The Heartbreaking Revelation That Deepens Daryl & Merle's Tragic Past in The Walking Dead
Unveiling Laurent's true father in The Walking Dead adds a heartbreaking layer to Daryl and Merle's backstory, forging a deeper connection between them A profound narrative twist that serves a crucial purpose in the show
Summary
The latest episode of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon reveals that Laurent's father is Quinn, making their backstory even sadder.
The resemblance in Quinn's character and Daryl Dixon's troubled past creates a parallel, as they both experienced the hardships of having terrible fathers.
Discovering Laurent's father's true nature brings Daryl and Laurent closer, establishing a personal connection between them and the possibility for a deeper bond.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for episode 3 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
The backstory of Daryl and Merle becomes even more heart-wrenching with the shocking revelation about Lauren's true parentage in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. In this episode of Daryl's spinoff series, it is revealed that Quinn, Isabelle's former lover and ally in the midst of the zombie apocalypse, is actually the biological father of Laurent. This truth comes as a surprise, as in the previous episode's flashbacks, there was no indication of any connection between Quinn and Lilly.
Ever since his introduction, Laurent has been the subject of great mystery, especially since the nuns perceive him as a Christ-like figure with the ability to save civilization. However, the spinoff series quickly addresses some of the questions surrounding his character. The true extent of his "special" abilities is yet to be determined, but his origins are no longer a matter of speculation. Isabelle is unaware that Laurent is the result of her past relationship with Quinn, who admits in episode 3 that their involvement was a "mistake." Since Isabelle left Quinn, he remained unaware of Laurent's existence, Lilly's unfortunate demise, and the peculiar circumstances surrounding Laurent's birth in Daryl Dixon.
Laurent's Father Mirrors Daryl Dixon's Own Backstory
Interestingly, Quinn's twist is reminiscent of the early seasons of The Walking Dead and the show's exploration of Daryl's backstory. In the original series, it was revealed that Daryl and Merle faced a tough childhood, as showcased in the episode "Chupacabra" from season 2. Both of their parents neglected them, with their father being an abusive alcoholic. This connection was alluded to in the premiere of the Daryl Dixon spin-off when Isabelle noticed the scars on Daryl's back, leading him to respond, "Daddy was a smoker."
How Laurent's Parentage Twist Brings Him Closer To Daryl
: Alike Daryl, Laurent never encountered life with an abusive father. However, both individuals share a common trait of having a morally corrupt dad. Though Quinn never had the opportunity to be a part of Laurent's life, the show unequivocally portrays his appalling parental qualities. His self-centered attitude, his willingness to abandon Lilly, and his behavior towards Isabelle at the nightclub all serve as proof of his numerous character flaws.
Despite their recent introduction, Daryl is well aware of Quinn's troubles. Opting to forego his opportunity for a boat after discovering that it would involve Isabelle striking a deal with Quinn reveals that Daryl has accurately assessed Laurent's father's true nature. Knowledge of this aspect of Laurent's father's character grants Daryl something he previously lacked: a personal connection to Laurent. With their contrasting personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives, it initially appeared that Daryl and Laurent had nothing in common. However, their newfound ability to relate to one another will make it easier for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon to cultivate a bond between these characters.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon releases new episodes on Amazon Prime Video.
