I’m convinced they have to say “oh Carol and Ezekiel are super happy together” because of contract. After all, that’s the story they’re oficially trying to sell apparently. Like I said, it makes no sense that they’re telling two very different stories for Carol in the same episode. And Daryl’s reaction literally makes no sense if he doesn’t have feelings for her. Based on spoilers they’re taking the Carol and Ezekiel path for way too long, but again – what’s the end goal with that? Is it just a plot point during season 9 to put Carol in a specific place? Or maybe to put Daryl in a specific place? It’ll be interesting to see if I decide to keep watching.