The Ultimate Cliffhanger Unveiled: Daryl Dixon's Fate Revealed in Season 1 Finale of The Walking Dead

Warning: spoilers ahead for Daryl Dixon episode 6.

Summary

In the season 1 finale, there are subtle indications of Daryl's intention to remain in France alongside Laurent. The episode highlights instances of regret and uncertainty that Daryl experiences. Moreover, the significant role that Laurent plays in Daryl's life, as well as Daryl's desire for a fatherly figure, greatly impact his probable decision to stay in France.

Daryl and his friends are gearing up for a bigger battle in season 2 as The Union and Genet clash. Season 1 ends with Daryl putting a temporary halt to the battle against Genet and achieving his goal of leaving France. However, the ambiguous ending hints at more challenges to come. The finale, titled "Coming Home," seamlessly continues from the previous episode. It starts with Daryl and Quinn facing an army of supercharged zombies in a thrilling encounter. With the help of undercover rebels from the Union of Hope and a redeemed Daryl's former enemy, Isabelle, Daryl successfully fulfills his mission of delivering young Laurent to the Nest. Their arrival at this mystical sanctuary is met with an ecstatic reception.

Will Daryl Dixon Return To The United States?

Daryl finally fulfills his lifelong dream of crossing the Atlantic, but as he arrives at the northern coast of France, his plans are thrown into uncertainty with the unexpected arrival of Laurent. Suddenly, Daryl questions whether he truly wants to leave. The first season of Daryl Dixon's journey ends on a suspenseful note, leaving his decision undisclosed. Even if Daryl himself doesn't return to the United States, the final scene of Daryl Dixon season 1 does. Melissa McBride's character, Carol, makes her physical debut after a voice cameo in episode 5. The scene sets up Carol as a significant player in the storyline of Daryl Dixon season 2, while also promising exciting developments for AMC's expanded The Walking Dead franchise.

The ending of Daryl Dixon's storyline in season 1 leaves the question of whether he leaves France or remains with Laurent unanswered in a direct manner. However, various hints suggest that he chooses the latter option. When Daryl leaves the Nest, his face expresses doubt visibly. There is a contemplative and fearful expression as he gazes into the fire after setting up camp for the night. He also takes a lingering look at a zombie trapped in a tree and, most significantly, experiences a surge of emotions upon discovering his grandfather's grave. These moments highlight the presence of regret and uncertainty within Daryl, and Laurent's appearance on the beach serves as the final catalyst for Daryl to decide to stay in France.

Daryl Dixon's deliberation at the end of The Walking Dead spinoff suggests that he ultimately changes his mind and goes back to the Nest with Laurent. It would be strange for Laurent to catch up with Daryl on the beach only for Daryl to leave once the credits roll. Notably, the season 1 finale of Daryl Dixon's journey in France focuses on Daryl and Laurent, indicating that Daryl's heart lies with the boy rather than crossing the ocean.

While there are several reasons keeping Daryl Dixon in France, the most significant one is Laurent. Daryl has previously taken care of Judith and RJ, but his role was more like a protector or a cool, crossbow-wielding uncle. His relationship with Laurent is more paternal, with Père Jean and the nuns playing more of a teaching and caregiving role. Daryl's presence is important in Laurent's life, especially after being abandoned by his own father. He understands the negative impact his departure would have.

Daryl Dixon, amidst the zombie apocalypse, feels compelled to aid the Union of Hope in defeating Genet and Pouvoir des Vivants. Though he initially sees it as "not his fight," Daryl's inclination towards assisting the underdog in combatting a larger adversary has progressively become his way of operating. This deeper purpose is exemplified by Daryl's references to World War 2 and his own grandfather, who abandoned his family to battle Nazis. As Genet's Pouvoir des Vivants seeks to gain control of France in the aftermath of The Walking Dead's zombie outbreak, Daryl Dixon finds himself in a similar predicament, choosing to remain overseas where his presence is imperative in combating this malevolent threat.

Laurent Doesn't Have Powers (But Is Still Special To The Walking Dead's Universe)

Daryl Dixon season 1's conclusion confirms that Laurent does not possess any supernatural powers or the ability to see the future. The drawing Laurent supposedly created of Daryl washing ashore was actually a ploy by Isabelle to manipulate him into helping them reach the Nest. Despite this, Daryl Dixon still emphasizes his importance to the future of The Walking Dead.

The residents of the Nest greatly admire Laurent, and Losang, the leader of the Union, reaffirms his belief in Laurent's specialness. Throughout the series, Laurent has displayed intelligence, wisdom, and empathy beyond his years, even comforting a grieving widow in Paris. His ability to connect with people is his true strength in The Walking Dead, positioning him as the future leader of the Union and, if they can overpower Genet, a potential leader of France. As long as Losang doesn't expect Laurent to predict lottery numbers, the young boy will play a crucial role in keeping the hope of a French revolution alive.

Carol's Return - What Next For Melissa McBride's Walking Dead Character?

In the final scene of season 1, Daryl Dixon reunites with Melissa McBride's character, Carol, in The Walking Dead. Originally planned to be a main character in the spinoff before its move to Europe, Carol is now searching for Daryl after suspecting that something went wrong when he never returned to the Commonwealth. In the previous episode, Daryl informed Carol via radio that he was on his way home from the Maine coastline after finding fuel. However, due to Genet's intervention, he ended up washing ashore in Marseille instead. In her usual observant manner, Carol has taken it upon herself to find answers.

Following Daryl's motorcycle, Carol tracks it down to an unsuspecting survivor. The ending of season 1 shows Carol near Freeport, heading towards the trading point where Daryl was initially captured. Unbeknownst to her, this camp is controlled by the French paramilitary group, Pouvoir des Vivants. Carol will either uncover that her friend has been taken prisoner and try to escape to find him, or her inquiries will lead to her own capture. In either case, Genet could exploit Carol's relationship with Daryl as leverage against him.

Whether it's as a captive in need of saving or a lone hunter on the trail of Daryl Dixon in Europe, Melissa McBride appears destined to have a significant role in Daryl Dixon season 2, which has now been officially titled "The Book of Carol." With Carol gaining more prominence, future spinoffs of The Walking Dead will eventually uncover the identity of the enigmatic character Carol referred to as "coming back" during her conversation with Daryl on the radio, as well as shed light on why Carol seemed so suspicious. Following the uproar that erupted when McBride's departure from the spinoff was announced, having more of Carol in Daryl Dixon season 2 can only be viewed as a welcome development.

Daryl Dixon Season 2 Will Be L'Union Vs. Genet

While Daryl Dixon's first season may have concluded triumphantly for the Union, a new and more significant battle against Genet looms on the horizon. The episode "Coming Home" decisively establishes the certainty of further confrontations as both factions vie for control over the soul of France. Despite Daryl Dixon's actions disrupting Genet's De Gaulle Day celebration, it merely proves to be a minor obstacle in her relentless pursuit of dominance. In her quest to unify the nation under an oppressive flag, Genet must confront and neutralize the growing influence of the Union and its leader, Laurent.

Quinn's Sacrifice Explained (& Why Daryl Lies About It)

: The Union, on the other hand, anticipates Genet's forthcoming attack with great determination. As Losang confidently assures Daryl that they will be prepared, it becomes evident that the group may not actually be as ready as Losang believes when Daryl himself is seen training residents in the usage of firearms. This foreshadowing strongly suggests a continuation of the hostilities between Genet's supporters and Laurent's protectors in Daryl Dixon season 2. Genet's leadership is anticipated to usher France into a gloomy era of violence, oppression, and zombie experiments, while Laurent aims to guide France towards enlightenment, kindness, and tolerance. Despite the Union being the underdog in this fight, these unfavorable circumstances elucidate precisely why Daryl cannot depart until victory in the war is achieved.

While most of Daryl Dixon's core group members manage to survive the intense events of the season 1 finale, the greatest loss is suffered by Adam Nagaitis' character, Quinn. In a selfless act, Quinn bravely throws himself into a crowd of armed guards, resulting in his tragic demise. Later on, he resurfaces as one of the undead, but the reasons behind his sacrifice are far more intricate than the mere fact of his death. During the gladiatorial battle with the zombies, Quinn sustains a devastating injury that he pretends is just a minor burn from the acidic blood of a mutant. However, it becomes evident that the wound is ultimately fatal, as Daryl's reaction and Quinn's sudden weariness indicate.

Facing mortality evokes introspection in Quinn, leading the antagonist to finally recognize that his attempts to win back Isabelle with gifts and pastries, and by capturing his abandoned son, did not elevate his reputation. At the dying individual's insistence, Daryl severs Quinn's hand; however, this action does not serve the purpose of saving Quinn's life, as is typically the case in The Walking Dead's universe when body parts are voluntarily relinquished. Instead, it signifies the symbolic severing of the connection that binds Daryl and Quinn. Accepting his imminent demise, Quinn makes one final gesture of redemption by utilizing his remaining breaths to delay Genet's guards.

Although Quinn's death does possess an element of altruism, as he implores Daryl to inform Isabelle of his heroic act, there is a hidden motive behind this request. Daryl, aware of Quinn's nature, resorts to a white lie when Isabelle questions whether Quinn asked him to relay this message. Daryl's untruthful response is likely motivated by his desire to preserve Isabelle's memory of the man she once cared about in a positive light. Furthermore, Daryl discerns the authenticity of Quinn's remorse in his last moments and wishes to prevent Isabelle from believing otherwise. By safeguarding Quinn's honor through deception, Daryl not only implies his belief in the villain's redemption at the end of his life but also exhibits his own compassionate nature.

Why Codron Saves Daryl (& What Happens To Him Next?)

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Laurent's successful arrival at the Nest owes much gratitude to Codron, a determined antagonist who has been relentlessly pursuing Daryl since the very first episode, fueled by a thirst for vengeance over his fallen sibling. While presented with a golden opportunity to achieve his long-awaited revenge during Daryl Dixon's season 1 finale, Codron surprises everyone by turning on Genet, eliminating her soldiers, and allowing Daryl's group to escape. Codron's reasoning behind this unexpected act is seemingly simple - he encounters a moral obstacle that he cannot overcome. Although willing to commit heinous acts such as slaying nuns and harming defenseless elderly individuals, Codron draws the line at harming children. He candidly confesses to Genet, "They ordered me to kill the boy. I simply couldn't."

Originally, Codron's sole mission was to eliminate Daryl and avenge his brother's demise. However, upon learning about Laurent, Codron becomes open to apprehending the young boy on behalf of Genet. At no point did Codron agree to harm innocent children, and when faced with such an order, his integrity prevails. Nonetheless, it would be misguided to perceive Codron's decision to allow Daryl to proceed to the Nest as a resolution to their ongoing conflict. Codron explicitly warns, "Not today, Dixon. Next time." This clearly indicates that Laurent is the sole reason Codron showed mercy towards Daryl, and inevitably sets the stage for another confrontation between them in Daryl Dixon season 2.

The Real Meaning Behind Daryl Leaving The Rubik's Cube

If Codron manages to reach Daryl Dixon season 2, it is highly likely that Genet will seek revenge on him for betraying Pouvoir des Vivants. In the season 1 finale, Codron is prepared to face punishment from Genet, who promises that his suffering will only intensify. It is probable that Genet will resort to torturing Codron in order to extract the location of the Nest, thus enabling her to launch an attack on Daryl's new companions when the spinoff returns. Surprisingly, due to both men having incurred Genet's wrath, Daryl and Codron might find unexpected common ground in Daryl Dixon season 2.

Before leaving the Nest, Daryl places a fully solved Rubik's Cube on Laurent's bed. On the surface, this act serves as a symbol, communicating Daryl's deepening affection for the boy, both to Laurent and to The Walking Dead's audience. Throughout season 1, Daryl and Laurent often played with the cube, and it even sparked their initial conversation, making it a significant emblem of their bond. Daryl's decision to leave the cube behind can be seen as his clumsy way of bidding farewell.

Delving further into the story, the Rubik's Cube holds a significant meaning for Norman Reedus' character. Initially, when Daryl and Laurent first met, the boy gave Daryl the Cube, only to receive a dismissive response of "I'm not really good at sh*t like that." However, by returning the completed Rubik's Cube in Daryl Dixon's season 1 finale, Daryl is showcasing his growth throughout the spinoff. This starkly contrasts episode 1, highlighting Daryl's newfound patience and maturity - crucial skills for parenting - as he successfully masters the puzzle, exemplifying the transformative influence of being around Laurent.