Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
The Walking Dead hasn't always been kind to Daryl Dixon when it comes to romantic storylines, but his latest relationship already looks much better than his previous one. Despite being thousands of miles from home, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has finally given the protagonist a compelling love story that could provide him with some deserved happiness. Given the character never really expressed any real romantic intentions for around 10 seasons, audiences were confused about Daryl Dixon's love stories in The Walking Dead and wondered if the character would ever find someone or if he'd always remain a lone wolf.
With Daryl being a major character throughout the majority of his tenure in the franchise, it seems incredibly strange that he was never given a proper relationship for over a decade, especially as there were plenty of perfect love interests for Daryl that never happened. However, season 10 finally decided to change his fortunes, but only briefly, as Daryl's first major romance angle died out quickly and continued to deny the character a real chance at love. Thankfully, his spinoff show has finally provided him with the right match, which should be a significant improvement on his past relationship.
Daryl Dixon & Isabelle Are A Much Better Fit Than Daryl & Leah Were In The Walking Dead
Daryl Seems To Have Finally Found His Perfect Match
While Daryl and Leah had the potential to be compelling, Isabelle is a much better romantic fit for the protagonist. When Daryl and Leah first met, they were both in pretty rough places, making their eventual connection feel exciting initially. However, while Leah wasn't strictly a villain, her cold side along with ties to the Reapers made her short-lived relationship with Daryl anti-climactic, especially as he didn't have an overly emotional reaction to her death. In contrast, his chemistry with Isabelle feels more natural and the duo are much more like-minded, with Laurent only helping their bond grow stronger.
The slow build to them finally showing affection for one another makes their relationship feel much more earned compared to Daryl and Leah's.
They clearly both love Laurent, but after spending so much time together trying to protect him, they have developed genuine feelings for one another that came to the forefront in season 2, episode 2. The slow build to them finally showing affection for one another makes their relationship feel much more earned compared to Daryl and Leah's, which is why the spinoff's romance works so well. Considering Daryl and Carol's Walking Dead friendship seemed like it would dominate most of season 2, it's wholesome to see the protagonist actually find love with someone who deeply cares about him.
Daryl & Isabelle Deserve A Happy Ending, But Don't Count On It Happening
The Walking Head Rarely Has Happy Endings When It Comes To Romantic Storylines
Having been part of The Walking Dead since the first season, Daryl is arguably more deserving of a happy ending than anyone in the franchise, meaning he and Isabelle should be allowed a nice conclusion to their story. Sadly, the zombie series seldom provides them, particularly when it comes to romantic narratives. Although Rick and Michonne have been going strong for years, Glenn and Maggie proved that even fan favorites don't get to ride off into the sunset together. The Walking Dead's brutal nature often prevents relationships from lasting a long time, which Daryl and Isabelle could fall victim to.
Given Daryl Dixon season 3 will take place in Spain, the protagonist clearly won't be sticking around, and while Isabelle could go with him, it's far from guaranteed. Instead, the two might reluctantly go their separate ways, or Isabelle may be killed off in season 2, denying them a future together. Both characters are good people who, despite their flawed pasts, have turned their lives around, proving they should be given a shot at happiness. However, looking at the franchise's history, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon will likely throw in some heartbreaking surprises that deny them their perfect ending.
