The Mind-Blowing Revelation That Will Change Everything for Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead

Warning: spoilers ahead for Daryl Dixon episode 5.

Summary

Daryl Dixon now knows about the origin of the zombie outbreak and Genet's experimentation with variant zombies.

This fulfills the mission Maggie gave Daryl in The Walking Dead's final episode.

Daryl's newfound knowledge has significant implications for the broader franchise and is shareable with other prominent characters. Daryl Dixon, the protagonist of AMC's The Walking Dead franchise, has recently become privy to two closely guarded secrets that redefine the lore. While his unexpected visit to France happened by chance, Norman Reedus' enduring protagonist managed to engage in meaningful experiences, including befriending rebel followers, acquiring an adopted child, and indulging in Mork & Mindy reruns. Additionally, Daryl Dixon has even discovered a replacement for his iconic crossbow, a new signature weapon. However, the most valuable outcome of his journey lies in the acquisition of two crucial insights that will forever alter his perception of the zombie outbreak.

France is established as the pivotal country in The Walking Dead: World Beyond's conclusion. It is not only believed to be the origin of the zombie outbreak, but it is also known for its extensive variety of cheeses, mirroring the diverse range of zombie types, including the dangerous Burner zombies encountered by Daryl in episode 1. With its significant role in the storyline, it is clear that AMC deliberately placed Daryl Dixon in France. This is further reinforced in Daryl Dixon episode 5, "Deux Amours," where it is revealed that Daryl is now aware of two major secrets that were previously unknown to him.

Daryl Dixon Now Knows How The Zombie Outbreak Started (Thanks To Genet)

The Walking Dead: World Beyond attributes the zombie outbreak to a group of French scientists known as the "Primrose Team." These scientists, who are now either imprisoned or executed, were responsible for unleashing the plague upon the world. In episode 5, during Genet's speech, the villain indirectly refers to the scientists and their actions, claiming that they released the disease due to greed and arrogance. The speech explicitly states that the virus originated in France and was man-made. Genet also suggests that the scientists were financially supported by wealthy sponsors, which is a plausible assumption.

Daryl, while in the gladiatorial pit, listens to Genet's vehement exposition through the room's PA system. These revelations are entirely new to Daryl, as throughout The Walking Dead's 11 seasons, Rick Grimes and his group remained unaware of the virus's origins. Even their encounter with Dr. Jenner at the CDC did not shed any light on the origin, as the French scientists had kept their involvement hidden from the international community.

Daryl Dixon episode 5 is, therefore, the first time Daryl would have heard any details regarding the zombie virus being created in a French lab, making him one of the few Walking Dead characters to learn the truth. As Genet's prisoner, Daryl doesn't have time to process this information - especially since he's about to find himself in an undead gladiatorial showdown. However, once the dust settles, the significant impact of Genet's speech about the zombie virus may finally sink in for Daryl Dixon's mind.

Getting Captured Showed Daryl The Truth About Zombie Variants

Not only has Daryl discovered how the zombie virus in The Walking Dead originated, but he has also stumbled upon other undisclosed information since leaving the United States. Following his capture in Maine, Daryl found himself imprisoned on Genet's floating laboratory. While attempting to escape, he encountered a remarkably agile climber, and it isn't far-fetched to assume that he also witnessed the numerous experiments being conducted on zombies aboard the vessel. Although Daryl Dixon may not possess the same intellectual prowess as Eugene or the same cunning as Carol, he is certainly capable of connecting the dots and deducing that Genet is somehow responsible for engineering different types of zombies.

Daryl Dixon's experience in France has only served to reinforce this truth. During his participation in Genet's arena in episode 5, Daryl observes as one of the zombies is injected with a vivid green substance and subsequently gains incredible speed. Daryl is no stranger to zombie variants, having encountered them briefly in season 1 of The Walking Dead and more prominently in season 11. However, in the main show, the origin of these super-zombies remained unknown, leading to speculation from Aaron and a bewildered reaction from Negan.

Although the specific details of these zombie variants are still a mystery, Daryl has uncovered their link to Genet's Pouvoir des Vivants. Furthermore, he has personally witnessed a drug that transforms a member of the undead community into a ferocious weapon, instead of a sluggish annoyance. With Genet's revelations about the outbreak, Daryl has gained significant knowledge and is now much more knowledgeable than he was at the conclusion of The Walking Dead season 11.

Why Daryl's New Knowledge Is So Important To The Walking Dead

Daryl's newfound understanding of The Walking Dead's zombie lore has significant implications for the franchise as a whole. If Daryl reunites with his old companions in the Commonwealth, he can share this information with them. Consequently, all the major characters from The Walking Dead would finally have some insight into how the outbreak started and why certain zombies have evolved. These revelations would then spread throughout the United States, enlightening the survivors about the apocalypse.

Interestingly, The Walking Dead's series finale foreshadowed Daryl being the one to deliver this news. Maggie sent him away to gather information about the post-outbreak world, and although Daryl admits that he encountered trouble, his capture by Pouvoir des Vivants in Maine proved to be a stroke of luck. Without this detour, Daryl would have returned to the Commonwealth having failed in his mission. Thankfully, due to his unexpected French journey, Daryl will come back home carrying two significant secrets to share with Maggie and his old friends.

Daryl Dixon continues Sunday on AMC.