Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
Romantic storylines have been a pivotal part of The Walking Dead throughout its history, but one love story that I've wanted for five years looks almost impossible. Although most characters managed to get a happy ending in The Walking Dead season 11's finale, many of the central survivors' stories continued through spinoffs, with The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon giving arguably the franchise's most popular character his own solo adventure. While Carol joined the cast of season 2, Daryl's individual journey through France allowed him to shine and meet new people, which subsequently seemed to kill off his best possible romance.
Daryl's Walking Dead love stories have been extremely complicated, as Leah remains his only real romantic interest, which ended swiftly and tragically. He has had plenty of great platonic relationships, but Daryl showed no real signs of romantic intentions until season 10, making me all the more optimistic about one potential partner. Although things didn't work out with Leah, I was hopeful that the show would finally set him up with his perfect match, as he had great chemistry with one particular character. Unfortunately, Daryl Dixon season 2 all but confirmed this relationship will never happen.
Daryl Kissing Isabelle Kills Off Any Hopes Of A Connie Romance
Daryl Seems To Have Found His New Love Interest After Leah
Having grown closer throughout Daryl Dixon, Daryl and Isabelle's relationship finally turned romantic as they kissed towards the end of episode 2, suggesting a Connie romance is off the table. Daryl and Isabelle seemed to have instant chemistry when they first met, but it was still unclear if the show would pull the trigger on a romantic storyline, especially with Daryl confirming he intends to return to the United States. However, the two shared a tender moment together in "Moulin Rouge" while waiting for their opportunity to rescue Laurent, culminating in a kiss that will likely make them a couple.
Isabelle understands the protagonist and, despite not sharing exactly the same views, she has never judged Daryl for any of his flaws. As a result, she feels like a great love interest going forward for the protagonist in his spinoff, but I'm still a little disappointed we will miss out on Daryl and Connie. Seeing how Daryl and Isabelle's relationship develops as they attempt to stop L'Union's and leave the Nest is something I'm looking forward to, but I can't help but feel that Connie and Daryl could've been even more compelling, which we're now incredibly unlikely to see.
Daryl & Connie's Teased Romance Not Happening In A Missed Opportunity
Connie's Warm Personality Brought Out The Best In Daryl
Connie and Daryl's close friendship teased that a potential romance could happen, but The Walking Dead going in a different direction feels like a missed opportunity. While Daryl and Isabelle still work well as a couple, Connie is a refreshing character who brings the best out of Daryl, and I would've loved to see them both find happiness with one another. Having the two settle down in the Commonwealth may have prevented Daryl Dixon from happening as the protagonist would be less likely to leave, but it would've been a wholesome ending for Daryl's current arc.
A relationship would've also improved Connie's role in the series, as she was one of the more enjoyable supporting characters, and having her become Daryl's main love interest would've made her more important. The Walking Dead kept hopes of Daryl and Connie's potential romance alive towards the end of Daryl Dixon season 1, as the protagonist mentioned Connie when asked about who he cares for. Therefore, the franchise opting to pair him with Isabelle feels like a recent decision and proves there was plenty of potential when it came to Daryl and Connie that we sadly missed out on.
There Is One Way Daryl & Connie Can Still Happen...
Isabelle Not Making It To America With Daryl Would Make A Romance With Connie Possible
The chances of Daryl and Connie still happening are incredibly slim, but it could happen under one unfortunate circumstance - Isabelle's death. Although Daryl Dixon has done an excellent job of elevating its new additions and making them crucial to the plot, Isabelle's death isn't out of the question, especially with season 3 moving to Spain. It's possible Isabelle joins Daryl on his trip home, accompanying him to Spain and eventually the US, but there is also a chance that she is killed off before their journey is complete, which would be a massive moment for the spinoff.
If The Walking Dead does want to make Connie and Daryl an item, Isabelle may be sacrificed.
Isabelle's death would be a tragic scene that hits Daryl hard, but it seems like the only real way for a romance with Connie to still happen, other than Isabelle staying behind in France. However, knowing The Union of Hope isn't what they say they are, it's likely Isabelle won't have any real reason to stay. While I'd love Isabelle to survive Daryl Dixon and think she deserves a happy ending, her fate is still very much up in the air. Therefore, if The Walking Dead does want to make Connie and Daryl an item, Isabelle may be sacrificed.
