Did Judith Grimes (Cailey Fleming) appear in season 1 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon series?
By Renee Hansen
Actress Cailey Fleming recently starred in the family film IF and has portrayed Judith Grimes since season 9 of The Walking Dead. Judith has been part of the series since her birth in season 3, and several actresses have portrayed the character over time. Fleming was introduced as Judith in season 9, episode 5, "What Comes After," which featured a six-year time jump.
The ninth season of The Walking Dead featured the departure of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), Judith's father. He was assumed to have died in a bridge explosion but was rescued by Jadis (Pollyanna McIntosh) and traded to the CRM (Civic Republic Military). Judith and her brother RJ (Antony Azor) were cared for by Michonne (Danai Gurira) until she found evidence that Rick survived. She departed in search of Rick and left the care of Judith and RJ to Daryl (Norman Reedus), Carol (Melissa McBride), and other residents of Alexandria.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premiered on AMC on October 15, 2023. Before the series debut, rumors circulated that Fleming would appear in the first episode. Fans were happy to learn that she appeared in a vocal cameo, and her words, "You deserve a happy ending, too," are significant in Daryl's life.
Judith initially said these words to Daryl in the series finale of The Walking Dead. As Daryl prepared to depart the Commonwealth in search of others who could join them, he said his goodbyes to Ezekiel (Khary Payton), Carol, RJ, and Judith. He tells Judith she needs to care for Dog, and she utters the words to him, reminding him that he, too, deserves happiness.
In the first episode of Daryl Dixon, viewers see an unconscious and injured Daryl arrive tied to a lifeboat on the shores of France. As he awakens and gathers his wits, he recalls Judith's words. This may seem a strange quote to feature in this series, but Daryl's bond with Judith goes back to season 3 when she was a baby and he dubbed her "Little Asskicker." They became even closer when he became her caregiver after Michonne set out in search of Rick. She loves her uncle Daryl and wants the best for him.
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Daryl's happiness could be his return home, a plan he sets in motion as soon as he arrived on the shores of France. Back in the States his found family awaits his return and this is the first real family he has ever known. Or, his happiness could be found with his new acquaintances in France.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon's second season, subtitled The Book of Carol, will return to AMC and AMC+ on September 29. This season will feature the return of Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier as she begins her search for Daryl. His story will continue as he fights alongside the Union of Hope in France.
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