Daryl Dixon's Epic Escape: Unveiling the Untold Threat in His Walking Dead Spinoff
Daryl Dixon skillfully evades a disastrous storyline that could jeopardize his Walking Dead spinoff Find out why Isabelle's 'Concern' line ensures no romance for Daryl and avoids potential ruin (280 characters)
Warning: spoilers ahead for Daryl Dixon episode 4.
Summary
The solo project of Daryl Dixon successfully avoids a narrative mistake that the spinoff has been in danger of since its first episode. Despite the teasing of romantic tension between Daryl and Isabelle, the most recent episode solidifies that their relationship is purely platonic. This is primarily due to Isabelle's commitment to her religious vows and their separate character journeys.
A romance between Daryl and Isabelle would not only be predictable, but also hinder their personal development and diminish the unresolved romantic tension between Daryl and Connie in the original Walking Dead series.
In The Walking Dead series, Daryl Dixon has managed to avoid a storytelling mistake that the spinoff has been on the verge of making since its first episode. Despite being the newest addition to The Walking Dead spinoffs, Norman Reedus' individual project has received a positive response so far, becoming the highest-rated show from The Walking Dead franchise on Rotten Tomatoes. With its distinct tone and setting in France, Daryl's journey to protect child prodigy Laurent and find sanctuary in the Nest offers a unique experience unlike anything seen in AMC's The Walking Dead universe before.
Joining Daryl and Laurent on their journey is Isabelle, Clémence Poésy's sister, who also happens to be Laurent's aunt. Isabelle, known as the "killer nun," carries a troubled past. Throughout their travels, Daryl and Isabelle, who essentially play the role of Laurent's parents, spend numerous cold nights together. It's not surprising that Daryl Dixon has playfully hinted at a romantic connection between them. In an episode dedicated to Daryl Dixon, he generously offered to sleep on the floor, allowing Isabelle to have the only available bed. However, Isabelle reassured him that they both could fit under the covers. Although nothing steamy occurred, this interaction is a tried-and-true technique on TV to ignite passion between two characters.
Isabelle's "Concern" Line Means A Daryl Dixon Romance Won't Happen
In episode 4 of "La Dame de Fer," Isabelle discusses the possibility of romantic involvement for the first time. During a conversation with fellow nun Sylvie, Isabelle admits that she has not experienced any romantic feelings since she became a nun. When Sylvie inquires specifically about their attractive American friend, Isabelle reassures her that what Sylvie saw was merely concern. This statement from Isabelle confirms that there is no romantic connection between Daryl Dixon and the nun, despite moments of sexual tension and jealousy-driven remarks from Quinn. While Isabelle and Daryl do care for each other, it seems that a romantic relationship has definitely been ruled out.
Why A Daryl & Isabelle Romance Would Ruin The Walking Dead Spinoff
Additionally, Isabelle and Sylvie's discussion highlights a crucial obstacle in Daryl's quest for an unholy union: Isabelle's commitment to her vows. When Sylvie opens up about her growing attraction to a local rebel, she seeks Isabelle's approval. Isabelle readily grants it, recognizing that Sylvie, who became a nun right before the outbreak, never got the chance to experience life pre-virus. Isabelle candidly mentions her own life before taking her vows, demonstrating that she had a rich past. This interaction underscores Isabelle's unwavering dedication to her vows even in the face of the zombie apocalypse and the destruction of her convent. Her faith is an essential part of her character, and no charming, deep-voiced stranger can alter that fact.
The decision made by Daryl Dixon in episode 4 to rule out a romantic relationship with Isabelle is a huge relief. If their storyline had unfolded differently, it would have risked undermining the narrative of Daryl's spinoff. It is far too common in television for male and female leads to be paired solely because they are male and female, a tired and predictable trope from a time when heterosexual relationships were the norm. Additionally, a forced romance between Daryl and Isabelle would have hindered the development of both characters' individual journeys.
The Walking Dead has yet to address the unresolved romantic storyline involving Daryl Dixon. Despite Season 11 setting the stage for a possible love connection with Connie, their relationship never fully materialized. However, the series finale hints at lingering feelings between the two, leaving the possibility open for resolution in the future. On the other hand, pursuing a romance between Daryl and Isabelle, the nun, would contradict her religious vows, a fundamental aspect of her character. Ultimately, neither Daryl, Isabelle, nor the audience would gain anything from a romance between them. Therefore, Daryl wisely puts an end to this potential storyline. Catch Daryl Dixon's ongoing journey on AMC this Sunday.
