The Walking Dead Strikes Back: A Classic Trope Returns in Double Dose!
Daryl Dixon honors The Walking Dead's iconic 'Don't Open, Dead Inside' message, adding a thrilling twist Discover other instances where the show cleverly reincorporates this memorable trope
Summary
The Walking Dead spinoffs, like Daryl Dixon and Dead City, honor the franchise by including nostalgic Easter eggs and references for longtime fans.
The "Don't Open, Dead Inside" message from The Walking Dead's first episode has become an iconic reference in its spinoffs, evoking a feeling of nostalgia and maintaining a sense of continuity. In contrast, spinoffs like Dead City cleverly subvert this trope, offering intriguing and unpredictable narratives.
Daryl Dixon, from The Walking Dead, pays homage to the show's pilot episode by incorporating a well-known trope as an Easter egg. Throughout the series, numerous hidden surprises are strategically placed within each episode, often requiring a second viewing to be noticed. The recurring usage of these tropes in both recent and future spinoffs demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand the franchise while maintaining nostalgic elements from the original series. Devoted fans of The Walking Dead can easily identify these Easter eggs and anticipate forthcoming developments.
With the introduction of additional spinoffs such as Daryl Dixon and Dead City, the creators aim to evoke sentimental feelings by incorporating respectful gestures. These nods to the franchise are cleverly integrated by the directors and producers, subtly encouraging audiences to pay close attention for Easter eggs and references. One particular trope featured in Daryl Dixon's premiere episode has garnered attention due to its homage to The Walking Dead's initial debut in 2010.
Daryl Dixon Honors The Walking Dead's "Don't Open, Dead Inside" Message
The introduction of the "Don't Open, Dead Inside" message takes place in the premiere of The Walking Dead. Rick Grimes, who was in a coma, awakens in the hospital and navigates through a hallway. Upon reaching a door adorned with these words, it becomes apparent that there are zombies on the other side. However, Rick is still unaware of the situation at hand. As he approaches the door, he is met with protruding hands and agonizing moans, which serve as a clear indication that something is gravely amiss. This iconic door has left a lasting impression on audiences, and it continues to be acknowledged and honored in spinoffs such as Daryl Dixon.
Other Times Walking Dead Repeated The "Don't Open, Dead Inside" Trope
In the initial installment of Daryl Dixon, the main character stumbles upon a seemingly abandoned factory. Unfamiliar with the French language, Daryl fails to notice the sign on the door. The sign, reading "Attention Affames," is a reference to the locals' term for zombies, which translates to "Attention Hungries." Oblivious to the impending danger, Daryl ventures into the factory only to come face to face with The Walking Dead's newly introduced burner zombies. This sign serves as a clear nod to a similar situation encountered by Rick in the pilot episode of The Walking Dead.
Other characters besides Daryl and Rick also encounter The Walking Dead's classic door trope. In Dead City season 1, this trope is repeated with a more direct reference saying "Do Not Open, Dead Outside." While trying to escape a horde of zombies and deciding to bring the Marshal along, Negan discovers a door that could lead them out of the infested building. However, the spray-painted words on the door indicate that it's the outside they should avoid. This turns the original message of The Walking Dead upside down, as Negan goes through the exact opposite of what Rick experiences.
The Walking Dead franchise effectively incorporates Easter eggs, enhancing the anticipation of loyal fans for upcoming spinoffs. With the conclusion of the main show after 11 seasons, there are numerous memorable scenes, characters, and locations that could be referenced by Daryl Dixon and even The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live to sustain the franchise's appeal. Viewers will now eagerly observe the spinoffs of The Walking Dead for any potential emergence of additional "Don't Open, Dead Inside" allusions in the new series.
