Summary
The conclusion of Rick Grimes' spinoff changedThe Walking Dead’s future, but it also made oneDaryl Dixoncharacter more important.The Ones Who Liveis the latestWalking Deadspinoff, and it finally brought Rick Grimes and Michonne back to the series after years away from the franchise. After six compelling episodes,The Ones Who Live’s endingsaw the protagonists defeat the CRM and reunite with their children, providing fans with some closure to their story. However, the conclusion also had ramifications on another show as the spinoff impactedDaryl Dixonand one of its central characters.
Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carolwill premiere in the summer of 2024.
Just likeThe Ones Who Live,Daryl Dixondebuted to strong reviews and introduced several new characters as Daryl took the series outside of America for the first time. While Carol will be joiningDaryl Dixonseason 2’s cast, the spinoff has put far more of an emphasis on its new additions compared toDead CityandThe Ones Who Live. As a result, this has created a plethora of new survivors who could become a huge part of the franchise’s future, andone character in particular has become far more important after Rick Grimes' spinoff.
Genet’s Daryl Dixon Role Is Even More Important After The Ones Who Live Wasted Major General Beale
Major General Beale’s Sudden Exit Puts More Pressure On Genet To Step Up
WithThe Ones Who Livewasting Major General Beale, Genet’s villainous role inDaryl Dixonbecomes far more important.Major General Beale was one ofThe Walking Dead’srecent main antagonists as he led the CRM in Rick and Michonne’s spinoff. Beale was first referenced inWorld Beyond, and with the franchise building up the CRM as the next major villain, Beale seemed like he would have a pivotal role.The CRM had been teased for years inThe Walking Deaduniverse, but their swift defeat led to Beale being killed offdespite being such an intriguing enemy.
This creates more pressure onDaryl Dixonto avoid doing the same with Genet. The spinoff’s return seems less than a few months away, but it can’t afford to write off another key villain shortly after Beale. Genet may not have the same build-up and be a little less intimidating than Beale and the CRM, but she still holds a lot of power in France. Therefore, she should remain the central antagonist inDaryl Dixonrather than introducing a new threat for season 2, andGenet should be given even more power now that Beale is gone.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Must Make Genet More Dangerous
Genet Could Have Been More Intimidating In Daryl Dixon Season 1
Despite being the leading antagonist in season 1,Daryl Dixonmust make Genet more dangerous next season. Although she held a lot of control over France,Genet’s plan inDaryl Dixoninvolved taking over the entire country and she needed Laurent to help her achieve this since he is so inspirational. Many of the French people still rebelled against Genet and her group due to her unethical methods of control, which included experimenting on zombies and forcing her enemies to fight against variants, yet Genet still feels like a slightly underwhelming enemy despite her forceful attempt at taking over France.
Genet’s evil acts fail to compete with some ofThe Walking Dead’s best villains, and even Codron felt more menacing at times. Codron’s group was responsible for killing the nuns in episode 1 which was one of the spinoff’s most violent scenes. Genet may have plenty of control, but despite her lack of morality, she still gave Daryl a chance to fight for his life which ultimately led to him fleeing her stronghold with Isabelle and Laurent. Given she commands such a large group,Genet has to be more dangerous in season 2 to make her a truly memorable antagonist.
Although Genet’s introduction wasn’t as intimidating as the likes of Negan’s or Alpha’s,The Walking Deadneeds to make her franchise’s next big villain. Major General Beale’s departure left the franchise without a major antagonist, and Genet would be the perfect character to fill this void. Her group has shown some similarities to the CRM by their violent methods and desire for complete supremacy over their country, making Genet a strong like-for-like replacement. The series can also make her more brutal as it progresses, and she could develop a more personal grudge with Daryl.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Must Repeat The Episode 1 Trick That Saved Rick’s Walking Dead Spinoff
Daryl Dixon season 2 will reintroduce Melissa McBride’s Carol, but her return should take a lesson from Rick and Michonne’s Walking Dead spinoff.
Having her grow to resent Daryl could make their fight more personal, especially if she was responsible for killing either Laurent or Isabelle. This could escalate the conflict all the way to America, making her influence expand across multiple continents like the CRM allegedly did. Even ifThe Walking Deaddoesn’t plan on making her the next major antagonist,building Genet up to be a truly menacing threat inDaryl Dixonwould amplify whoever does fill this roleas they would have someone to compare with, making it essential that the franchise elevates Genet’s role as an antagonist.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
In a post-apocalyptic France, the series follows Daryl Dixon as he navigates the complexities of a new landscape. Separated from his familiar world, Daryl faces unexpected challenges and forges new alliances while confronting the lingering threats of a walker-infested reality.
