Warning: spoilers ahead for Daryl Dixon episode 3.
Summary
Daryl Dixon's spinoff debunks theories surrounding Laurent's purpose, indicating that he is simply a regular boy rather than a messiah possessing supernatural powers. In essence, Daryl clarifies that the belief in Laurent's uniqueness serves as a source of hope within the treacherous realm of the apocalypse, yet the characters are now beginning to confront the undeniable truth.
Laurent's exceptional emotional maturity and intelligence set him apart, although he does not possess any supernatural abilities.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has effectively dispelled various theories concerning a key character, which could significantly alter the direction of the show. As Daryl Dixon's spinoff series approaches its midway point, there has been a growing curiosity among viewers regarding the characters and potential future of The Walking Dead. With numerous theories circulating, it was inevitable that some would prove false, leading to further speculation about Daryl Dixon's ultimate trajectory. In the recent episode titled "Paris sera toujours Paris," it appears that Daryl himself has debunked one of the major theories surrounding Laurent's role in the show.
Laurent was prominently featured in Daryl Dixon's trailers and preview photos, suggesting that this young boy played a central role in the narrative set in France. Daryl, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of escorting the child to a group in Paris, has expressed some doubts about his mission and his role in Isabelle's plan. While viewers have yet to witness the unfolding of the upcoming Daryl Dixon episodes, there is a possibility that The Walking Dead has misled us about Laurent. However, this does not rule out the potential for further plot twists involving this character.
The Walking Dead Is Telling You Laurent Isn't Special
From the start of Daryl Dixon's spinoff, hints were dropped about Laurent being a messiah due to his prophetic abilities, which allowed him to predict Daryl's arrival in France. Theories even suggested a twist involving supernatural powers in the Walking Dead franchise, potentially revolutionizing it. However, in episode 3, "Paris sera toujours Paris," Daryl reveals that the so-called messiah is just an ordinary young boy who happened to be lucky at birth. This statement significantly impacts Daryl Dixon, as it implies that Laurent is not actually special, subsequently altering his purpose and future in the spinoff.
Daryl's vocalization of this revelation to other characters indicates a shift in direction for The Walking Dead spinoff. With the possibility of Laurent not being a messiah with supernatural abilities, the narrative must explore a different path, one that focuses on something bigger than the child, such as the newly discovered zombie experiments. Daryl's disclosure helps cushion the impact of future plot developments in the spinoff and prevents the audience from forming new theories about Laurent's character.
Daryl Explains Why Everyone Believes Laurent Is Special
Daryl's explanation to Isabelle about the significance placed on Laurent is rooted in the dangerous world they find themselves in. The group, in order to maintain hope and purpose amidst the apocalypse, needs something positive and genuine to believe in. Even if the notion is unrealistic, the motivation it provides prevents people from feeling powerless and completely losing hope. Isabelle's shocked but solemn expression suggests that she realizes the validity of Daryl's perspective, possibly leading to a change in her plan as she and Daryl set out to find Laurent in episode 4.
It appears that Laurent serves as a beacon of hope for the group, especially after they have lost their home to Daryl Dixon's latest antagonists in Walking Dead. Isabelle, still affected by her sister's tragic demise during childbirth, wants to believe that her sister's sacrifice gave Laurent a deeper purpose as a survivor of the zombified birth. Now, Isabelle might feel a responsibility to provide Laurent with a better life, which explains why she and her former nuns believed he would become a Messiah in the future. As reality finally dawns on these characters, Laurent can live a normal childhood without the pressure of being a leader.
Why Laurent Seems So Special In The Walking Dead
Based on what has been revealed in the show, Laurent is an extremely intelligent and emotionally mature child who possesses the ability to empathize with others by understanding their emotions and thoughts. These qualities alone make Laurent an exceptional character and one of the most brilliant individuals in The Walking Dead universe. However, it is important to note that Laurent does not possess any supernatural abilities or immunity to the virus. Isabelle believed that Laurent's prophetic drawing indicated that he could be a potential messiah, but it is possible that his artwork is simply a coincidental expression of a child's imagination. Given his upbringing in a religious community, the imagery in the picture may merely represent a higher power watching over them during the apocalypse.
Although Laurent does exhibit unique qualities and plays a significant role in the story, it appears that the focus of Daryl Dixon's spinoff is on exploring the origins of the stronger zombie variants. Additionally, there may be unexpected plot twists involving Laurent's character that deviate from the audience's theories. Nevertheless, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has debunked the notion of Laurent being "special," thereby shifting the narrative direction of this spinoff and setting the stage for other storylines with greater significance.
Daryl Dixon continues Sunday on AMC.