Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 5.Despite Daryl and Isabelle forming a romantic connection in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, the protagonist has refused to admit his true feelings. Having started as unlikely allies in season 1, Daryl and Isabelle's relationship continued to develop as the two traveled across the country protecting Laurent. While Daryl intended to return to the United States after the mission was done, his bond with Laurent alongside his feelings for Isabelle left him unsure about where he truly belongs. Thankfully, Daryl stayed long enough for his relationship with Isabelle to reach the next level, as the two kissed in season 2.
Naturally, this changed the dynamic between them, as they began thinking about the future and planning their life with Laurent in the Commonwealth if they reached America. Unfortunately, they still had to overcome plenty of obstacles, leading to both of them being captured and imprisoned by The Union of Hope. Even in such a bleak situation, there was still some optimism about their future as Isabelle told Daryl she loved him, but the protagonist never said it back. It's clear he feels the same way about her, yet Daryl has refused to verbalize his true emotions, even after losing Isabelle.
Daryl Dixon Is Deliberately Trying To Avoid Thinking About Isabelle Being Dead
The Protagonist Immediately Focused On Finding Laurent After Isabelle's Death
Although their strong chemistry and growing connection indicated Daryl and Isabelle might get a happy ending in The Walking Dead, Isabelle's death quickly changed that. Despite being one of the best-supporting characters in the show, she was killed off in season 2, episode 4, which is something Daryl has desperately tried to avoid thinking about. The protagonist was lucky enough to get a chance to say goodbye after talking to Isabelle while she was bleeding out, but even then, he didn't admit his feelings and quickly attempted to move on by directing all his attention to finding Laurent.
Carol even confronted him about his feelings and suggested he loved Isabelle, but Daryl only gave her a half smile before changing the subject.
His frantic actions and agitated behavior immediately after the incident suggested he hadn't quite processed Isabelle's Walking Dead death, and even after some time to reflect, he bottled his emotions. Carol even confronted him about his feelings and suggested he loved Isabelle, but Daryl only gave her a half smile before changing the subject. Alongside refusing to admit he loved her, Daryl also doesn't talk much about Isabelle in episode 5, despite having to tell Laurent what happened, which is his attempt to avoid thinking about the fact she is dead, even though his allies know the protagonist's true feelings.
Even Before She Died, Daryl Didn't Want To Admit His Feelings For Isabelle
Daryl Never Told Isabelle He Loved Her Despite Having Romantic Feelings For Her
Daryl's refusal to confess his feelings for Isabelle goes beyond just wanting to avoid facing her death, as he also didn't admit he loved her even when she was alive. Their romantic story may have only lasted a few episodes, but Daryl still had the opportunity to tell Isabelle the truth. Not only could he have admitted his feelings when Isabelle said she loved him, but he also had the opportunity while she was dying. Still, he hid his true affection for Isabelle, proving there is a deeper reason behind Daryl keeping his emotions bottled away.
While his decision could be because The Walking Dead still wants a Daryl and Connie romance in the future, it feels more down to Daryl always struggling with his feelings. In the early seasons, he was a relatively hot-headed character who often sparked confrontation before growing into a more hardened and reliable survivor. Despite changing for the better, Daryl has never been overly talkative when it comes to opening up about grief or love and usually moves on by focusing on something else, just as he did after Isabelle's death.
Therefore, Daryl's failure to tell Isabelle he loved her isn't because it's not the truth. Instead, it comes down to the protagonist being cautious about opening up to people, which has been a constant for him throughout The Walking Dead.
Why Daryl Dixon Has Always Struggled To Talk About His Feelings In The Walking Dead
Daryl Bottles His Emotions As He Has Lost So Many People Close To Him
Despite his many strengths, one of Daryl's biggest flaws throughout the apocalypse has always been opening up to his loved ones, and it likely stems from all the loss he has suffered. Having had a rough and abusive upbringing, being strong-willed and concealing his emotions is something that was ingrained into Daryl from a young age. However, the outbreak forced him to be even more cautious about his feelings. With the new world making death far more common, it seems Daryl adapted by being resilient and suppressing his emotions, even when facing a heartbreaking loss.
Daryl had to deal with his brother's death in season 3 alongside losing other close allies, such as Beth and Glenn. He also presumes Rick Grimes is dead and watched his former love interest Leah get killed by Maggie, proving how difficult his time in the zombie universe has been. As a result, Daryl has seemingly found it easier to hide his emotions and has often struggled to talk about them just like in Daryl Dixon, but with Carol being his closest remaining ally in the franchise, it's possible he could open up about Isabelle in the future.
