Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 1.
Episode 1 of Daryl Dixon season 2 indicated there could be a surprising twist on the way, but in the process, the spinoff revealed how much it needs Rick Grimes. After a successful first outing, Daryl Dixon has officially returned and has already begun setting the scene for what's to come in season 2. Alongside explaining how Carol gets to France and what Daryl's main objective is, the show has teased that a potentially big twist could be on the horizon, as the series looks set to pull a huge curveball that would have massive ramifications for the overall story.
While Genet and Pouvoir have been portrayed as the main villains so far, the spinoff has thrown a few hints that this could be about to change. Daryl Dixon season 2's trailer already teased a Codron redemption arc after he helped Daryl and his allies at the end of season 1, but this opens up a space for a new villain, with episode 1 beginning to plant the seeds for who this could be. Given the show's next antagonist will potentially be one of Daryl's allies, the spinoff needs Rick more than ever for one key reason.
Losang, The Nest's Leader, Looks Like A Secret Walking Dead Villain
Daryl Dixon Has Teased Losang Being The Spinoff's True Antagonist
Despite seeming like a gentle pacifist, Daryl Dixon seems to be setting up Losang as a secret Walking Dead villain, which could be bad news for the rest of the Nest. Having spent all of season 1 trying to deliver Laurent to the Nest, the group's leader may actually have some sinister plans in store, although the show hasn't quite revealed exactly what they are. Episode 1 highlighted that Losang has tremendous combat skills despite his pacifist nature, doesn't want Daryl training Laurent anymore, and has some sort of secret plan that the community doesn't know about.
During a conversation with one of the show's new characters, a ceremony was mentioned alongside Laurent "not being ready", with the woman Losang was talking to claiming, "You'll never win them over." Clearly, there is more going on than meets the eye when it comes to the Nest, with Losang spearheading this private mission. Although there could still be an explanation for his strange behavior, Losang is likely being positioned as a villain or, at the very least, a dishonest leader. Therefore, his story perfectly sets up an unexpected role for Rick Grimes in Daryl Dixon season 2.
Rick & The Reformed CRM Should Take Over Leadership Of The Nest
The Nest Needs A Real Leader Which Rick & The CRM Could Provide
With the Nest looking certain to undergo a leadership crisis, Rick and the CRM are the perfect fit to take over. Even if Daryl and the rest of the community are able to overcome Losang and his potential evil schemes, the group will still be without a leader. While Laurent has spent years being prepared for this moment, Losang said himself that the boy isn't ready, and his survival experience makes that obvious. Additionally, the protagonist doesn't appear to be sticking around, as Daryl mentioned his desire to return to the United States in Daryl Dixon season 2's premiere.
Even though Andrew Lincoln is unlikely to appear physically, Rick's presence could be mentioned by other characters, with the newly reformed CRM helping take over the community.
Therefore, L'Union will be without a leader after the Losang conflict - assuming he becomes an antagonist - making Rick and the CRM the perfect fit to take over. Even though Andrew Lincoln is unlikely to appear physically, Rick's presence could be mentioned by other characters, with the newly reformed CRM helping take over the community. With The Walking Dead revealing that CRM has worldwide connections, it would make sense that some spies and soldiers are already operating in France, and alongside Rick's guidance, they could help lead the Nest and create peace in France.
The CRM Saving The Nest Would Allow Daryl To Move On
Having Rick and the CRM take over the Nest wouldn't just benefit the group, but it would also allow Daryl to move on. The spinoff will already be moving to Spain, meaning the protagonist needs a reason to leave the community behind, and knowing it's in good hands while Rick is waiting back home is a better reason than any. It would explain why he is so motivated to return to the US after season 1 made him doubt the idea, and also give him a reason to exit France, even if it means leaving his loved ones behind.
Daryl needs to move on from the Nest despite how thrilling his journey has been, but Spain would offer another fresh location that would be equally exciting. He could still visit France in the future, or Laurent and Isabelle may choose to go with him to America, but for the series to progress, Daryl has to leave his temporary home behind. The protagonist seems unlikely to do that without knowing the rest of his new allies are safe, but trusting his long-term friend and his new group would help him move on, proving why Daryl Dixon needs Rick.
Daryl Dixon has been officially renewed for a third season, which has begun filming in Spain.
