Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 1.
Episode 1 ofDaryl Dixonseason 2 indicated there could be a surprising twist on the way, but in the process, the spinoff revealed how much it needs Rick Grimes. After a successful first outing,Daryl Dixonhas officially returned and has already begun setting the scene for what’s to come in season 2. Alongside explaininghow Carol gets to Franceand what Daryl’s main objective is, the show has teased that a potentially big twist could be on the horizon, as the series looks set to pull a huge curveball that would have massive ramifications for the overall story.

While Genet and Pouvoir have been portrayed as the main villains so far, the spinoff has thrown a few hints that this could be about to change.Daryl Dixonseason 2’s trailer already teased a Codron redemptionarc after he helped Daryl and his allies at the end of season 1, but this opens up a space for a new villain, with episode 1 beginning to plant the seeds for who this could be. Giventhe show’s next antagonist will potentially be one of Daryl’s allies, the spinoff needs Rick more than ever for one key reason.
Daryl Dixon Has Teased Losang Being The Spinoff’s True Antagonist
Despite seeming like a gentle pacifist,Daryl Dixonseems to be setting up Losang as a secretWalking Deadvillain, which could be bad news for the rest of the Nest. Having spent all of season 1 trying to deliver Laurent to the Nest, the group’s leader may actually have some sinister plans in store, although the show hasn’t quite revealed exactly what they are. Episode 1 highlighted that Losang has tremendous combat skills despite his pacifist nature, doesn’t want Daryl training Laurent anymore, and has some sort of secret plan that the community doesn’t know about.
During a conversation with one of the show’s new characters, a ceremony was mentioned alongside Laurent “not being ready”, with the woman Losang was talking to claiming, “You’ll never win them over.” Clearly, there is more going on than meets the eye when it comes to the Nest, with Losang spearheading this private mission. Although there could still be an explanation for his strange behavior, Losang is likely being positioned as a villain or, at the very least, a dishonest leader. Therefore, his story perfectly sets up an unexpectedrole for Rick Grimes inDaryl Dixonseason 2.

Rick & The Reformed CRM Should Take Over Leadership Of The Nest
The Nest Needs A Real Leader Which Rick & The CRM Could Provide
With the Nest looking certain to undergo a leadership crisis, Rick and the CRM are the perfect fit to take over. Even if Daryl and the rest of the community are able to overcome Losang and his potential evil schemes, the group will still be without a leader. While Laurent has spent years being prepared for this moment, Losang said himself that the boy isn’t ready, and his survival experience makes that obvious. Additionally, the protagonist doesn’t appear to be sticking around, as Daryl mentioned his desire toreturn to the United States inDaryl Dixonseason 2’spremiere.
Even though Andrew Lincoln is unlikely to appear physically, Rick’s presence could be mentioned by other characters, with the newly reformed CRM helping take over the community.

Therefore,L’Union will be without a leader after the Losang conflict- assuming he becomes an antagonist - making Rick and the CRM the perfect fit to take over. Even though Andrew Lincoln is unlikely to appear physically, Rick’s presence could be mentioned by other characters, with the newly reformed CRM helping take over the community. WithThe Walking Deadrevealing that CRM has worldwide connections, it would make sense that some spies and soldiers are already operating in France, and alongside Rick’s guidance, they could help lead the Nest and create peace in France.
The CRM Saving The Nest Would Allow Daryl To Move On
Daryl Will Likely Defend The Nest Until The Community Finds Peace
Having Rick and the CRM take over the Nest wouldn’t just benefit the group, but it would also allow Daryl to move on. The spinoff will already be moving to Spain, meaning the protagonist needs a reason to leave the community behind, and knowing it’s in good hands while Rick is waiting back home is a better reason than any. It would explain why he is so motivated to return to the US after season 1 made him doubt the idea, and also give him a reason to exit France, even if it means leaving his loved ones behind.
Daryl Dixon Season 3 Synopsis Shows How Rick Grimes Can Reunite With His Brother
With Rick Grimes' brother a possibility for Daryl Dixon season 3, the spinoff’s synopsis highlights how Rick and his sibling could actually reunite.
Daryl needs to move on from the Nest despite how thrilling his journey has been, but Spain would offer another fresh location that would be equally exciting. He could still visit France in the future, or Laurent and Isabelle may choose to go with him to America, but for the series to progress, Daryl has to leave his temporary home behind. The protagonist seems unlikely to do that without knowing the rest of his new allies are safe, but trusting his long-term friend and his new group would help him move on, proving whyDaryl Dixonneeds Rick.
Daryl Dixonhas been officially renewed for a third season, which has begun filming in Spain.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
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.