With ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon‘ heading into its final chapter, anticipation is at an all-time high. Our beloved crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon has battled variant Walkers, crossed the Atlantic, and taken on a whole new life in Europe. But despite all this distance, nothing can escape the massive influence his past and his family will always have over him.
For a series centered on unbreakable relationships, it would be a crime for the character to end his storyline alone without at least getting a few reunions along the way. For someone who evolved from one of the franchise’s hot-headed, abrasive loners into a trusted ally of many surviving heroes, there are a few iconic faces that we think should be part of his journey. Check them out below.
5. Rick Grimes
It seemed that the chance of bringing Rick Grimes back into the show’s larger universe was nothing more than a mere fantasy for years. But that all changed with ‘The Ones Who Live,’ in which we saw Rick reunite with Michonne and finally come to the end of his journey with the CRM.
Still, there is one reunion that seems glaringly missing from Rick’s life, and that is meeting up with Daryl Dixon. The relationship between Rick and Daryl has been one of the core elements that made ‘The Walking Dead’ such an incredible show.
Over the years, whether before Rick became leader or during the battle against Negan, the two characters would always turn to each other whenever things got rough for them. Daryl spent countless years looking for Rick, even after the man appeared to have died.
This makes it almost impossible for the franchise to leave fans without giving a reunion between the two. Bringing Rick back into Daryl Dixon’s last chapter would be a great idea, especially since his journey began when he met Rick.
While Daryl is across the ocean in a new apocalyptic setting, having both appear together at some point in the series would provide fans with an incredible experience.
4. Michonne
While Rick’s reemergence might be expected, Michonne’s return would certainly make perfect sense as well. She has evolved from a mysterious woman who carries around a sword to arguably one of the franchise’s key leaders.
It was Michonne’s need to reunite with her family that drove all the major plot developments in ‘The Ones Who Live,’ proving that she remains among the most interesting characters in the universe. Also, the strong bond that she has formed with Daryl sets her apart from other characters.
While Michonne initially had nothing but respect for Daryl, she eventually became his friend through years of enduring hardships together. Moreover, the show could utilize her role to bridge gaps between different parts of the franchise.
After the storyline with Rick ends, she is once again available to help restore the communities, which have faced many losses. Watching how Michonne and Daryl interact after all of their experiences throughout the apocalypse can serve as a testament to the duo’s ever-evolving maturity.
3. Judith Grimes
Though Judith Grimes is one of the youngest survivors, she has become one of the most significant symbols of the franchise. Born into this apocalyptic world and raised by multiple parents, she represents the future that Rick, Michonne, and Daryl worked so hard to create.
In Case You Missed It: ‘The Walking Dead’ Almost Cast Matthew Lillard as Negan And It Could’ve Changed Everything
The relationship between Judith and Daryl deserves special attention. Throughout her childhood, Daryl was more than just another survivor. He served as a surrogate uncle, guiding and protecting her as she grew up. Few relationships in the franchise have developed as naturally as that between Daryl and Judith.
As she grew up, Daryl helped her understand the history of the communities and the people who sacrificed so much to build them. A meeting between these two characters would mean a lot. After all, Daryl left the United States when Judith was just a child.
It would be interesting to see how much the duo has changed in such a long time. More importantly, Judith serves as a living reminder of Rick’s legacy. Including her in the last season would reinforce the idea that the struggle for survival was always about creating a better future for the next generation.
2. Maggie Rhee
The character has survived despite several traumatic experiences, including the loss of Glenn, guiding Hilltop through crisis after crisis, and dealing with her complex relationship with Negan. Maggie now stands out as one of the surviving leaders who has been involved in the struggle for the longest time in ‘The Walking Dead’ franchise.
Maggie’s connection to Daryl dates back to the early days of the series. She played a significant role during the difficult times when they both endured losses and battles, and in the formation of communities whose efforts helped bring some stability to the new world.
It is challenging to imagine such an important character missing the meeting with the remaining survivors. A reunion with Maggie will allow viewers to learn more about the current state of the communities following the events of Dead City.
Being one of the most influential leaders, she will share valuable information regarding the reconstruction of civilization. Meeting with Daryl once again will help draw the spin-offs into a single story while showing what has become of their friendship.
1. Negan
Negan has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations of any character in ‘The Walking Dead.’ Introduced as a terrifying villain, he gradually evolved into one of the franchise’s most interesting antiheroes. Some fans remain unconvinced by his redemption arc.
But there is little denying that Negan has become one of the most intriguing and layered characters on the show. His evolution continues to spark debate, but it has also ensured that he remains a central figure in the show’s larger universe.
Another reason a reunion between Negan and Daryl would be so compelling is the long history of conflict, trauma, and mutual suspicion that exists between them. However, they have both gone through a great deal since their last confrontation during the Savior War.
It is highly probable that at the end of this season, Negan could come across Daryl again. This interaction will not necessarily wash away their past. Rather, it would acknowledge it, especially given how much has changed.
You Might Also Like To Read: “Paris Is Ugly Now”: ‘Amélie’ Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet Says No to a Sequel and Reveals the Surprising Reason
