Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol - Will Daryl find romance in season 2?

The Walking Dead character Daryl Dixon was created for the series to allow Norman Reedus, who auditioned for another role, the opportunity to appear in the show. Previously a lone wolf, Daryl befriends another character, Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), and the pair make quite the duo throughout the eleven-season run. The question of Daryl's sexuality and romance has always been a hot topic with his fans. Carol will join Daryl Dixon in season 2. Will he finally find romance?

Daryl Dixon showrunner David Zabel, in an interview in this month's SFX Magazine, says NO. He states that the writing team has no intention of creating a romantic relationship between Carol and Daryl. While he understands that many viewers see sparks between the characters, it's not a subject they want to explore.

In the last scene of The Walking Dead series finale episode, Carol and Daryl discuss their futures. Before he leaves, they exchange goodbyes, and I love yous, but it is between two people who are kindred spirits and best friends. This is how many see the relationship between these characters, but the Caryl shippers will surely be disappointed.

Zabel does hint at the possibility of something blossoming between Daryl and his newfound friend, Isabelle (Clémence Poésy). She is the first person he befriends upon his arrival in France. She poses as a nun to ensure the safety and well-being of her nephew, Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi), safe.

Zabel adds, "What happened in season one was that you could see a connection forming, for sure. We didn't manufacture that but we left room for it. A lot of season two is about the development of that and where that relationship goes, and that little surrogate family of Isabelle, Daryl and Laurent."

Many may like the idea of Daryl and a surrogate family, but it is difficult to guess how viewers will react. When the main series gave Daryl a romantic relationship with Leah (Lynn Collins), the fandom was not impressed and were very vocal about how much they disliked the course of Daryl's story.

Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol season 2

The next installment of the spinoff will reintroduce Carol to the storyline as she searches for her friend in the United States. The trailer shows that it doesn't take long for her to find his location and head off to find him. This occurs while Daryl remains in France, fighting alongside the Union of Hope as he continues to find a way back home.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premieres on AMC and AMC+ September 29.

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