Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
After 14 years, AMC's The Walking Dead may be about to introduce the franchise's first immune character through its spinoff show, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Although The Walking Dead's zombie virus has been a major talking point among the community for years, the televised universe has kept a lot of things hidden about the origin of the outbreak. While we know it started in France and seems to have spread worldwide, how exactly it was created remains a mystery, as does a potential cure, meaning every major survivor has to worry about the threat posed by zombies.
Although some characters have managed to survive a bite by chopping the infected limb off, no one has ever been unaffected by the virus. However, a central survivor from Daryl Dixon may have far fewer concerns when it comes to the undead, as the franchise has teased their immunity. The spinoff's first season already floated this idea around, but season 2 has put even more emphasis on it, suggesting it may be about to reveal the first-ever immune character. Therefore, Daryl Dixon's special survivor could be the cure to The Walking Dead's zombie virus and may change the series forever.
Daryl Dixon Season 2's Villains Believe Laurent Is Immune To Zombie Bites & Plan To Test That Theory
The Union Already Have A Ceremony In Place To Prove Laurent's Immunity
L'Union has believed that Laurent is immune to the virus since Daryl Dixon season 1, and now it seems like they're about to put this to the test. While the audience was led to believe that The Union of Hope was a peaceful, pacifist community that wanted what's best for Laurent, "Moulin Rogue" revealed this isn't actually the case, as the group tried to kill Daryl as part of their evil plan. Getting rid of the protagonist would supposedly allow them to carry out a ceremony that seemed to involve Laurent being bitten by a zombie without interference.
Their goal seemed to be exposing the child to the infection, which in theory, should prove that Laurent is immune from The Walking Dead's zombie virus. Laurent was born while his mother was infected, hence why the villains believe he may be special, but their plan remains a huge gamble. Considering they believe Daryl is dead, it seems like L'Union will still go through with their ceremony, which the protagonist will have to stop. However, if he's unable, the spinoff show will provide the answer to whether Laurent is actually immune, or if it's all one big lie.
What Laurent Being Immune Would Mean For The Walking Dead
Laurent's Inability To Get Infected Would Change The Franchise Forever
If The Walking Dead did decide to follow through with Laurent being immune, it would change the franchise forever. For the first time, it would create a realistic possibility of finding a cure by using Laurent's DNA to potentially create some sort of vaccine. On the flip side, it may take away part of what makes the franchise so good, as knowing everyone is vulnerable to the virus makes every zombie encounter and death that bit more interesting. Most importantly though, Laurent's immunity would instantly make him The Walking Dead's most important character, even more so than Rick Grimes.
His unique gift would indicate that he is the answer to a better future, yet this doesn't necessarily guarantee a bright road ahead. Laurent's Daryl Dixon story feels similar to The Last of Us, meaning his immunity could result in him having to die to save everyone else. Additionally, those who have adapted to the new world and don't want it to change may want Laurent dead if they hear about his situation, putting a target on his back. Therefore, if he truly is immune, everything about the franchise would change, and his potential death would be even sadder.
Why Laurent (Probably) Isn't Immune To The Zombie Virus
The Walking Dead Has Never Really Teased The Idea Of Immunity Ever Since It Began
Although Daryl Dixon has thrown plenty of hints that Laurent may be immune from the virus, this probably isn't the reality. His miracle birth does make him unique, but there still isn't enough evidence to confidently say he can't become infected. The Walking Dead has never truly explored the idea of immune characters throughout the franchise's history, and Robert Kirkman has even shut this concept down in the past, indicating Laurent isn't as special as L'Union thinks. Instead, the group is likely clinging to the idea that the apocalypse will eventually end, making them believe Laurent is the answer.
Unless L'Union manages to go through with their plan uninterrupted, Daryl Dixon may never reveal the truth about whether Laurent is immune or not.
Daryl Dixon even teased that the child may not actually be immune, as season 2's opening scene showed zombies actively going after Laurent while he was being trained by Daryl. Although it's possible he could get bitten and nothing would happen other than a flesh wound, it seems unlikely the undead would target him in the first place if he was immune. Unless L'Union manages to go through with their plan uninterrupted, Daryl Dixon may never reveal the truth about whether Laurent is immune or not, making it one of the franchise's most intriguing mysteries.
