Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
After episode 1 planted the seeds of a huge betrayal, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon finally executed this shocking scene, and four subtle clues perfectly foreshadowed this moment. Throughout the spinoff's first season, Daryl's story focused predominantly on getting Laurent to the Nest so that he could eventually return home to America. While this was his initial motivation for protecting Laurent, he grew closer with the child alongside Isabelle, giving him a big dilemma during Daryl Dixon season 1's ending. Having made genuine connections and reaching the peaceful community, it seemed like the protagonist may have found a new home.
However, despite all the positives France had to offer, Daryl Dixon revealed his return to the United States was still on the cards during season 2's premiere, and his decision seems justified. Even after escorting Laurent safely to the Nest and helping him settle into his new home, Daryl's efforts went unappreciated by the community, as a secret plan to kill him was put into motion during episode 2. Although the protagonist managed to survive, the betrayal was still a big surprise, but Daryl Dixon perfectly built to this moment throughout the episode by dropping some clever hints.
All The Clues That Teased Daryl Dixon Season 2's Union Betrayal
Daryl Dixon Dropped Plenty Of Subtle Hints During The Build Up To The Betrayal
The Union betraying Daryl has been the best moment of the season so far, especially as there were some well-placed clues that suggested something was off. Perhaps the most notable was Emile's behavior throughout the episode. After being rescued by Daryl and L'Union in episode 1, Emile acted strangely despite not suffering any injuries while being in Genet's custody. Sylvie tried getting him to open up, but he remained cryptic about why he was so shifty. The show followed up on this with another clue, as Emile appeared desperate for Fallou not to join the fake Laurent rescue mission.
L'Union staged Laurent's abduction so they could lure Daryl into a trap and kill him.
L'Union staged Laurent's abduction so they could lure Daryl into a trap and kill him, but given that Fallou wasn't in on the betrayal, he was adamant about rescuing the child. Therefore, Emile's determination for Fallou not to come with them teased the betrayal before it happened. Likewise, Losang telling Isabelle the mission could be dangerous and encouraging her to stay at the Nest once again indicated that things weren't quite right. Even though Losang didn't know this was all a set-up, the dialog perfectly foreshadowed why The Union wanted Daryl's allies to stay behind.
Jacinta delivering the shells for Daryl's gun was the final clue towards the big betrayal. While a flail remains Daryl's weapon of choice in his Walking Dead spinoff, he still needed firearms to deal with a faction like Pouvoir, hence Jacinta providing him with shells. However, these turned out to be empty, giving Daryl no real chance of fighting back when L'Union's plans were put into motion. Thankfully, Isabelle and Fallou's presence alongside his own survival skills allowed Daryl to protect himself, but the series presented plenty of great clues that helped make the reveal so impactful.
Daryl Dixon's Union Foreshadowing Made The Eventual Reveal Even Better
L'Unions Villainous Turn Was Perfectly Executed Thanks To The Foreshadowing
All the foreshadowing in the lead-up to the big moment made The Union's betrayal even better. Episode 1 made it clear there was more than meets the eye when it came to Jacinta and Losang, as they talked about ceremonies and secret plans. Still, it could have all been a double bluff, but the small seeds planted throughout "Moulin Rouge" added to how well executed the ambush was. While Emile's strange behavior made it obvious he was hiding something, asking Fallou to stay behind and Losang being worried about Isabelle leaving all felt like normal concerns at the time.
Additionally, Jacinta delivering the shells was such a minute detail that it could easily have been overlooked. However, with hindsight, each clue becomes more apparent and shows how crafty L'Union's plan was. Even though all the signs were there, it was still hard to predict exactly what was going to happen with Daryl and The Union until moments before all hell broke loose. The attention to detail and subtly in these clues added to why Daryl Dixon has been the best Walking Dead spinoff so far, and L'Union's betrayal has arguably become one of the show's best scenes yet.
Why The Union Has Turned Against Daryl Dixon
Daryl's Influence On Laurent Poses A Big Threat To Their Plan
Given Daryl has been nothing but beneficial to The Union, it may seem strange for the group to turn on him. The motivation behind their betrayal comes down to their ultimate plan involving Laurent, to which Daryl poses a threat. L'Union intends on letting Laurent get infected - presumably by a walker bite - so that they can prove he is immune to all their followers. However, Daryl's influence has resulted in Laurent getting distracted from L'Union's teachings, and the group is worried that he could potentially be convinced to leave France with Daryl, ruining their years of preparation.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been officially renewed for season 3, which will take place in Spain.
Laurent's miracle birth has led to the faction believing he is special alongside potentially being the answer to a better life, and with the character finally making it to the Nest, they are determined to follow through with their plans by any means necessary. Although Losang didn't know about L'Union's intention to kill Daryl, Jacinta explained that it was necessary to avoid any hiccups involving Laurent. Therefore, the attempt to set up Daryl was the group's insurance plan, but with the protagonist surviving and finding out the truth, it sets up an exciting future for Daryl Dixon season 2.
