Why Daryl Dixon Is The Heart of The Walking Dead

[@jimmyd4282]

The scene of Daryl crying by himself in the woods after Beth’s death is one of the saddest , series defining moments ❤️‍🩹

[@winstonpoplin]

He even gives himself a cigarette burn.

[@sarickacampbell2642]

@@winstonpoplin she’s the only character he’s ever committed self harm over indicating deep pain. If the whole point of her death was for her to come back into the CRM story then the whole thing would make sense, but if they just killed her for shock value, and they wasted her characters potential. Then there’s nothing but subpar writers. Who wasted everybody’s time and money.

[@ChristinaWhite-b5h]

I think the closest thing he had to feelings romantically was Connie. She was a stark contrast to his character. Very sweet and willing to put her life in n the line for others, and made him laugh.

[@CindyHill-p2o]

Favorite character of the walking dead

[@kalliskivike]

@@ChristinaWhite-b5h As much as i wish for Carol and Daryl romantically, canon wise it was Leah and Daryl not Connie, Beth or Carol

[@johnbadman3340]

One of my favourite bits of Daryl character development is when he Merle calls Glenn a Chinaman and Daryl angrily corrects him, saying that he's Korean, when a few seasons earlier Daryl called him a Chinaman and was corrected too. They even both go "whatever" 😆

[@MrDiceZack]

That just shows how Daryl can learn from his mistake and makes sure it never happens for anyone else because he truly cares for his family

[@anthonyt1t5]

Whatever

[@kellydavid8169]

I remember that moment and thought the exact same thing! Well said!

[@thecowboy9698]

"Whatever!" Sorry couldn't resist, lol! 😆

[@jeremybrown9611]

😂😂

[@enigma372]

Rick was the face, daryl is the heart and glenn was the soul

[@vincentlorusso689]

If Rick is the face, Negan has to be the heel lol

[@dr.bubbles2776]

@@vincentlorusso689 he's the beach ball sized lady nuts

[@sheluvsk3ls]

@@vincentlorusso689 no he’s the forehead

[@lovannypso6116]

Negan is actually the hands lol

[@Gattsu_the_struggler]

Y’all are tripping. Negan is clearly the big toe

[@Cronniq]

I think another big part of his character is how when Dale got bit towards the end of season 2, Daryl stepped up to put down their friend because no one else in the group could have handled it at that time. He even takes the gun out of Ricks hands, which I think speaks volumes about how much he cares about everyone in the group at that point and how he will bear that burden so they don’t have to. That willingness to bear the burden is incredibly important to his character going forward, in my opinion.

[@UnbotheredAhmad]

Dale didn’t get bit, that zombie disemboweled him with its hands lol.. idk why I enjoyed that scene because I really didn’t like Dales character 😅

[@OhHeBustin]

@@UnbotheredAhmad name checks out

[@utter7465]

@@UnbotheredAhmad He meant Jim

[@dayvonbennett3992]

Especially when he takes Judith to hilltop so Rick and Michonne can have their time left with Carl

[@Madman-ys5tn]

@@UnbotheredAhmadTale got bit lol

[@robcharette1915]

Norman Reedus also loves Daryl and that’s why the people really support his character. The fact that he caused Glens death to a degree helped his character arc big time. Great character played by a great human being.

[@kevinfox500]

Having met, and ridden with Norman, I fully agree. Wonderful human being.

[@OhHeBustin]

@@kevinfox500 yeah bro I rode him too

[@rebagaudet9944]

Absolutely spot on.

[@rebagaudet9944]

I agree completely ,,I love his character, and who he had become.

[@Kalakeiko]

Agreed! Norman is such an incredible actor and Daryl is an amazing character and has always been my favourite character from the start without even knowing or having heard anything about either of them! But I'm also sad that a lot of people started to dislike and hate Daryl after what happened to Glenn and Rick and for his character in season 7-8 in general, even if he's still the most popular character... it doesn't help that Norman also got bashed for getting his own spin off after Melissa left the project :/

[@RobinJay1939]

I think a major aspect of Daryl's character is that he was a victim of abuse growing up. While I don't think it's ever explicitly called abuse in the show, some of the conversations he had with Merle tell of how bad their childhoods were. There are some tiny parts of season 2 that show just how damaged Daryl is, like him flinching back from Carol when she goes to touch him while he's recovering from being shot. And he instantly knew what caused the marks on Lydia's arm, implying that also was punished with a switch at some point. It's probable that Daryl is so protective of the children he meets because he knows just how vulnerable they are. That's also why I think he was so determined to find Sophia. He could relate to the idea of being a scared child living in a nightmarish world because the world was always a nightmare for Daryl.

[@josora1654]

Iirc there's a bit where Merle pulls his vest and his back is layered in scars to which he says "I didn't know.." so yea my man was absolutely beat like a dog

[@AkamoriArt]

This is exactly how I've always thought. It also explains his close connection to Carol at the onset. Memories of seeing your mother abused will do that to you.

[@IronFreakV]

God this is such a spot on analysis for Daryl

[@bane9951]

Daryl is just the biggest bro a person can have, everybody needs a Daryl in their lives

[@sophiek8019]

When he is looking for Sophia that's when we know who he is on the inside. And the scene hallucinating Merle shows that his rough exterior is because of his crazy background and people around him - not really who he is. He doesn't become too sweet to fast and still does immature things like snapping at Beth about her being childish. The character was just so well written . It doesn't hurt that he is easy as hell on the eyes

[@themarcshark]

Yes Daryls development from the side character/asshole of the group to the lead man of the show is something to behold. Great video! Really well made and explained!

[@norbertbluhm6999]

He became the Stiffler of TwD. Meaning he started as a fun side character and developed Into an useless shadow of himself

[@themarcshark]

@@norbertbluhm6999 nah definitely not

[@norbertbluhm6999]

@@themarcshark actually yes and if you're.hinest to yourself you know it's true

[@themarcshark]

@@norbertbluhm6999 that's the worst argument ever. No Daryl isn't a useless shadow of himself. That's your opinion. Not mine at all

[@norbertbluhm6999]

@@themarcshark the only thing that progressed was his mumbling

[@_Devil]

I think it helps that Daryl is one of the last Darabont Group members surviving. People have known him for 12 years, compared to other characters like Judith and Negan where we've technically known them for 6 years, but we don't have the same attachment to them that we do with Maggie and Carol and Daryl

[@FuzionHub]

I honestly never saw it like that, shortly after Scott M Gimple took over he killed off Andrea, Lori, tdog, Merle, Herschel, and others do the fact Daryl is still around is amazing

[@gasstationbathroominnevada]

One of my favorite Daryl moments (and one of my favorites of the whole show) is when Alpha comes to the walls of Hilltop and asks who the leader is. Nobody really knows how to answer because they're really missing a leader at that moment, and Daryl speaks up and says "What does it matter?" I just love it

[@abramsullivan7764]

True they really don't have any leaders Rick flew off with Jadis to the CRM, Maggie gone to wherever, and Jesus is dead.

[@KimAllen1969]

You are close on your analysis of his character development. What you missed is his childhood drove his development. Merle was his moral compass until he meets Rick. His family mistreated him and limited his education to survival techniques. He was raised to be a man of action, but he had a heart for kids because he didn’t have that protection in his own childhood. He teaches them to survive (as he was taught), but he takes their safety on as his mission. The arc with Carol started with Sofia going missing right after learning she had been abused by her husband. The Hunter/tracker went into work mode. Beth was a teenager who just lost her dad and no one else to look out for her. Maggie became his responsibility because he felt responsible for her having to raise Hershel as a single mom. Rick taught him how to be a dependable, trustworthy, and honorable man who could still be a bad ass. When Carol loses her adopted son, the bond between Daryl and Carol intensified with him back in protective mode. Lydia reminded him also of being raised by screwed up people. Connie comes in with a heart for kids too. One of the first big acts he sees her do is rescue a baby from the Whispers despite being deaf. She is also responsible for her little sister. These both play into what Daryl values and respects. Daryl’s quiet strength comes from the need to protect and provide. He is always the defender of those who can’t defend themselves, but he doesn’t suffer a fool. Prove you have hootspah and Daryl will help you.

[@neen2660]

I remember being a little ass kid, about ten, talking about if daryl dies we riot lol. I had a stuffed bunny I named after Norman and my uncles dogs ripped it up. While it should’ve been beyond repair, my aunt did her damndest and while he’s all sorts of messed up, I still have him up in my stuffed animal hammock, ten years later.

[@abramsullivan7764]

I was 15 when the whole 'If Daryl dies we will riot' catchphrase started popping off.

[@CuriosityRover77]

I wish they would have developed his relationship with Connie but now that seems impossible if the new show is set in France?? In the finale Judith tells him something along the lines of "you deserve to be happy" and I just want to see that!

[@multifantv1245]

There was talk that Connie will show up in the show

[@102-d7i]

@@multifantv1245 maybe now that Carol isn’t it’ll be Connie

[@paulblartfan244]

@@102-d7i Is it confirmed that carol will fully not be in the show? I know it was addressed That she wouldn’t be in the first season but I heard she could show up later on.

[@102-d7i]

@@paulblartfan244 yeh it’s been confirmed cause Melissa McBride (Carol) wasn’t up for relocating to where the series is being filmed, I’m sure it’s only 1 season tho cause the Rick and Michonne show is only 6 episodes

[@BULLETSCARER]

Same, I like Connie in the show, and they seemed like they had a great bond. Hopefully in Daryl's spin off show, they get together.

[@stepanovicboro]

Everytime daryl cried during the show i also had to cry because he showed so rarely emotions, that when he did cry it was so much sadder

[@saw_ow]

for reals bro😢

[@MediaMinuteOfficial]

I love how when Beth’s boyfriend died, Daryl was the one who cried

[@abramsullivan7764]

Wait what

[@spfadden082711]

Norman does it so well. He’s a great guy too. He has a home by my parents in Costa Rica and he’s just so cool and laid back. It helps that down there life is laid back and people just treat him like a normal person. Anyway I just get such a good vibe from him. It’s hard to not see him as Daryl

[@TheNukedNacho]

Daryl isn’t a lone wolf. He’s a part of the pack, and a damn important one at that. He’s like if Scar from the Lion King was actually loved by their parents and turned out to be a good brother.

[@rhadpenguin]

"Ryan, who's supposed to be dead." 🤣🤣 Love that Daryl truly was my favorite character from S3-S6 for sure. I was so sad to see how poorly he was used in S7-S8 but the turn to the leader and heart of the show by S9 to the end was beautiful. One of the best written characters of the entire series

[@NessaBear90]

I love Daryl. At first I was like "Murphy!!" and then he was and will now forever be Daryl 🥰

[@Phyllis-ki2xo]

Daryl Dixon has been my favorite character since season one. I remember hoping he survives, because I thought there was so much more to him.

[@elsamariahertervig6171]

Daryl is one of the best characters ever written for the screen in my opinion, that includes shows and movies. There are so many good characters on this show, people can feel and say what ever they want about the direction the show was taken in, but how good many of those characters are can't be taken away. Daryl, Glenn, Michonne, Carol, Abraham, Sasha, Negan, Gabriel, Merle, Lydia, Connie, Kelly, Eziekiel Jerry, Rick and Carl. I hated Carl in the first 2-3 seasons, but I understood why he was so annying, he was a kid who had to adapt to a horrific world and so much loss, he developed into one of the best characters before he died. I wish they hadn't killed him off, I don't know if the actor wanted to quit or if he was just written out. I also wish Glenn and Abraham had a longer run, I guess I wish that with all the characters I mentioned who were killed. I don't see how their death futheref the story, apart from Rick and maybe Sasha because she saved them by killing herself. There were also good characters in the first 2-3 seasons who served their purpose to of making the other characters learn and grow like Shane. The only character I absolutely saw no purpose in is Andrea, I don't know why I dislike that character so much but she is just a cringe to me, even she had good moments though, I am sure it comes down to bad writing it usually does when there are so many characters to write for. Norman Reedus, I can't say good enough things about his acting, I love his story in TWD the most because he has so much personal growth, he goes from the guy who would most likely screw everyone over to the one who would do everything to protect them. I love Judith too and the relationship she has with Daryl, I love that she has taken up his "tick" with the lip thing, it is a sweet little detail. I also love her relationship with Negan.

[@gayzell850]

The reason that Carl was killed off was because although the character was 15 or 16, the actor who played him was over 18 and was just about to go to college and that meant he was not able to act for 4 years at least and so the show's creators decided to kill Carl rather than look for another actor to play him or find an excuse for him to disappear for years. After all, in TV world, network execs be crazy and pull the the plug on perfectly good shows for no reason. There was a chance that the show might not be around once the actor graduated.

[@Eliot_86]

Daryl was the glue of the group he kept them together through everything ❤

[@Tigerwolf102onYoutube]

Daryl instantly became my favorite character during the sequence where him, Rick, and Glenn search for his brother Merle.

[@xiNerdLordix]

I love that he is responsible for Glenn's death. It added so much more depth and was a great way to show actual consequences for their actions.

[@kaylemjoseph8727]

Glenn was for me but I couldn't imagine the show without Daryl.

[@koolkidd2407]

another comment said that Rick was the face, Daryl was the heart, and Glenn was the soul and i agree with that, just me tho

[@themagnificentorange672]

@@koolkidd2407 Shane was the fists, Negan was the balls, Carol was the brains

[@PedroLucas-mg5je]

I can't stop thinking how many people would've stopped watching TWD if Daryl had died on "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be" alongside Glenn instead of Abraham...

[@onetallpheeesh]

Daryl and Carol became my favorite part of the series very early on and it pleases me to know that they were the last two standing. (Last 2 standing for now as far as they know)

[@andysauro1500]

Two things that stand out to me that solidified Daryl as one of my favorite TV characters of all time. 1. His style of leadership is entirely focused around extreme competence and a perfect moral compass for a post-apocalypse. The first is easy to explain, he earns the trust of every friend and respect of every foe, from Claimer Joe to Negan to Alpha, because everyone acknowledges he can handle himself and protect whoever he is with. The moral compass argument may be a bit muddled, as he blends in even with the enemy groups, but primarily as a means of survival. When confronted with the option to protect his people, Daryl never strays or hesitates. Whether he's with the Claimers, Saviors or Reapers, he always chooses his original group in the end. Even being forced to shoot his lover to protect Maggie. 2. He exhibits mutual respect towards everyone he meets. There is no better interactions in the entire series than Daryl with the children. His interactions with Carl and Judith are unlike others in the show. He doesn't baby them, he doesn't treat them like children. He asks their opinions and trusts in them implicitly in every scenario. The way he breaks through to Lydia in the jail by sharing his troubled childhood displays respect to someone he doesn't even know. His constant 1-on-1 conversations with Judith are a means of Daryl to reaffirm his own hesitations on leadership and decision making, which to confide in a child shows vulnerability and respect none of the others characters display. The interactions with Judith at the Alexandria pond discussing what to do about Lydia and battling the Whisperers, the pre-battle with the Whisperers where he confides in Judith his concerns for his and everyone's safety, and especially the Commonwealth Church scene where he finds a runaway Judith all display that despite being her surrogate parent, he still values her opinion as if she were an adult. The perfect ending to the conversation that displays this respect is once the conversation is over, while they are both sitting on the ground, he asks Judith to help pull him up, as if to show a child she too has power in their relationship. These interactions are no different than those with Rick, Michonne, Rosita, and especially in later seasons, Connie and Mercer who he goes out of his way to learn sign language and take a roll as a common soldier to show true respect. None of these interactions show different treatment, no matter the age, no matter the circumstance. Definitely one of the better written TV characters of this era. His evolution had me worried around seasons 7-8 when most of his dialogue was cut as he was a prisoner/hellbent on revenge for his torture. But season 9's development of Lone Wolf to full fledged quiet leader of the group redeemed and exceeded any expectations I ever had for Daryl.

[@dayy8430]

i wish i could repost this comment

[@ZombieKiller2019]

100% agree with you about pretty much all of this! Without Daryl the bond between everyone wouldn't be the same. I know a lot of people would say Glenn was the glue that held them together but I don't think so, Glenn was the moral compass that would point them in the right direction when they spun out of control or didn't know what to do. I'd say Daryl was always the one that was there bailing them out of bad situations because he always just sat back and watched and waited for his opportunity and he always felt personally responsible when someone died like he should've been able to prevent it all the time. He brought Carol back in (kinda, Carol pretty much earned her way back in) but also if it wasn't for Daryl idk how everyone would've felt about it. I'm telling you, take him out of the story and it's a whole different show.

[@lanasdyingflowers]

i agree. i see daryl and beth’s relationship as more little sister, big brother.

[@jonm5610]

I think more people relate with how he grew up and the trials he was dealing with before the zombies even started . And keeping to yourself like he does and let very few in. You can feel and see what he's been through and most people feel the same way I think

[@jaded.3487]

I also like how as badass and prominent a member Daryl is in the show, he isn’t short of his fuck ups either. Considering the fact that he isn’t in the comics (not that that means anything bc the show has taken a very different course) I actually like that they made it so he was partially responsible for another beloved character’s death (Glenn). He isn’t just some deux ex machina character (him always coming in clutch) with his only flaws being that he’s quiet with a rough past. Having him make such grave mistakes gives him more edge than just him being the strong lone-wolf caricature, he can act and think irrationally and it makes him less 2D of a character (at least I thought he was in s6-8)

[@michaelpad7]

He ain’t always coming in time yet somehow survives a lot of times he shoulda been hit or killed. But almost a lot of these characters shoulda been dead or hurt at the very least.

[@cameron4447]

Another good Daryl moment is in Alexandria when Glenn and Aidan are fighting and he knocks Nicholas on his ass defending Glenn

[@relax9286]

When Daryl first appeared on the show, I thought well if I was in a zombie apocalypse, I'd want to be on his team more than any other character on the show. Idc how ppl perceived him being a cocky badass already. He knew how to kill the walking dead way before anyone else did. I knew he'd be great to watch.

[@GwenchanaHabibi]

I want a mom like Carol, a brother like Daryl and a Partner like Glen

[@smartwater598]

Daryl is kind but tough little brother

[@CJ_1406]

Ironic that the most iconic character in the show is not even in the comics.

[@zom-b4237]

In the beginning everyone thought Dixon was the most badass he was simply for how badass he was. Now, he's the most badass for his growth in character and being an integral part of the group... and being a badass.

[@wellthisisinteresting4912]

I love this character so much.... even when TWD got a bit shxt, I kept watching because of him. I'm so happy with the ending he got (not counting the spin offs)

[@tylerturner2634]

Back in season one the cdc scientist referenced France as of of the last places looking on a cure before blowing the place up i seems like we will see some call back to that for being a reason why Daryl is in France

[@norbertbluhm6999]

R you a rocketscientist? It's pretty obvious that this is what they are going for. Today's TWD Fanbase is....special

[@CHO_CHO1142]

@@norbertbluhm6999 not everyone thinks back to the earlier seasons for answers

[@norbertbluhm6999]

@@CHO_CHO1142 obviously true fans do that

[@nicogonzalez7860]

I was excited for a Ellie Joel relationship with Daryl and Lydia but they drop their friendship so fast in S10.

[@allisterfield6028]

not gonna lie...daryl and connie shouldve definitely been a thing it felt organic and he genuinely seemed to like her

[@8.bit_gun340]

I love Daryl so much hell unpopular opinion but I loved him and Merle from the start for the simple fact that they were both unique characters with deep backgrounds and lore to be explored.

[@hummushero9428]

Daryl Dixon definitely is the GOAT of walking dead characters.

[@kevindavisjunior]

Daryl is my favorite Character after Rick of course. He has a huge heart and could of easily had been a bad guy based on his upbringing and past influences but He is a true hero.

[@gaylestegall7239]

Rick helped him become who he was.

[@kevindavisjunior]

@@gaylestegall7239 they both helped each other and became real brothers

[@TheMarine316]

Daryl definitely became the shows heart after Rick left in my eyes.

[@2se]

Daryl has the absolute best character development

[@ssv8311]

Daryl is the front runner straight from s1 but he carried s9-s11 single handedly

[@tokyodeathghoul2313]

Its weird that the character who showers the least is the one the audience finds the most attractive..

[@honeyk_1549]

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!!! 😁🤞🏼

[@lhrmorningstar203]

Gotta say I love your videos man, the time you put into them and how in depth you go is amazing. Would love to see a video on Merle Dixon, but keep it up my man🔥

[@Gibbypastrami]

I like the portrayal of Beth being the little sister and Carol being the older sister, buuuuut, I do think there was subtle attempts at sexual tension, but in both cases I see it as the women being open to it, but Daryl puts them in the friend/family zone with his actions I’m not sure how I feel about Leah, I need to rewatch the show, im not sure how I feel about their relationship, I really wish him and Connie had been given more screen time, or that Connie would be in his show, idk, but anyways Carol definitely would’ve gotten with Daryl but after what she did to Karen and the other guy, what she took from Tyrese, Daryl saw her perspective but obviously would let have done what she did, didn’t approve but didn’t judge her for it, idk, there may have been another situation that really cemented it It’s hard to say with all the fluctuation in writing staff, if Darabont were still around Daryl and Carol could’ve been a thing, but by the time Beth died Carol and Daryl were long past being able to be romantic for Daryl, I think Beth would’ve screwed anybody really, how flippantly she felt about the dude that died in the season 4 finale, and I think that was sorta the point, Beth needed a rock and it would’ve been wrong for Daryl to give into anything while they were on the run, the mental state they were both in, and then Beth got kidnapped and died, no room to explore it, could’ve been a thing, none of em are related, but yeah with the material we have, siblings is a good way to put it, but Carol playful flirts all the time because she knows it makes him nervous, he’s intimidated by Carol sexually, but they were both emotionally available at different points in their arcs, and I don’t think Daryl would’ve ever let himself become an item with Beth, his relationship with Glenn and Maggie would definitely make it wrong in his eyes, mine at least Good observations my dude!

[@geomijul]

I agree on the Carol segment. Anytime I would see Carol and Daryl interacting then caring for each other, I look at their dynamic relationship as like a “mother / big sis and son / brother” type. Not once do I see them as romantic interests for each other, but that's just me, I feel.

[@PELTIER5]

I remember when i was younger and my whole family went to our Grandma and Grandpas house every Sunday to watch this show

[@emilybemily4397]

That was a great character study, thank you. :)

[@lucapopovici1483]

This show and this channel are the only things that keep me going.. I love this show so much

[@makeda6530]

True, crossbows are sick. Also, Norman is an amazing actor.

[@tlightsylvan]

daryl DEFINITELY has a brotherly relationship with carol & beth - thank you for pointing that out! (or, at least, for feeling the same way lol)

[@MattyPan118]

So glad I stuck around this show till the end and will be for the further beyond

[@xanion8042]

8:39 I dont understand how you can say Negan didn't break Daryl when he was shown kneeling multiple times when Carl was at the sanctuary.

[@netaji-thebritishslayer]

Kneeling isnt breaking😅😅😅

[@Lionlover666]

As someone who only started getting into the walking dead after its ending and only really knows S9-11. My love of Daryll comes more from his relationship with Judith. After Ricks disappearence and Michonne's leaving of the group going after him. I know the whole group loves her but you really feel Darryl's love for her after Negans rescue of her in the storm and after she gets shot in season 11.

[@spicyricey116]

My one big question is, how does Daryl get to France for his spin off series? Does he find a group and travel with? Does he do it alone? I can’t wait to find out

[@BeautifulGreen252]

I hope they run with the plot line of the virus or disease originally started in France since they were the closest to a cure also really hope it is in French lmao

[@doff1395]

Honestly in my opinion Daryl and Rick alive with his right hand still attached is what made the walking dead show feel so completely separate from the comic universe

[@karenhull2826]

I kinda think Daryl is who we all hope we would be like, Daryl understands loyalty and proves it over and over. He has a code he lives by even when it tears his soul apart.

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

One thing i think the show forgets is that bolts break lots, not every shot will break the bolt but even a slight bend will throw off ya shot

[@Only_Hopee]

Wait wait wait wait wait. 14:34. Is that a firefighter from the Chernobyl series? Alright, my guy, Imma NEED you to drop this "The Daryl Dixon Walking Dead" video. I need to know how that's related 🤣

[@EPdagoat]

Daryl is an amazing character who will never die unless old age

[@flavrsavr6459]

I really enjoy your videos about the walking dead! I would love to see you dive deep into topics like the walking dead iceberg or theorys about the show. wendigoon has made a video about this and some topics I would just love to hear more about.

[@thethriftytypewriter]

Coming soon 👀👀

[@tr1ing2h3rd7]

Looking forward to a Eugene and Abraham episode

[@deku4351]

The one biggest reason he is so popular is because of Norman Reedus' performance

[@AkamoriArt]

I have always felt that part of the reason Daryl connected with Carol so strongly in the beginning was her relationship with her husband. Daryl and Merle both exhibit a lot of the character traits of people who grew up without dealing with the trauma of an abusive relative. I have no doubt that Daryl could see, sense, or feel that dynamic within Carol and her husband's relationship. And I can tell you from experience, growing up and seeing your mother abused, and experiencing that abuse yourself, you immediately want to jump in and help anyone to keep them from feeling the way you felt. To me Daryl and Carol's relationship probably started off that way, he probably related to her in that way. I have no doubt that Daryl probably got lost in the woods a few times as a kid as well, he knew how hard survival was and knew how hard it would be for a kid, especially one who didn't grow up the way he did, so he immediately clung to those two feelings (relating to Carol, and the fear of a lost child) and dedicated himself to alleviating those two feelings. And I think Carol, beyond seeing Daryl's adamant search for Sophia, saw in Daryl the person she would need to become if she wanted to break free from her own trauma and also survive this new world. They were mutually beneficial for one another, and because of that their relationship didn't stop or squander itself after Sophia shuffled out of the barn, it grew because as characters they were one step ahead of one another in the avenues that they both needed to grow, and they moved forward by trying to keep up with one another. That is all just pure conjecture, of course, but it has always been my head-canon for why Daryl and Carol clicked the way they did in the early onset.

[@ralcogaming7674]

I kept waiting on the reveal that Daryl had a daughter or something his insistence on looking for Sophia, the almost big brother way he took care of Beth. Him with Judith....but no. Daryl is just some guy who became the big brother of a whole group.

[@sharonromero5995]

I wish the spin-off wasn’t in France. We could have had a Carol and Daryl spinoff 😭

[@bigc5090]

The only Daryll and Beth scene that gave me romance vibes was when they were holding hands while walking through the cemetery

[@cohenchisholm163]

I definitely saw a brother sister relationship between Daryl and Beth

[@Quiron1985]

What the Walking Dead did very well (well, they had 11 seasons) is giving characters a (redeeming) arc. Daryll, Negan, Gabe, Caroll... they did a great job with these characters, and a bunch of others.

[@Lionlover666]

Darryl and Merle at the start are more like parallel Characters. Very similar to each other but when they reunite, They become more like foils to each other especially with the chinaman line. In season 1 both call him a "chinaman" but later when Merle calls him a chinaman Darryl responds with "He's Korean"

[@nabbly]

The CRM _has_ to be the reason Daryl is in France, right? That's the only thing that really makes sense in my head, plus it would be a great way to get him into R+M so that him and Rick can finally have their long awaited reunion.

[@mikeseibert4889]

I love Daryl and Rick the same and I hope in the spin offs they find each other and that's including Machone.

[@tbknick6703]

All the searching he did in the show made me feel rlly bad for him bc he blamed himself way too much and felt too guilty for ricks "death", glenns death, sophias death, etc but i think thats what makes him the sweetest yet most badass character in the shoq

[@vincentlorusso689]

That Easy Street song that the Savior torture Daryl with is AMAZING. It's so upbeat and fun.

[@FancyCat229]

Thing is with Daryl he’s a complete badass and just unhateble unless your a negan or Glenn fan boy you can’t hate him he was miles ahead of everyone in terms of popularity in the prime of the show and his story with rick and ricks family is just amazing and his character development and the fact that the writers made him stay how we he was and didn’t make him into the new leader of the group was also good but how he was sort of the main guy like in sons of anarchy before season 4 clay is the leader of the club but every member looks at jax as the main guy sorta like Daryl but there’s no leader

[@BowsandBlades1999]

Im rewatching the series for probably the hundredth time and I just realized,in TS19 jenner told the group the last people to hold out the longest were the French,possible connection to the Daryl spinoff taking place in France??

[@fadeblac5633]

I loved Daryl he was the man. Yes, Glen and Rick were important, but Daryl, you see the growth of his character.

[@itrobort6996]

Even tho they say no one like Dyarl isn't likeable in the first season, but I do like him the most

[@TWDSHMLSS]

Daryl and Connie would’ve been so good

[@RWBprototype]

Daryl's spinoff is set in France because I'm S1, Jenner said that the French were the ones to hold out the longest because they thought they were close to a solution. He wants answers and ye believes France has them. That's the official explanation.

[@mariadoc7234]

Thats so true, he is heart of the show, great character played by the talented actor, i cant wait to see his spin off, my favourite character in the whole show 🥰

[@exarion2239]

10:36 a word i never thougt i would hear outside of rick and morty

[@CosmicFist78]

Lmao you've seen colony? I've seen colony :D my god I didn't think there were more of us out there

[@danielprendeville2502]

Did you know that daryls crossbow is not the same as the one from season 1 in season 3 when rick brought back the guns from morgan you can see it in the background and you can see the green bolts

[@meenamoon7930]

Season 1 episode 1 , idk why but i love his character already and was expecting more from his character and turns out to be the most loving 😍

[@kylejoe8393]

Good video... I always kept watching because of Daryl.. Norman Reedus is such an amazing talent.. digging the spin off this far too!

[@Jay-vi9bc]

It’s an apocalyptic world. I’m sure there’s lots of bolts he could find. Especially since he’s the only one using a crossbow.

[@remxloz]

personally, every person daryl has a relationship with is platonic to me. like you said, beth was like a little sister and carol like a big sister. the only one i actually ship him with is connie. i thinks its so poetic how she was technically the one who got him talking again

[@gaylestegall7239]

I agree. I wanted Daryl and Connie together.

[@jessesmith-garcia5313]

He has to travel the world alone, it's who he is, and because of that, he's totally a badass.

[@drunkinmadness3444]

Daryl is the most heartfelt and solid characters to have been created in most recent years. Totally for got about the whole riot shirts .

[@Rudeboyja92]

The wolverine reference was Kool I've learned to like Daryls character an his character development

[@priyasantosh4967]

True ❤I can't imagine without him TWD will work😂

[@Mike-e8f5s]

Daryl does make a lot of arrows we seen in earlier seasons while everyone else is talking to each other in there free time Daryl is usually prep if it’s skinning a squirrel he shot or making new bolt he makes them just off screen