The Walking Dead Morse code theory could be true

TWDFamily is buzzing on social media trying to figure out if Daryl sent Rick a Morse code message in The Walking Dead’s 4^th episode, “Service”. Is Daryl using Morse code? Or is it just really sunny out?

The Walking Dead Morse code theory is being hotly debated online. Reddit, Twitter and other social media sites have been in flames lately as The Walking Dead fans debate whether or not Daryl sent Rick a Morse code message in the last episode. There’s a case to be both for and against the idea. When showrunner Scott Gimple was asked directly whether or not Daryl was using code he seemed to deny it. But in typical Scott Gimple fashion he really didn’t answer the question either way. What he said about the possible coded message was:

“I heard about this on set yesterday”. “I would like to live in a world where Daryl Dixon residuously learns Morse code and knows that Rick has an intimate knowledge of Morse code, as well, and that they have practiced this with blinks. I would love that.”

He went on to say, “I will also say that it was an incredibly sunny day. But I will say this, the fans of this show are the greatest fans that watch a television program. The stories that they tell and the things that they glean out of it are actually really thrilling. It just excites me that they have enough faith that we have put in some labyrinth theme kind of stuff. I would love to live in a world where that was true but it also could have been a sunny day. Hazy, too, which makes it worse.”

That’s a typical non-answer from the showrunner who is known for his ability to answer a question without actually answering the question. Clearly there’s no help to be had from Scott Gimple or anyone connected to the show. That means it’s up to the fans to figure this out.

The Case For Morse Code

Let’s assume that Daryl is signaling to Rick in Morse code. The first question to ask is whether or not it’s even possible. In order for Rick and Daryl to communicate in Morse code there would need to be proof both of them know Morse code. There is evidence that both Rick and Daryl know Morse code. In Season 5 when Daryl and Carol were looking for Beth she taught him some basic Morse code. And Rick knows Morse code. Police routinely use codes that are based on Morse codes for calling in or receiving messages from a police dispatcher. There was also a huge Morse code framed print in Rick’s home in Alexandria. It’s safe to assume that both of them know enough Morse code to communicate.

If you look closely at the way Daryl is blinking those blinks do look deliberate. Think about the way that you blink when you leave your house and go out into the bright sunshine. It’s usually rapid blinks that you can’t control. Daryl was clearly controlling his blinks.

Also Rick gives an expression of understanding just before he looks back at Negan and he gives a tiny, almost imperceptible nod. That could definitely be a nod that says, “I got your message.”

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What Daryl Said

So, if these two were communication in Morse code what did Daryl say? Reddit and Twitter users have been hard at work trying to decipher the potential message. There’s different theories on what Daryl might have said. But the most popular theory is that his message contained, “I” and “East”. Fans speculate that means Negan’s compound, Sanctuary, is east of Alexandria. Rick and the group don’t know where Sanctuary is. If Daryl did pass that message to Rick it would give Rick an advantage if he is planning on fighting back against Negan. Or if he’s planning to try and rescue Daryl. But Daryl right now is in the perfect position to gather intelligence on Negan and the Saviors so it might be better if he isn’t rescued right now.

The Case Against Morse Code

There are fans who think that the idea of Rick and Daryl using Morse code is ridiculous. They argue that Daryl isn’t sophisticated enough to come up with such a plan to signal Rick. They also argue that Rick doesn’t seem to be responding in Morse code.

It is true that summertime in Georgia is incredibly bright. If you have ever experienced a Georgia summer you know that going outside without sun glasses is a painful experience. For Daryl, who has spent three days in a dark cell with almost no exposure to light, coming out into the glaring Georgia sun would cause pain and irritation in his eyes.

Daryl also didn’t bother to move the hair out of his eyes, making them difficult to see. If he wanted to communicate a message to Rick then Rick would need to be able to see his eyes. His eyes were not very visible because they were hidden by hair. They were also swollen from the beating Daryl got from the Saviors.

What The Fans Say

Fans are divided about The Walking Dead Morse code message theory.Daryl may have been trying to use Morse code to signal to Rick. But, fans are going to remain divided in their opinions because there is no strong evidence either way. However, Undead Walking fans took to Twitter with the hashtag #DarylsMorseCode to share what they think Daryl was saying. Check out some of their tweets:

Whether Daryl was signalling to Rick or not it was clear that Rick is playing along with Negan for now. But the others aren’t ready to give up yet. Rick could just be pulling a Carol move and laying low until the time is right for the Atlanta survivors to take Negan down for good.