. Daryl wonders why the Limbos choose to live in the ruins and Amaia tells him that they have no other place because no one will have lepers. "Limbos, people say. No is, um, living, not dead." Daryl asks why Amaia isn't a leper and, touching Mateo's arm, she explains that it's safe to touch a leper a little bit which Daryl understands.

Daryl explains that he needs to get to Barcelona and the men on the train took his motorcycle. The two take Daryl to a truck and Mateo asks Amaia to tell him that Daryl can have it if he helps them. Amaia is still unsure if they can trust Daryl, but Mateo points out that they don't really have a choice. Amaia reluctantly makes the offer, asking that Daryl get their water back from the train in return. Without Daryl's help, the Limbos are doomed to die of thirst in four or five days. Amaia announces that it's time to go to bed and Daryl can give them his decision in the morning. Daryl lays awake, thinking over his options and the plight of the Limbos while a baby is crying nearby. A young girl, Rosa, watches Daryl from a distance, but runs away when Daryl notices her.

The next morning, Daryl tells Amaia and Mateo that he'll get their water back, renewing the hopes of the desperate people. The Limbos gather around Daryl who shows them that he only has four bullets for his rifle while there are more bandits than that. Their only chance is to fight the Buzzards together and Daryl instructs the Limbos to bring him a lot of rope. Mateo sends Carlos to get the rope from the bell tower and Daryl and the Limbos work together to build traps for the Buzzards. Through Amaia, Carlos asks what Daryl thinks of this town and its people who are unused to the kindness of strangers in a world where they were outcasts even before the world ended an answer that everyone is interested in hearing. "The French have a word for it. Dépaysant. That's a good thing. Tell him that's a good thing," responds Daryl, using the word Isabelle had taught him means a place that makes you see things differently, showing that Daryl truly sees the lepers in a different, better, light than the rest of the world does. As they work, Rosa kindly brings Daryl her own water ration after seeing that he's thirsty.

With everything ready, Daryl prepares to leave. While Mateo has faith that Daryl will keep his word, Amaia believes that he intends to take the truck and leave the Limbos to die, but she gives Daryl the keys regardless. Daryl stops nearby in the desert and examines a map before noticing the approach of six Buzzards led by Quique in the rearview mirror. Daryl leads the Buzzards on a chase.

Mateo, Amaia and Rosa watch for Daryl's return and Mateo concedes that Amaia may have been right after all. However, Rosa spots Daryl leading the Buzzards and the Limbos get into position. The bandits follow Daryl into the heart of Old Belchite where some of the Limbos led by Mateo raise a rope in the path of the last two, knocking them off of their motorcycles. The Limbos fall on the two Buzzards with rocks and spears, killing the two men. Daryl abandons the truck and runs off with the four remaining Buzzards splitting up to find him. "Four demons. Four bullets," comments Rosa as she begins counting Daryl's shots in the dirt.

As Carbón approaches, Amaia orders two Limbos to raise a makeshift Spike Strip, causing Carbón to crash his motorcycle. Before Carbón can recover, Daryl shoots him. Mentón demands to know where Daryl is from a woman who simply gestures with her head to the other end of the broken wall that she's sitting in front of. Mentón dismounts and searches for Daryl who shoots him in the head once he approaches, causing the woman to smirk. A rock rolls down a small hill in front of Puño who climbs the hill to investigate it only to be shot by Daryl waiting in ambush for her, sending Puño's helmet rolling down to rest against her bike.

Quique finds Puño's body and spots Daryl entering the nearby church. Grinning, Quique readies his shotgun and rides inside as Daryl, positioned on the other end of the church fires his last bullet at the Buzzard. However, Daryl only hits Quique in the arm who drops his shotgun and draws a massive axe. Screaming in rage, Quique charges at Daryl who draws his sword and slashes Quique's throat open as he races by. Quique manages to get back up for a moment before quickly bleeding out. Amazed, the Limbos emerge from hiding to celebrate their victory over the bandits who have been plaguing them.

On the train, Chofo compliments Lola who is revealed to be his pet iguana, much to the annoyance of Blanca. Chofo goes to feed Lola another eye, but apparently, it's no longer any good so Chofo promises that food is on the way.

Daryl sits on a bridge waiting as the train passes beneath it. Daryl jumps on top and sneaks up on Rata who is hammering away at a motorcycle part. Snatching Rata's hammer, Daryl uses it to bash the man's head in, killing him. Daryl drops Rata's body from the train which is witnessed by Espiga who is repairing Daryl's motorcycle in one of the train cars. Climbing down, Daryl releases the chain attaching the train to the herd pulling it, bringing the train to a stop and releasing the herd. A confused Chofo tries to figure out what's happening while the alarmed Sapo tries to call a warning to the Bait Man. Unable to hear Sapo over his music and unaware that the walkers have been released, the Bait Man continues singing and playing, causing the herd to pull the Bait Man off of his horse and devour him, although the horse escapes.

Sapo fires at Daryl with his blunderbuss, but he misses and Daryl tackles the Buzzard to the roof and beats him to death. As the herd surrounds the train, Chofo grabs an assault rifle to defend himself with. A couple of shots ring out from the roof along with the sounds of a fight before an injured Espiga dangles upside down outside of one of the windows. The walkers pull Espiga off of the train and devours him as Chofo watches in horror. Hearing footsteps on the roof, Chofo fires at them as a terrified Blanca makes a run for it. Blanca finds walkers trying to climb into the train and flees out the opposite side, but leaves the doors open for the herd.

Daryl crashes in through a window and Chofo unloads at him as Daryl takes cover. Climbers enter from both directions, forcing both Daryl and Chofo to turn their attention to the more immediate threat. Daryl fights the climbers coming from one direction with his knife while Chofo shoots several of the climbers coming from the other direction. Running out of ammo, Chofo uses his gun as a makeshift club before grabbing a knife. Backed up by the press of undead, Daryl and Chofo end up fighting back-to-back, putting aside their differences to deal with their mutual enemy. Finally, all of the climbers are eliminated, but Chofo gets his knife stuck in the neck of the last one.

Exhausted, both men take a moment to catch their breath by mutual silent agreement. Once they're finished, Chofo grabs a shotgun, but Daryl rushes him, grabs Chofo and throws him into the bathtub. Holding Chofo underwater, Daryl manages to drown the Buzzard leader before grabbing the shotgun and shooting Chofo in the head to prevent reanimation. Winded, Daryl sits on the edge of the tub to catch his breath.

Soon afterwards, with all of the Buzzards dead and the remaining walkers either eliminated or lured away, the Limbos gather around the train to enjoy their reclaimed water. Amaia returns Daryl's rifle to him and Daryl and Mateo shake hands. Rosa gives Daryl her canteen in thanks and Daryl introduces himself to the young girl. Daryl rides off down the tracks on his repaired motorcycle, continuing towards Barcelona to rescue Justina. Having survived the ordeal, Lola stands on the tracks.

Valentina, Rodo and Daniel arrive at Solaz where they're greeted by Gustavo. Valentina tells Gustavo that it's her annual visit and they are going to visit Roberto and Gustavo lets them in.

Valentina tenderly touches the still unconscious Roberto's face, wondering what happened to him, and asks Marga if he will be alright. Marga tells her that Roberto's soul is stuck between hope and despair, between wanting to live and feeling ready to give up. "It is like being in a state of limbo. We will pull him back," Marga reassures Valentina. Marga sends Antonio to get more orujo for the queimada and Carol volunteers to help him.

Later, as Valentina prepares to leave, Valentina tells Carol that she comes into Solaz rarely because there are too many people judging her. Valentina wonders what Carol's plans are now, and Carol states that she and Daryl still intend to set sail as soon as they can. "I realize I have it wrong about you and him. I was looking for something in the wrong place maybe. You prefer the local wine. When in Galicia," says Valentina with a smirk, having picked up on the romantic feelings between Carol and Antonio. With a laugh, Carol calls Valentina a horny old lady which she doesn't deny. Valentina agrees to give Carol and Antonio a ride to the orchard. As she tends to Roberto, Marga finds Justina's necklace in his hand and takes it.

Carol and Antonio collect orujo and the two joke about how nosy Valentina is. Carol tells Antonio that she still intends to set sail for America with Daryl when he returns and asks about Antonio's plans. Solaz is home to Antonio who had tried to start over in Barcelona once, but it didn't end so well. Carol awkwardly offers Antonio the chance to come with her and Daryl to the Commonwealth, but he just tells her that they have to get back.

Marga brings Justina's necklace to Fede and demands answers from her son on how Roberto ended up with it. Fede claims that Justina left it for him, but Marga points out that Justina was wearing it when she left with El Alcázar. Fede claims that his mother is mistaken and she goes to start dinner, but doesn't seem to be entirely convinced by Fede's claims. Realizing that something is going on, Fede sends Sergio to see if Daryl has been at the boat.

Antonio prays over his son, thanking God for taking care of Roberto and nursing him back to health. Antonio prays for God to help Daryl find Justina and bring her home. Antonio takes Carol's hand as they stand vigil beside Roberto.

Daryl rides across the desert towards Barcelona.

Other Cast

Co-Stars

• Pedro Bachura as Gustavo
• Armando Buika as Sergio
• Boré Buika as Daniel
• Javier Taboada as Rodolfo
• Laura Cepeda as Doña Lupe
• India Soria as Rosa
• Alberto Tierrez as Nomad
• Tatán Selles as Martín
• Iván López as Alcázar Soldier #2

Uncredited

• Felix Saldaña as Young Merle Dixon
• Filippo Sbalchiero as Will Dixon
• Álvaro Gomez Cerezo as Quique
• Luis Cros as Sapo
• Martin Fourcade as Rata
• Pedro Torres Cumbreño as Espiga
• Gabriela Seisdedos as Puño
• Martin Cartelle as Mentón
• Pachuli as Bait Man
• Alejandro Bertero as Carbón
• Fernando Martín-Maestro as Buzzard
• Unknown as Carlos
• Unknown as Lola
• Unknown as Limbo

Deaths

• Alcázar Soldier #2
• Martín
• Carbón
• Mentón
• Puño
• Quique
• Rata
• Bait Man
• Sapo (Off-Screen)
• Espiga
• Chofo
• 2 unnamed Buzzards

Trivia

• First appearance of Lupe.
• Only appearance of Amaia.
• Only appearance of Mateo.
• Only appearance of Rosa.
• Only appearance of Carlos.
• Only appearance of Chofo.
• Only appearance of Blanca.
• Only appearance of Quique.
• Only appearance of Sapo.
• Only appearance of Rata.
• Only appearance of Espiga.
• Only appearance of Puño.
• Only appearance of Lola.
• Only appearance of Mentón.
• Only appearance of Carbón.
• Last appearance of Martín.
• The title of the episode, "Limbo", is Latin and means "edge" or "boundary", referring to the edge of Hell. It also refers to the group with the same name encountered by Daryl and Marga's comment that Robero's despair has him in a state of limbo.

Episode Highlights

To be added.