Summary
- Genet's role in Daryl Dixon becomes crucial after The Ones Who Live's disappointing handling of Major General Beale's character.
- Season 2 must make Genet a more dangerous antagonist to compete with some of The Walking Dead's best villains like Negan and Alpha.
- Genet should be elevated to become The Walking Dead's next major villain due to the franchise's lack of a central antagonist after Beale's demise.
The conclusion of Rick Grimes' spinoff changed The Walking Dead's future, but it also made one Daryl Dixon character more important. The Ones Who Live is the latest Walking Dead spinoff, and it finally brought Rick Grimes and Michonne back to the series after years away from the franchise. After six compelling episodes, The Ones Who Live's ending saw the protagonists defeat the CRM and reunite with their children, providing fans with some closure to their story. However, the conclusion also had ramifications on another show as the spinoff impacted Daryl Dixon and one of its central characters.
Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol will premiere in the summer of 2024.
Just like The Ones Who Live, Daryl Dixon debuted to strong reviews and introduced several new characters as Daryl took the series outside of America for the first time. While Carol will be joining Daryl Dixon season 2's cast, the spinoff has put far more of an emphasis on its new additions compared to Dead City and The Ones Who Live. As a result, this has created a plethora of new survivors who could become a huge part of the franchise's future, and one character in particular has become far more important after Rick Grimes' spinoff.
Genet’s Daryl Dixon Role Is Even More Important After The Ones Who Live Wasted Major General Beale
Major General Beale's Sudden Exit Puts More Pressure On Genet To Step Up
With The Ones Who Live wasting Major General Beale, Genet's villainous role in Daryl Dixon becomes far more important. Major General Beale was one of The Walking Dead's recent main antagonists as he led the CRM in Rick and Michonne's spinoff. Beale was first referenced in World Beyond, and with the franchise building up the CRM as the next major villain, Beale seemed like he would have a pivotal role. The CRM had been teased for years in The Walking Dead universe, but their swift defeat led to Beale being killed off despite being such an intriguing enemy.
This creates more pressure on Daryl Dixon to avoid doing the same with Genet. The spinoff's return seems less than a few months away, but it can't afford to write off another key villain shortly after Beale. Genet may not have the same build-up and be a little less intimidating than Beale and the CRM, but she still holds a lot of power in France. Therefore, she should remain the central antagonist in Daryl Dixon rather than introducing a new threat for season 2, and Genet should be given even more power now that Beale is gone.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Must Make Genet More Dangerous
Genet Could Have Been More Intimidating In Daryl Dixon Season 1
Despite being the leading antagonist in season 1, Daryl Dixon must make Genet more dangerous next season. Although she held a lot of control over France, Genet's plan in Daryl Dixon involved taking over the entire country and she needed Laurent to help her achieve this since he is so inspirational. Many of the French people still rebelled against Genet and her group due to her unethical methods of control, which included experimenting on zombies and forcing her enemies to fight against variants, yet Genet still feels like a slightly underwhelming enemy despite her forceful attempt at taking over France.
Genet's evil acts fail to compete with some of The Walking Dead's best villains, and even Codron felt more menacing at times. Codron's group was responsible for killing the nuns in episode 1 which was one of the spinoff's most violent scenes. Genet may have plenty of control, but despite her lack of morality, she still gave Daryl a chance to fight for his life which ultimately led to him fleeing her stronghold with Isabelle and Laurent. Given she commands such a large group, Genet has to be more dangerous in season 2 to make her a truly memorable antagonist.
Why Genet Needs To Become The Walking Dead’s Next Big Villain
The Ones Who Live Left The Walking Dead Without A Central Villain
Although Genet's introduction wasn't as intimidating as the likes of Negan's or Alpha's, The Walking Dead needs to make her franchise's next big villain. Major General Beale's departure left the franchise without a major antagonist, and Genet would be the perfect character to fill this void. Her group has shown some similarities to the CRM by their violent methods and desire for complete supremacy over their country, making Genet a strong like-for-like replacement. The series can also make her more brutal as it progresses, and she could develop a more personal grudge with Daryl.
Having her grow to resent Daryl could make their fight more personal, especially if she was responsible for killing either Laurent or Isabelle. This could escalate the conflict all the way to America, making her influence expand across multiple continents like the CRM allegedly did. Even if The Walking Dead doesn't plan on making her the next major antagonist, building Genet up to be a truly menacing threat in Daryl Dixon would amplify whoever does fill this role as they would have someone to compare with, making it essential that the franchise elevates Genet's role as an antagonist.
