When Daryl Dixon first appeared in the new The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon series, fans were left puzzled: How did the iconic character end up in France, a continent away from his home in the U.S.?
With no planes operating in the apocalyptic world, viewers had many questions about how Daryl managed to make such a long journey.
This article breaks down the key moments that explain how Daryl found himself washed ashore in France, miles away from everything and everyone he knew.
Daryl’s Capture and Escape on a Ship
At the start of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, fans are introduced to Daryl as he washes up on the shores of France. But how did he get there in the first place?
- Captured on a ship: Through flashbacks and bits of dialogue throughout the series, it’s revealed that Daryl was taken prisoner on a ship transporting walker test subjects from America to France. He was part of a group used in experiments to study walker variants.
- Daryl’s revolt: True to form, Daryl didn’t stay captured for long. He led a revolt on the ship, destroying the research and causing chaos. During the rebellion, Daryl managed to escape the vessel as it began to sink, ultimately washing up on the French coast.
Why Did Daryl Dixon End Up in France?
While the show explains how Daryl physically got to France, the larger question is why. Here’s what the series hints at:
- A series of bad decisions: In Episode 5, Daryl vaguely mentions that a series of bad decisions led to him being on the boat. Before his capture, Daryl had been on a mission in Maine (in New England), working with a group that captured walkers for fuel. His path took a dark turn after an altercation with another man led to his forced exile on the ship.
- The walker experiments: The ship Daryl was imprisoned on was transporting walker test subjects for research. Scientists in France were experimenting with new variants of walkers, a practice that has become central to the storyline in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Daryl’s role in destroying that research is key to understanding his reason for being in France.
Daryl’s Decision to Stay in France
At the end of Season 1, Daryl has completed his mission of delivering Laurent to the safe zone known as The Nest in Mont-Saint-Michel.
However, his journey doesn’t end there. Though Daryl initially plans to return to the U.S., several factors keep him in France:
- Laurent’s plea: Laurent, the young boy Daryl has been protecting, begs him not to leave. Daryl feels a deep sense of responsibility for Laurent, mirroring the father figures who had abandoned him in the past.
- Emotional ties: As Daryl confronts his own past, including his relationship with his father and grandfather, he starts to question whether going back to the U.S. is the right choice. In France, Daryl has found a community and a purpose.
Will Daryl Return to the U.S.?
While Daryl remains in France for now, the series hints at a possible return to the U.S. in the future. A conversation between Daryl and Carol in Episode 5 suggests that key characters like Rick Grimes and Michonne might have resurfaced, leading Daryl to consider a reunion with his old friends.
- Carol’s quest: In the Season 1 finale, Carol travels to Maine and learns of Daryl’s journey to France. It’s hinted that Carol may cross the ocean herself in search of her long-lost friend, and fans are highly anticipating their reunion.
The Impact of France on Daryl’s Storyline
Setting The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon in France opens up new possibilities for the franchise. France offers a fresh landscape, new enemies, and a unique set of challenges for Daryl.
This shift in setting allows the show to explore themes of loyalty, redemption, and family in ways that haven’t been touched upon in the original series.
Conclusion
Daryl Dixon’s journey to France may have been unexpected, but it has opened up new storylines and character development opportunities for one of the most beloved characters in The Walking Dead universe.
As the series continues, fans eagerly await to see whether Daryl will stay in France, or if he’ll return to the U.S. for a long-awaited reunion with Carol, Rick, and Michonne.
