Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has begun teasing the protagonist's perfect ending, but I'm slightly worried it may be too good to be true. Having debuted in The Walking Dead's very first season back in 2010, Daryl has become one of the franchise's longest-lasting survivors and is easily one of its most important characters. As a result, he has even been given his own spinoff show, which has provided some of Daryl Dixon's best Walking Dead moments. However, despite all of his badass scenes and heartfelt conversations, Daryl hasn't always had it easy during the apocalypse.
Losing his brother in season 3 seemed like the closest person in his life was gone, but Rick's disappearance seemed to hit him even deeper. Daryl also felt guilt about Glenn's controversial Walking Dead death, highlighting that the character has had plenty of low points throughout his time in the franchise. Therefore, his spinoff teasing a happy ending only makes me more cautious, as the zombie series loves pulling off some heartbreaking twists. After everything he's been through, Daryl arguably deserves a wholesome ending more than anyone, but I'm still concerned about the spinoff teasing this fairy-tale conclusion.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Openly Teases Isabelle & Laurent Joining Daryl In Alexandria
Daryl Directly Floated The Idea Of The Trio Leaving France Together
While audiences have speculated about the possibility of Laurent and Isabelle leaving France with Daryl, the spinoff made it a genuine possibility. With Daryl Dixon confirming his intentions to return to the US, the protagonist pitched the idea of Laurent and Isabelle coming with him, meaning the show is openly exploring this idea. Although Isabelle had her concerns since Laurent is seen as special alongside being a crucial part of L'Union's plans, it's clear she didn't hate the idea, and after seeing the group's true colors, it seems more likely than ever that she'd join Daryl on his trip home.
Additionally, Laurent has already shown some doubt over his role in L'Union and seems happy to be with Daryl and Isabelle, regardless of where that may be. With Daryl and Isabelle's relationship turning romantic at the end of episode 2, it will only add to the protagonist's desire to leave with Isabelle and Laurent, rather than on his own. Whether the show openly teasing this possibility is a sign that it will actually happen or just a set-up for a heartbreaking twist is still unknown, but Daryl Dixon addressing this topic is exciting nonetheless.
Isabelle & Laurent Reaching Alexandria Would Be Daryl's Perfect Ending
Daryl & His Allies Making It Home To America Would Finally Give Him A Family Of His Own
Although Laurent and Isabelle are relatively new additions to Daryl's life, successfully returning to America with them would be his perfect ending. Although Daryl's romantic history in The Walking Dead has been confusing at times, Isabelle seems like the first partner who is the perfect fit for him. Despite not sharing identical views and beliefs, Isabelle doesn't judge Daryl for his decisions or actions and still cares for him despite his flaws. She has seen some of his darker traits, yet realizes he is a good person at his core, creating some genuinely great chemistry between the two.
Settling down in France would require Daryl to leave most of his allies and relationships behind, which he clearly isn't willing to do.
Being around Isabelle has made Daryl look happier and more at peace, with his connection to Laurent only amplifying those feelings. Although he isn't Daryl's biological son, Laurent looks up to the protagonists and has even learned significant survival skills as well as simple things like sports. The trio feels like a real family, which is a big surprise for a lone wolf like Daryl. Unfortunately, settling down in France would require Daryl to leave most of his allies and relationships behind, which he clearly isn't willing to do.
Therefore, having Laurent and Isabelle arrive in Alexandria or the Commonwealth with Daryl would be the best possible outcome, and the happy ending he deserves. It would allow him to start a new life with people he deeply loves while still maintaining his long-term friendships, and after The Ones Who Live's ending, Daryl's reunion with Rick Grimes could also happen, making this scenario the perfect conclusion to his story.
Can Isabelle & Laurent Survive Long Enough To Join The Walking Dead's Main Group?
Season 3 Moving To Spain Throws Some Doubt Over Both Characters Surviving
The biggest threat to Daryl's dream ending is Laurent and Isabelle surviving long enough to make it to the United States. While Daryl and Carol seem almost certain to survive the full spinoff, season 3's change in location does cast doubt about whether Laurent and Isabelle will make it out of Daryl Dixon alive. Although Laurent is deemed special, The Walking Dead has killed off important young characters in the past, like Carl, Henry, Lizzie, and Sophia, proving he is far from safe. However, he feels more likely to survive than Isabelle, who could be the show's tragic death.
New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol are released every Sunday on AMC and AMC+.
Daryl Dixon has done an impressive job of introducing interesting new characters and keeping them around, especially compared to the franchise's other recent spinoffs. However, the series may need an emotional departure to make Daryl's journey home feel memorable, and Isabelle sacrificing herself to give Laurent a better life seems probable. While neither character is guaranteed to die, it's also possible that none of them will survive, which is why Daryl Dixon teasing this perfect ending feels so suspicious. Regardless, I'm excited to see where the story goes, and I hope Laurent and Isabelle can join TWD's main group.
