Daryl and Carol traveled alongside Codron and a Scottish couple who Fallou vouched for, meaning they had a solid group to accompany them. While Codron's Walking Dead redemption arc had earned the protagonists' trust, not much was known about Angus and Fiona, but the group seemed to get along well until coming across a checkpoint with deceased guards. Despite some skepticism, the group continued through the tunnel before all hell broke loose as the survivors began hallucinating. While the other characters saw visions of loved ones, Daryl unexpectedly hallucinated a soldier who happened to have a quietly important role.
Daryl Dixon Sees His Grandfather In Season 2's Final Episode
Daryl's Hallucination In The Tunnel Causes Visions Of His Grandfather
With the tunnel causing the characters to hallucinate, Daryl has to fight off Codron, who thinks the protagonist is responsible for killing his brother during his state of delusion. After escaping, Daryl heads back to the checkpoint to find gas masks, but he is swiftly betrayed by the Scottish couple who knock him to the floor. The protagonist's own hallucinations result in him seeing Isabelle before he glances to the side and spots a soldier. While his inclusion may feel random at first, the soldier actually represents Daryl's grandfather, who died in France during the Second World War.
Given Isabelle's Walking Dead death still haunts Daryl, it makes sense why he sees her; however, having visions of his grandfather came as a bit of a surprise during the finale. Despite being unexpected, the moment did have some carefully planned build-up, as Daryl visited his grandfather's grave during season 1's finale, which was a big part of his decision to stay in France. It's clear this hallucination had a personal connection - just like Isabelle did - and the protagonist seeing his grandfather motivated him to get up and fight, making the vision symbolic of his time in France.
How Daryl's Grandfather Connects To His Own Mission In France
The Protagonist Staying In France & Fighting Relates To His Grandfather's Involvement In WW2
Daryl's grandfather's role in the war seems to directly mirror much of the protagonist's French journey, with the hallucination in the finale acting as a change in path. When he first arrived in France, Daryl didn't seem overly keen on helping The Union with their mission and simply wanted to focus on his own goal of getting home instead. However, Isabelle pointed out that Daryl's grandfather could have had a similar attitude during WW2, yet he risked his life fighting for the greater good, resulting in both men making sacrifices in France for something much bigger than themselves.
Just like how his grandfather helped save Europe from the Nazis, Daryl helped save Laurent and some of France's resistance from The Union and Pouvoir.
Just like how his grandfather helped save Europe from the Nazis, Daryl helped save Laurent and some of France's resistance from The Union and Pouvoir. While Pouvoir still remains the dominant force in France, Daryl's fight is over and the vision of his grandfather confirms it, as when he sees the soldier, Isabelle tells him "You won't die here, not like him." This moment seems to represent Daryl preventing history from repeating itself by walking away with his life, and Isabelle giving him the blessing to move on means he can have a happier ending than his grandfather.
What Daryl's Final Conversation With Isabelle Means For His Walking Dead Future
Isabelle's Speech Means Daryl Will Be More Determined Than Ever To Make It Home
Although the vision of his grandfather is important, Daryl's final conversation with Isabelle is far more crucial. Her cameo in the finale not only inspires Daryl to keep fighting but also keeps him somewhat optimistic about the future, despite the loss he's suffered. Perhaps Isabelle's most important line in episode 6 comes when she says, "Remember when we first met, what I told you? Bet on hope." This callback seemingly resonates with Daryl and allows him to recompose himself, giving him enough encouragement to return to his feet and kill the couple that betrayed him.
Despite the brutal nature of his actions, Daryl murdering Angus and Fiona was a kill-or-be-killed situation, and it allows him the chance at a future. He still has Laurent to return home to, and with plenty of allies back in America, having hope is key. Isabelle's final conversation could also be a subtle nod to Rick's return. Even though Rick has been gone for years, Daryl never truly gave up on finding his long-term friend and it seems to be part of the reason he left the Commonwealth, meaning betting on hope could be pivotal.
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Daryl Dixon is one of The Walking Dead's most loyal survivors, but one scene proves he would be a terrifying villain if he ever turned bad.
If Daryl and Carol eventually make it home, Rick will likely be there after the events of The Ones Who Live, making this heartwarming reunion possible. The protagonist has already been a little more open-minded and optimistic than usual throughout Daryl Dixon, but Isabelle's speech could inspire Daryl to keep pushing forward, even during his darkest moments, creating an exciting road ahead for the character in The Walking Dead.
In a post-apocalyptic France, the series follows Daryl Dixon as he navigates the complexities of a new landscape. Separated from his familiar world, Daryl faces unexpected challenges and forges new alliances while confronting the lingering threats of a walker-infested reality.
Cast Norman Reedus , Clemence Poesy , Louis Puech Scigliuzzi , Laïka Blanc-Francard , Anne Charrier , Romain Levi , Melissa McBride , Joel de la Fuente , Adam Nagaitis , Eriq Ebouaney , Tristan Zanchi , François Delaive , Maxime Lefrançois , Lukerya Ilyashenko , Catherine Arditi , Hugo Dillon
Character(s) Daryl Dixon , Isabelle Carriere , Laurent , Sylvie , Genet , Stéphane Codron , Carol Peletier , Losang , Quinn , Fallou Boukar , Emile , Dr. Henri Lafleur , Capo , Anna Valery , Mother Superior Véronique , Père Jean
Release Date October 1, 2023
Seasons 2
Streaming Service(s) AMC Plus
Directors Daniel Percival , Greg Nicotero
Showrunner David Zabel
Custom Image by Kyle McLeod
English (US) ·