The Walking Dead: Unveiling Daryl's Untold Love Interests That Fans Have Been Longing For

While The Walking Dead primarily focused on the challenges of surviving a zombie apocalypse and the malevolence of other humans, it delved deeper into themes beyond mere survival horror. The series emphasized the importance of finding hope for the future, which included forming romantic relationships and starting families. Despite facing immense loss, such as Rick Grimes losing his wife and son, characters like him and Negan were able to find love and companionship. Even Eugene, who struggled with self-doubt, found someone who accepted him for who he truly was, and together they embarked on the journey of raising a child in a world they hoped would be better. However, amidst all these love stories, one character who never found romance was Daryl Dixon.

Daryl's journey in the show began as someone who lived in the shadow of his brother, but once he joined forces with Rick and the rest of the survivors, he transformed into a formidable protector and emerged as one of the key reasons why the surviving group managed to reach the conclusion of The Walking Dead intact. Despite his growth and development, one aspect that eluded Daryl throughout the series was a love story of his own. Fans speculated and shipped him with various characters, with Carol Peletier being the most prominent contender. However, Daryl ultimately remained a solitary figure, choosing to ride off into the sunset alone, symbolizing his status as a lone wolf.

Honorable Mention: Leah

Leah represented the closest Daryl had ever come to experiencing a genuine romantic relationship within the context of The Walking Dead. While they did have a romantic partnership and the potential for a future together, Daryl's fear and difficulty in letting someone into his life hindered their connection. Moreover, his focus on survival, adapting to a life with others instead of his usual solitary existence, and mourning the loss of his friend Rick further complicated their relationship. Although Leah is worth mentioning because they did have a relationship, it ultimately amounted to nothing. In fact, their relationship ended on a sour note, as Leah attempted to kill Daryl and his group after realizing he had betrayed her. She prioritized her allegiance to her own group, The Reapers, over her connection with Daryl.

Sasha

Sasha managed to form two romantic connections during the show, first with Bob and later with Abraham. The relationship with Bob turned out to be the more problematic one, considering Sasha's battle-hardened nature in contrast to Bob's more timid disposition, which often put those around him in peril. On the other hand, her bond with Abraham made more sense as both individuals possessed unwavering strength and resilience, making them a better match. However, it is worth noting that Sasha and Daryl could have also been a compatible pair, given their shared fighting spirit.

There was another compelling reason why Sasha and Daryl could have formed an intriguing alliance. Daryl's upbringing was marred by a toxic home environment, with his brother Merle being openly racist, which had a profound impact on Daryl for a significant period of time. However, witnessing his growing affection for Sasha could have showcased his personal growth and transformation into a more compassionate individual, distancing himself from the prejudiced views he was exposed to in his formative years. While Sasha had a strong bond with Abraham, Daryl had the potential to become a partner for her if they had developed a close connection beforehand. Both characters found themselves imprisoned by Negan and made considerable sacrifices to protect the group. Together, they could have formed an unstoppable duo on the show.

Alpha

Despite the unsettling nature of a potential romance in The Walking Dead, the disturbing truth about Alpha suggests that she possesses the capacity for relationships, albeit in a peculiar manner. She even embarked on a sexual encounter with Negan, presenting it as a reward for his accomplishments, although this may have been a form of positive reinforcement. Unfortunately for Alpha, her plan backfired when Negan ultimately betrayed her by slitting her throat, eliminating the threat she posed to his community.

While Daryl would never accept such an offer, both he and Alpha led lives akin to feral cats. They had no qualms about getting their hands dirty and were unconcerned with appearances, cleanliness, or being perceived as attractive. If Alpha hadn't been so wicked and merciless, and if she had somehow survived, the two of them could have formed a formidable duo. Negan's transformation demonstrated that certain villains could be rehabilitated, making it a possibility worth considering.

Jadis

Jadis, like Daryl, had a strong instinct for survival. Her speech consisted of fragmented sentences, indicating a feral transformation. If circumstances were different, Daryl and Jadis could have formed a bond. While Jadis showed an affinity for Rick and later Gabriel, Daryl would have been a true kindred spirit. Furthermore, Jadis would have appreciated Daryl's straightforward personality and fearlessness in battle.

Jadis, a person who preferred solitude and isolation from communities, would have been a perfect match for someone with similar inclinations under different circumstances. However, due to Jadis' role in kidnapping Rick Grimes, despite her saving his life, Daryl now seeks nothing from her except revenge.

Beth

What transpired between Beth and Daryl remains a mystery. Left to navigate the treacherous world on their own, they engaged in deep and personal conversations, shared drinks, and exuded an undeniable chemistry akin to a blossoming romance. However, their bond could also be perceived as that of siblings rather than lovers. The most poignant moments arose when Daryl and Beth found themselves in perilous situations, defending each other with unwavering determination. It seemed as though their union was bound by fate.

Whatever happened, Beth's life was tragically cut short before anything could unfold between her and Daryl, despite their profound emotional connection. Beth found herself in a hospital under the control of other survivors who enforced labor roles in exchange for protection. However, when Daryl arrived to rescue them, Beth seized the opportunity to defend herself by stabbing her captor, Dawn. Tragically, in a split-second reaction, the former cop instinctively shot Beth in the head. The sight of Daryl leaving the hospital, cradling Beth's lifeless body, remains one of the most heart-wrenching and devastating moments in the entire series. Did Daryl truly love Beth? The odds strongly suggest so.

Andrea

Andrea and Daryl were among the initial members of the group when the apocalypse struck. At that time, Daryl carried a heavy burden of anger and was prone to frequent outbursts and aggression. His distress over potentially losing Merle in Atlanta and his failure to locate Sophia during the second season only added to his frustration. On the other hand, Andrea had recently experienced the tragic loss of her sister in a zombie attack, which left her with suicidal thoughts. In the first season of The Walking Dead, Dale managed to convince her to escape from the doomed CDC, but she harbored resentment towards him for allowing her to survive.

While Daryl was finding his own path, Andrea remained in need of guidance. Unfortunately, she never received the support she sought, leading her to enter a twisted relationship with The Governor. This ultimately pushed her to the breaking point, resulting in her tragic demise due to a zombie bite. Had Andrea and Daryl formed a deep connection and supported each other's growth, the outcome may have been drastically different, particularly in terms of Andrea's destiny.

Michonne

Although Michonne and Rick were undeniably a beloved power couple on The Walking Dead, Michonne could have also been a perfect love interest for Daryl if circumstances had been different. Both characters are survivalists who are willing to fight for the well-being of their people, creating an immediate connection between them. The opportunity for Michonne and Daryl to potentially develop a romantic relationship arose after Rick's departure, but unfortunately, it never materialized. Instead, they both became integral figures in their respective communities, while Michonne continued to long for Rick. Her relentless search for him, upon learning he might still be alive, extinguished any possibility of romance with Daryl.

The Walking Dead comics presented an alternate reality for Michonne, showcasing how her circumstances could have been different. In this version, there was no Rick and Michonne as a romantic pair, just like there was no Daryl Dixon. Instead, Rick developed a deep connection with a character named Andrea, who had a distinct personality in the comics (the roles of Carol and Andrea were reversed in the comic storyline). This was the love story that unfolded for Rick, while Michonne found companionship with King Ezekiel. If Rick had formed a relationship with Andrea, just imagine the potential power couple that could have emerged on the TV show with Michonne and Daryl coming together.

Laura

Laura, once a high-ranking Savior under Negan, made the decision to switch sides and integrate into the community after his downfall. Despite her actions, it would be unfair to label her as an evil character, as her sole motivation was simply to survive. In a flashback during the season 10 finale titled "Here's Negan," Laura was portrayed as a heroic figure even before the emergence of the Saviors. There were hints of a potential romantic connection between her and Daryl, but unfortunately, circumstances prevented that from blossoming. The introduction of the Whisperers ultimately shattered any possibility of their relationship when Beta ruthlessly took Laura's life, effectively concluding her intricate character development.

With the lingering speculation surrounding the potential outcomes in The Walking Dead had certain characters not met their demise, the question arises as to whether Laura could have emerged as a formidable ally and warrior in the future. Undoubtedly, Laura stands among the characters in The Walking Dead who deserved a greater share of the spotlight, and it is not difficult to envision someone of her tenacity forging a powerful bond with Daryl, had she not tragically perished.

Jesus

Daryl's sexuality has always been a lingering mystery in the series, leaving fans wondering about the possibilities. It's conceivable that he and Jesus might have explored a romantic connection at some point. Initially, the two characters appeared to be complete opposites. Jesus was sociable, charismatic, and adept at interacting with people, whereas Daryl was a solitary individual who harbored mistrust and rarely spoke. Viewers were captivated by the dynamic between them when they were first introduced. If circumstances had allowed them to collaborate more frequently and develop a genuine bond, their relationship could have evolved into something deeper.

There was also an intriguing narrative that unfolded if Daryl were to discover his own homosexuality. He formed a strong bond with Aaron and Eric, the first openly gay couple on The Walking Dead. It was through their assistance that Daryl managed to fix his motorcycle, and despite his past prejudices, Daryl never looked down upon Eric and Aaron. This experience raised questions about his own sexuality, especially since he never pursued any of the fans' preferred romantic pairings. In the comics, Aaron was in a relationship with Jesus, who unfortunately met his demise in the TV show. If Daryl were to identify as gay, there would be no better match on the show than Jesus as his partner.

Maggie

It might have been uncomfortable for Daryl to pursue a romantic relationship with Maggie considering his close bond with her sister, Beth. Moreover, Maggie and Glenn were already married and deeply in love at that time. However, if Maggie hadn't been smitten with Glenn from the beginning, she and Daryl could have been a great match. Maggie was always a determined leader, but she also evolved into a formidable warrior over time. In an alternate scenario, they could have been a perfect couple. Unfortunately, given that Daryl's actions led to one of the most brutal deaths in The Walking Dead, when Glenn met his tragic end at the hands of Negan's bat, it is difficult to envision a successful outcome for their relationship.

With the aftermath of Negan's actions, the possibility of Maggie and Daryl forming a romantic bond became non-existent. Although Maggie didn't explicitly hold Daryl accountable for Glenn's demise, it was undeniably his responsibility. Moreover, the tragic loss of Glenn left Maggie disinterested in pursuing love or seeking companionship. Ultimately, both Daryl Dixon and Maggie Rhee reached a similar conclusion, concluding that they were better off embracing solitude.

Connie

Connie's deafness posed a challenge for Daryl when it came to communication. However, he found creative ways to connect with her, using the limited sign language he knew, along with gestures, facial expressions, and even sweet love notes. Their mutual affection for each other was evident, and their bond remained strong. Despite the heartbreaking belief that Connie had been killed due to Alpha's manipulations, Daryl never gave up hope and tirelessly searched for her. Fortunately, Connie managed to survive, reigniting the possibility of a peaceful and happy future together for the two of them.

Connie's survival in The Walking Dead finale did not lead to a romantic happily ever after with Daryl Dixon. Despite being part of the final battle, Connie made a point to find Daryl and embrace him. This heartwarming moment revealed Daryl's newfound fluency in sign language, allowing him to communicate with her, and he appeared genuinely pleased to see her happiness. However, Daryl chose to leave the Commonwealth and Connie behind in order to embark on a search for Rick, indicating that he had given up on yet another potential romance in the world of The Walking Dead.

Carol

Viewers witnessed undeniable chemistry between Carol and Daryl since the early seasons, and their bond has only strengthened over time despite numerous challenges. They share a deep understanding and would go to great lengths for one another, creating an unbreakable connection. While their relationship may be seen as a close friendship, there always seems to be an underlying romantic tension. Unfortunately, given the tragic events that have unfolded, especially those that have affected Carol deeply, it appears that the opportunity for something more has passed them by.

However, no one held a more significant place in Daryl's heart than Carol - surpassing even his own brother, Merle, and closest friend, Rick. Fans had long yearned to witness Daryl and Carol's union, but despite the show's intermittent hints, it never materialized. As Daryl's departure seemingly marked the end of their connection, the recent revelation of Carol's potential appearance in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon hints at the possibility of their love story continuing.