Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 4.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’shuge death looks to have completely changed the show, which also creates a slightly worrying future for the spinoff. AlthoughDaryl Dixonseason 2 has faced a few problems, the series remains one ofThe Walking Dead’s best projects in a long time, especially after season 1 did an excellent job of introducing post-apocalyptic France. Allowing Daryl to thrive in his own solo adventure while featuring an entirely new location and set of characters helped make the spinoff stand out and provide a fresh feel. However, the show’s latest death may have reversed this.
After Daryl Dixon fleshed out its supporting cast’s personalities alongside making them integral to the plot,it felt like they could be a massive part of the show for years to come. As a result,Sylvie’s death inDary Dixonseason 2, episode 3 came as a complete shock and was a reminder that no one is ever truly safe inThe Walking Deaduniverse. While her departure may have been an abrupt exit, it did help make the surviving characters even more important, but unfortunately, the series killed off another crucial character one episode later, creating a worrying future.
Without Isabelle, Daryl Dixon Risks Losing What Made The Spinoff Special
Daryl’s Relationships With His French Allies Were A Pivotal Part Of The Show
WithDaryl Dixonmaking the bold decision to kill off Isabelle, the spinoff may lose the formula that made it so great. The show’s supporting characters were undoubtedly one of its biggest strengths, but in just two episodes, it lost Isabelle, Sylvie, and Genet, who have all been major survivors since season 1. While Genet and Sylvie’s deaths were big, Isabelle’s is even bigger considering the relationship she had with Daryl. Although they started as allies trying to protect Laurent,Isabelle proclaimed her love for Darylafter the two became romantically involved, making her loss even more devastating.
The spinoff has felt unique for several reasons, buthaving Daryl develop feelings for Isabelle - who was a great match for him - only added to how special the show was. Sadly, with her and Sylvie gone, the protagonist has lost some key allies, leaving a huge hole in the series. Carol filled the gap left by Isabelle, but audiences are already very familiar with her and Daryl’s friendship, making Isabelle’s departure instantly noticeable. Therefore, losing one ofDaryl Dixon’s most important characters damages the spinoff’s identity and creates a slightly concerning future, given she isn’t easily replaceable.
The Second Half Of Daryl Dixon Season 2, Episode 4 Feels Just Like Classic TWD
Daryl & Carol Fighting Off Villains On Their Own Feels Very Familiar
While the scenery and enemies may be different,Carol and Daryl’sWalking Deadreunionmade the latter part of episode 4 feel like an adventure from the main show. Naturally, there were still some obvious differences givenDaryl Dixonhas a more distinct filming style, butDaryl and Carol’s catch-up before clashing with Genet and Pouvoir wouldn’t feel out of place in the originalWalking Deadseries. The mix of wholesome conversations alongside some slight tension is vintage Daryl and Carol, and the duo overcoming the odds against a seemingly more powerful villain is nothing out of the ordinary.
What Daryl & Carol’s Reunion Means For Daryl Dixon Season 3
With Daryl and Carol officially reuniting in season 2 of The Walking Dead’s European-set spinoff, season 3 looks set for a slew of major changes.
It was still great to see them share a screen again, especially as they had an emotional reunion, but it does also suggest the series may experience a shift in tone. Rather than focusing on Daryl’s blossoming romance and his potential new home,Daryl Dixonlooks like it will be about him and Carol doing their usualWalking Deadshenanigans while trying to find and protect Laurent. Episode 4 was arguably season 2’s best outing yet, but while Daryl and Carol teaming up felt fresh after two years of waiting, it could easily get stale rather quickly.
Each Spinoff Needs To Have A Unique Identity Rather Than Just Feeling Like The Original Show In A New Location
France and Spain can still offer a few unique elements that weren’t present in the original show, butDaryl Dixonneeds to avoid being reduced toThe Walking Deadin Europe. There is no denying how importantDaryl and Carol’s friendship was to makingThe Walking Deadsuch a popular show, but their dynamic can’t default to the same formula we’ve seen over and over again. With Maggie and Negan already having a spinoff that revolves around their complex relationship,Daryl Dixonworked because it was different and focused more on France and its survivors, with Daryl leading the cast.
New episodes ofThe Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carolair Sundays on AMC and AMC+.
Although the show has largely focused on Daryl and how this new environment has changed him, it is also about the power struggle going on in the country and how it has impacted the central characters. Laurent’s role is also critical and should continue to be moving forward, but it’s at risk of becoming secondary to Daryl and Carol’s relationship. Given the duo will almost certainly survive and remain friends when the series comes to an end, we don’t need the spinoff to focus on their personal drama or repeatThe Ones Who Live’s plot of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
Daryl Dixonshould continue being a more personal story for Daryl that also expandsThe Walking Deaduniverse through its European setting.
Instead,Daryl Dixonshould continue being a more personal story for Daryl that also expandsThe Walking Deaduniverse through its European setting.Carol can undoubtedly provide huge value to the story by pushing Daryl to return home by any means necessary, but her involvement shouldn’t come at the expense of Laurent’s storyline or the importance of France and Spain. Therefore,Daryl Dixonhas to find a way of making the two protagonists work together without the spinoff feeling like a repeat of the main show in a new location.
“La Gentillesse des Étrangers”
“Au Revoir les Enfants”
November 3
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
In a post-apocalyptic France, the series follows Daryl Dixon as he navigates the complexities of a new landscape. Separated from his familiar world, Daryl faces unexpected challenges and forges new alliances while confronting the lingering threats of a walker-infested reality.
