Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon episode 5.
Summary
Carol's appearance in episode 5 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon hints at the possibility of another season, indicating that the story may not be fully concluded. The enigmatic phone conversation between Daryl and Carol suggests the impending arrival of a significant antagonist, potentially a fresh character or someone linked to the CRM.
Daryl Dixon's episode 5 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon featured Carol in a cameo, hinting at the possibility of a future season 12. The main series of The Walking Dead concluded after 11 seasons, but this latest spinoff episode suggests that there may be more to come. As the franchise continues to expand with spinoff shows, the overall narrative is not yet finished and there may be a need for another season to tie everything together.
There are other potential ways for this to occur, such as concluding The Walking Dead franchise with a film. However, considering that the previously canceled Rick Grimes movies transitioned into a series, it appears more probable that a television format would be utilized. While a definitive conclusion may not be imminent due to the renewal of multiple spinoffs for a second season, Daryl Dixon's recent cameo begins to lay the groundwork for something larger. With significant plotlines remaining unresolved in The Walking Dead universe, they may be addressed in separate spinoffs. Nevertheless, it is more likely that the major mysteries and narratives will be developed through the spinoffs and ultimately resolved in one final season of the main series.
Carol's Daryl Dixon Cameo Teases Another Main Walking Dead Villain
Carol's appearance in episode 5 of Carol's The Walking Dead has left fans speculating about the introduction of a potential new villain in the main Walking Dead story. In a flashback sequence, Daryl receives a phone call from Carol, during which he senses that something is amiss. Carol's hesitant and doubtful tone raises curiosity, and after persistent questioning from Daryl, she mentions that "he came back," without revealing the person's identity.
The mystery surrounding this call poses several unanswered questions. It could hint at the return of Rick Grimes and his unknown fate in the Walking Dead universe. Alternatively, it could point towards a character like Negan, considering the uncertain timeline between the main series' finale and the radio call. However, there is a chance that this person is a completely new and unseen villain. It is unlikely that the main show's major antagonists are involved, as most of them have already met their demise. Nevertheless, the introduction of a new threat who has already caused problems for the survivors off-screen remains a possibility.
Who The Walking Dead's Mystery New Villain Could Be
If Carol's appearance hinted at a main antagonist, it raises questions about the identity of this enemy or group. The most probable candidate is the CRM. The Civic Republic Military, who served as the primary antagonist in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, is an organization with a significant number of members and questionable motives. It is possible that their influence extends beyond the spinoff. Elizabeth Kublek was in charge of the CRM before Jadis took over, but both reported to Major General Beale, who might be the person Carol referred to. It is plausible that their influence has now reached the main group of survivors.
However, it is also possible that The Walking Dead could take a different direction and introduce a new villain or group. They might even introduce a CRM equivalent if they are not yet ready to fully explore that storyline, despite Rick's involvement. Another possibility is an extension of Daryl Dixon's adversaries, potentially with connections to the CRM. Genet, the main antagonist in Daryl's spinoff, has ships operating in America, as indicated by the backstory of Daryl's journey to France. Her group could easily extend their reach beyond France and pose a significant threat not only to Daryl Dixon but to the entire franchise.
Carol's Cameo Means Old Walking Dead Characters Have To Return Eventually
With Carol's appearance in Daryl Dixon, it is inevitable that older characters from the franchise will also make a comeback. Although Daryl's story didn't actually require other main show characters, Carol was included to contribute to a more extensive narrative. The spinoff has thrived as its own standalone story, so incorporating it into a larger franchise is a risky move, but it seems to have paid off. This suggests that characters will eventually have to return, as the main Walking Dead story relies on them, and Carol has hinted at a new impending threat.
The reunion between Rick and Michonne in The Walking Dead will take place next year, and there is potential for numerous other characters to make a comeback. Aside from the characters who survived season 11, there is also the possibility of bringing back those who went to Fear The Walking Dead, such as Morgan and Dwight. If Carol's cameo is the initial hint at a potentially larger storyline to come, it would make sense to have all the major players in The Walking Dead reunite, especially if they are facing the CRM as a threat. In order to defeat them, they would require every key survivor, even if it means Rick and Negan teaming up to bring their war full circle.
Why The Walking Dead Season 12 Is Still Possible
The Walking Dead's spinoff shows have become the norm, but there is still a strong possibility of a season 12. Although season 11 was intended to be the franchise's conclusion, it left many unanswered questions. The teaser of Rick and Michonne's return indicated their involvement in the show's continuation. Their spinoff will explore their reunion and likely involve a confrontation with the CRM. However, the reunion with other characters remains uncertain. The show lacked a proper ending, and introducing a season 12 or an equivalent would resolve that issue.
Initially, season 12 was on the table, but plans changed, leading to the creation of spinoffs instead. This decision further emphasized that the franchise was far from over. Carol's cameo may be just the start of potential crossovers between spinoffs. It appears that The Walking Dead is slowly building towards a larger narrative, with each show eventually playing a role in it. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon may have initiated the path to a crossover, introducing older characters and survivors from season 11. This essentially serves as a season 12, regardless of whether it carries that specific title.