Following the success of HBO's The Last of Us, the spotlight is now on season 2. Surprisingly, an unexpected yet perfect alternative to the show has already emerged. Despite the immense popularity of the video game franchise, The Last of Us debuted as one of the year's most loved shows, surpassing all expectations. The series brilliantly adapted its source material, intensifying the anticipation for season 2. Craig Mazin, the show's creator, has confirmed that production will commence promptly once the strikes conclude. A recent announcement revealed that a deal has been reached with writers, potentially expediting the next season's progress. However, even if The Last of Us season 2 immediately enters the next stages, it will likely be quite some time before any trailers or release dates are revealed. Thankfully for devoted fans, there is already an ongoing show that serves as the ideal substitute. This latest hit zombie series incorporates elements from The Last of Us while also boasting its own unique components and an established fan base, solidifying its position as the ultimate replacement.
Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Is The Perfect Last Of Us Replacement
Surprisingly, Daryl Dixon, the latest spinoff from The Walking Dead, proves to be an ideal replacement for The Last of Us. Once considered the dominant zombie show, The Walking Dead faced a decline in popularity, with HBO's zombie hit seemingly taking its place. However, against all odds, The Walking Dead has managed to regain relevance, thanks to the compelling character of Daryl Dixon.
Despite concerns about the show's declining reputation, The Walking Dead has successfully overcome them, receiving positive reviews from both audiences and critics. What sets this spinoff apart is its ability to blend elements from both The Walking Dead and The Last of Us, creating a captivating and unique narrative. Fans of The Walking Dead can still enjoy their favorite character battling walkers but in a fresh and unfamiliar setting. At the same time, fans of The Last of Us will appreciate the inclusion of familiar plot points and dynamic relationships.
Daryl Dixon Isn't A Last Of Us Copycat - But Does Have Similarities
Daryl Dixon does not simply copy The Last of Us, despite their similarities. While there are notable resemblances, such as Laurent and Ellie, the focus and dynamics differ between the two shows. In The Last of Us, the main storyline revolves around Joel's mission to transport Ellie to the Fireflies, as she is believed to be immune. On the other hand, in The Walking Dead spinoff, Daryl's objective is to safely guide Laurent across France, as he is considered special.
The relationship between Ellie and Joel centers around their direct influence on each other's lives, whereas Daryl's connection with Laurent is less direct. Instead, the focus shifts towards Daryl's relationship with Isabelle, Laurent's aunt.
Additionally, Daryl and Joel share somewhat similar motivations, as they both choose to assist due to personal gains. Daryl seeks a return to America, while Joel's motive is acquiring weapons. Furthermore, the parallel of Ellie and Laurent's birth exists. Ellie's mother passes away during childbirth, while Laurent's mother succumbs to being bitten and turns into a walker before giving birth.
Despite these similarities, Daryl Dixon manages to establish its own identity and avoids being perceived as a mere copycat of The Last of Us. This distinction contributes to its success in terms of ratings.
How Daryl Dixon Has Reinvigorated The Walking Dead Franchise
The conclusion of The Walking Dead in 2022 initially signified a decline for the franchise, but the introduction of Daryl Dixon has revitalized the entire series. Taking a risk by relocating Daryl to France and separating him from the main cast has proven to be a successful decision, as it has introduced a fresh setting, new characters, enemies, and storylines. As a result, Daryl Dixon now holds the highest Rotten Tomatoes score among all The Walking Dead projects, surpassing even the main show that once boasted 17 million viewers.
Daryl Dixon's presence has breathed new life into The Walking Dead universe and generated heightened anticipation for upcoming spinoffs. The Daryl spinoff has already been renewed for a second season, alongside the confirmed return of Rick Grimes in Dead City and The Ones Who Live. Although the franchise may not be as popular as it once was, these new shows undoubtedly bring excitement and relevance that has been absent for many years. While Daryl Dixon may not directly compete with The Last of Us, it provides an alternative for fans who eagerly await the next season.