The Walking Dead: Unveiling the Dark Secrets Behind Daryl Dixon's Season 1 Finale

Summary

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 1 had compelling and layered villains, adding depth to the storyline and creating tension between characters.

Romain Levi and Anne Charrier found great joy in collaborating and developing their characters' connection, cultivating trust and passion while on set.

The incorporation of French dialogue in the show not only introduces a sense of peril but also adds a distinctive element to the narrative. Romain Levi specifically highlights how language barriers play a pivotal role in building suspense.

Warning: SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon introduced a beloved character to a surprising and memorable location, resulting in one of the show's strongest seasons since its debut in 2010. Norman Reedus, who portrays Daryl Dixon, once again delivers a standout performance, this time exploring themes of faith, hope, and sacrifice. Fans will be pleased to know that season 2 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is currently in production, promising more of this unique take on the Walking Dead universe.

One of the highlights of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 1 is the dynamic cast of villains. Known for its memorable antagonists, the Walking Dead franchise presents complex, conflicted, and distinctly human adversaries for Daryl's solo journey. Romain Levi and Anne Charrier portray two of the series' major antagonists, Codron and Genet, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline.

Romain Levi and Anne Charrier's expectations for season 2, their thoughts on the finale, and more were shared in an interview with Our website. It is important to note that this interview took place during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and without the hard work of the actors in that union, the show discussed here would not have come to life. The following content has been edited for length and clarity.

Romain Levi & Anne Charrier On The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Something I find captivating about the show is the intricate interplay among the antagonists. Genet and Codron have a rather strained camaraderie, devoid of true friendship, which creates a palpable sense of tension. How did collaborating with one another feel, and how did we manage to unearth such a compelling dynamic?

Anne Charrier: I absolutely loved it, it was a great experience. Exploring the dynamics between the characters and understanding why Genet easily trusts Codron in a world where she has control over everything was fascinating to me. Working on that aspect and collaborating with Romain was truly amazing.

Romain Levi: That's true. Although we didn't personally know each other prior to this project, I was familiar with Anne's work and reputation in France. She is an incredibly talented actress, so when I found out I was going to work with her, I felt a great sense of pride. In fact, I am still very proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her.

Anne Charrier: No, I am extremely proud!

Romain Levi: No, I—[Laughs]. Right from the start, I had a strong sense that we could rely on each other and that we would be there for one another during the scenes. It's not about "I'm acting, and you're acting"; we do it as a team. I sensed this right from the beginning, and it adds to the joy of performing when you can feel that level of trust between us.

Anne Charrier: We both share a common bond of trust and passion. Even in moments when we are not required on set, we choose to stay and observe.

The scene in episode six, where Daryl and Quinn fight the walkers in the pit, was particularly exciting. How did you feel shooting that? It appeared as though you had the opportunity to witness the action and enjoy yourself.

Anne Charrier: It was absolutely fantastic. We had an amazing time.

Romain Levi: I didn't even feel like I was actively participating because I was so engrossed in observing and anticipating the outcome; whether Daryl would survive or not. It was truly incredible. The intensity of the fight left me awestruck.

Anne Charrier: As actors, we found ourselves in the same perspective as our characters, albeit with varying interpretations. While our characters observed the arena, we, too, observed the set without obstructing anyone. It was an ideal position to witness the creation of a remarkable production. Dan Percival, the director of that particular episode, possesses exceptional talent. One could easily spend an entire day marveling at his work.

I recently spoke with Dan, and he inquired about my thoughts on the abundance of French dialogue in the show. Did the rest of the cast discuss this matter with him as well? Were you aware of the concerns regarding the amount of French spoken in the series?

Anne Charrier expressed her belief that it is advantageous to encourage people to think differently, observe more attentively, and step out of their comfort zones. She considers this to be beneficial for the show. Romain Levi also acknowledged the value of having French characters who speak in their native language, as it adds an element of danger and uncertainty, particularly for the character Daryl. This added complexity can contribute positively to the storyline.

When we last spoke, Romain, I had a burning question about that epic scene in episode 6 where Codron heroically rescues Daryl and Laurent. It made me realize that Codron and Daryl actually share striking similarities. Did you ever consider the possibility that, in a different realm, they could have been comrades or even close friends throughout the series?

Romain Levi: Absolutely. One aspect of the story that really resonated with me was how they drew parallels between the protagonist and the antagonist. Both of them experienced the loss of their brothers, which allowed them to empathize with each other. I find this concept fascinating because it highlights how quickly one can transition between good and bad in life. It all comes down to a choice and how we choose to act.

Anne, your character delivers a powerful and dramatic speech towards the end of the fifth episode, with the French flag draped over your head. Although they didn't show the entire speech, it seems like you had to deliver a lengthy dialogue. Did you shoot the whole speech in one take or did you have to memorize it all beforehand? Can you tell us about that experience?

Anne Charrier: Yes, I did. However, it's not extremely substantial. Both of us have a background in theater, so engaging with the audience comes naturally; it's an integral part of our profession and immensely exciting. Yet, portraying a political personality - that's a realm I haven't ventured into before. It was an incredible experience. I absolutely adored it.

Romain, is there a particular scene that stands out for you as a favorite in terms of your work?

Romain Levi: Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes, but one of my favorites was when Genet and the protagonist first encounter each other. I found it intriguing as it shed light on the character's motivations and emotions. It made me ponder, "What fuels his anger? Why does he hold such a strong desire to eliminate Daryl now?" It becomes evident that his actions stem from a heartfelt promise made to his parents. What I appreciated was that we could witness these depths of the character, even though he is portrayed as the antagonist. He may be the villain, but he possesses a genuine human side.

While I am aware that season 2 is in the works, I am uncertain if either of you will be part of it. Nevertheless, I am curious to know if there is anything specific that either of you would like to see unfold in the upcoming season.

Anne Charrier expressed her desire for Genet to become the universal king while acknowledging the extraordinary nature of everything in the universe. Romain Levi points out the unpredictability of the show and praises the writers, including David Zabel, for their ability to create unexpected moments and make anything possible.

About The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Daryl Dixon finds himself stranded in France in The Walking Dead and battles to comprehend the circumstances surrounding his arrival and the reasons behind it. Throughout the series, viewers witness his arduous expedition through a shattered yet determined France, as he desperately seeks a path back to his homeland. However, the relationships he forges during this journey only serve to complicate his ultimate objective.

Check back for our other The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon interviews:

Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Romain Levi, Eriq Ebouaney & Anne Charrier

Director Daniel Percival & Director of Photography Tomasso Fiorilli

Production Designer Clovis Weil

Romain Levi & Lukerya Ilyashenko (mid-season)

Louis Puech Scigliuzzi & Eriq Ebouaney (season finale)

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon can be streamed now on AMC+.