The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has ventured into new territory with more focused pacing and deliberate storytelling, but unfortunately, its titular character has been left to lag behind. Despite introducing exciting new characters and a unique tone, Daryl’s story has been largely overshadowed by the show’s fresh elements. Norman Reedus’ Daryl finds himself in apocalyptic France, going unfamiliar surroundings and meeting characters with intriguing backstories, including benevolent killer nuns and a peculiar child messiah.
As a guiding beacon for the audience, Daryl’s familiar face helps navigate the morbid French terrain and new apocalyptic politics, but this also makes him a bit bland in comparison to the other characters. The show’s new slow-burn approach to character and world-building is a major contributor to this, but so far, it has been paying off. The first two episodes of the series have already created a unique tone, and the anticipated world-building is a major draw.
The new characters aren’t the only reason Daryl’s capacity to be interesting has diminished. His motivations, including his simplistic desire to return to America, feel flat and unengaging. The show’s villain, Genet, is a more menacing and destructive force than any seen in the original series, with a focus on the walkers and the outbreak rather than mere survival. Amid these high-stakes plans, Daryl’s personal story feels dry and underwhelming.
A Still From Daryl Dixon (Photo: Daryl Dixon)
Despite this, Norman Reedus still brings value to the show through his popularity and his respected history in the franchise. As relationships between characters begin to form, including his blossoming connection with Laurent, Daryl’s presence adds a touch of comfort to the show. His chemistry with Sister Isabelle, in particular, radiates off the screen, making their potential dynamic partnership exciting to watch.
Ultimately, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’s focus on deliberate storytelling and world-building is a major strength, but Daryl’s story needs to catch up soon. The show’s unique tone and exciting new characters are charming, but the titular character’s lack of intrigue and complexity is starting to feel like a liability. With Reedus’ commitment to the show and its creative team’s vision, it’s likely that Daryl’s story will evolve and become more engaging as the season progresses.
