Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 4.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon's huge death looks to have completely changed the show, which also creates a slightly worrying future for the spinoff. Although Daryl Dixon season 2 has faced a few problems, the series remains one of The 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 in Dary Dixon season 2, episode 3 came as a complete shock and was a reminder that no one is ever truly safe in The Walking Dead universe. 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
With Daryl Dixon making 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 Daryl after the two became romantically involved, making her loss even more devastating.
The spinoff has felt unique for several reasons, but having 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 of Daryl 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's Walking Dead reunion made the latter part of episode 4 feel like an adventure from the main show. Naturally, there were still some obvious differences given Daryl Dixon has a more distinct filming style, but Daryl and Carol's catch-up before clashing with Genet and Pouvoir wouldn't feel out of place in the original Walking Dead series. 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.
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 Dixon looks like it will be about him and Carol doing their usual Walking Dead shenanigans 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.
Daryl Dixon Can't Become "The Walking Dead In Europe"
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, but Daryl Dixon needs to avoid being reduced to The Walking Dead in Europe. There is no denying how important Daryl and Carol's friendship was to making The Walking Dead such 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 Dixon worked because it was different and focused more on France and its survivors, with Daryl leading the cast.
New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol air 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 repeat The Ones Who Live's plot of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
Daryl Dixon should continue being a more personal story for Daryl that also expands The Walking Dead universe through its European setting.
Instead, Daryl Dixon should continue being a more personal story for Daryl that also expands The Walking Dead universe 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 Dixon has 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.
