Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
The Walking Dead has been struggling to find a new central villain ever since Alpha was defeated, but Daryl Dixon may have finally proven who the franchise's main antagonist is. With Rick and Michonne taking down the CRM in The Ones Who Live's ending, it felt like the spinoff wasted the zombie series' biggest threat. The CRM had been built up for years across multiple shows, making their swift defeat a huge shock. Although the group's demise provided the protagonists with a wholesome ending, it left questions about the franchise's overarching villain, which Daryl Dixon seems to have answered.
While the TV universe has many qualities, The Walking Dead's villains have often been the best part of the show, as the likes of Negan, Alpha, The Governor, and Shane all provided memorable performances and arcs that helped shape the central characters. Having a compelling enemy is crucial for the story to shine, making it pivotal that The Walking Dead properly replaces the CRM after Rick's spinoff. Thankfully, Daryl Dixon appears to have done exactly that, as the series managed to elevate one of its main antagonists who look like they could be a major problem going forward.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Reestablishes Genet As A Proper Threat
Her Torture Scene With Codron Proves How Menacing She Is
Given Genet's character has felt a little inconsistent throughout Daryl Dixon, she hasn't always been portrayed as a true threat, but season 2 thankfully fixed this. Although season 2's premiere put Genet at the end of Daryl's gun and made her appear relatively weak, episode 2 reestablished her as a menacing antagonist, particularly towards the episode's closing moments. A large portion of "Moulin Rouge" focused on Carol arriving in France and trying to track down Daryl, which subsequently helped highlight just how much power and influence Genet and her army have over the country.
French citizens were happy to give up their weapons and dedicate their support to Genet in exchange for a feast, showing the antagonist has a strong grip over her followers. However, her scene interrogating Codron was the icing on the cake. With Daryl Dixon seemingly redeeming Codron in season 2, the former villain faced Genet's wrath when she tortured him for information on Laurent, Isabelle, and Daryl. The blood pouring down Codron's chest and his cries of pain showed how ruthless Genet can be, and if this is her demeanor going forward, she could easily become the franchise's main villain.
Genet Is The Biggest & Best Villain In The Walking Dead Right Now
Genet Seems To Have A Realistic Goal & A Strong Faction To Back Her Up
With the CRM out of the picture, Genet is easily the best and most important villain in The Walking Dead. The Ones Who Live essentially wrapped up the CRM storyline, meaning they likely won't be back as villains anytime soon - if at all. In contrast, Dead City's antagonists will appear again in 2025, and while both the Dama and the Croat are interesting, neither of them feels as menacing as Genet. Daryl Dixon highlighted that Genet has control over the majority of France, which is far more influence than any other villain still alive currently.
The fact that her goals feel realistic and grounded - unlike the CRM's - while having a powerful faction to support her demonstrates Genet's power and why she should be taken seriously.
Her desire to rule the country and her experimentation on zombies are also extremely compelling to watch, which helps make Daryl Dixon arguably the best Walking Dead spinoff. There is also still more to explore regarding Genet's personality and background, adding to how intriguing her story is. The fact that her goals feel realistic and grounded - unlike the CRM's - while having a powerful faction to support her demonstrates Genet's power and why she should be taken seriously. Despite all this, she also still feels beatable, making her the ideal enemy for Daryl in his spinoff.
Is Genet A Threat To Alexandria? Will She Be?
Daryl Continuing To Oppose Her Could Become A Problem
If Genet really is The Walking Dead's new main villain, it raises questions about whether she is a threat to Alexandria alongside its allied communities and if she will be in the future. Currently, the American communities aren't in Genet's crosshairs as she is focused solely on ruling France. However, with Daryl being a constant thorn in her side and Carol arriving in the European country, this could all change. Carol was last seen going to Genet's base of operations, and if the villain is able to figure out Carol's connections to Daryl, she may learn about Alexandria.
As a result, she could use this information to threaten Daryl into giving up Laurent, as Genet already has ships that travel to America as seen in season 1. It's clear Genet is capable of sending soldiers to the US if she really wanted to, and while the villain may be reluctant to weaken her forces in France, taking down L'Union would make this less of an issue.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been officially renewed for season 3, which will take place in Spain.
Depending on how the rest of Daryl Dixon season 2 plays out, it's possible Genet will turn her attention to Alexandria, the Commonwealth, and possibly even the Civic Republic in the future, which would cement her as the franchise's main villain.
