3 Biggest Reasons Daryl Dixon Didn't Even Need Walking Dead Spin-off
Daryl's arc is ruined.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is expected to premiere its first six-episode season on AMC in the fall of 2023 and will use post-apocalyptic France as the backdrop for Daryl Dixon's new adventures. It is the fifth spin-off and sixth show overall in The Walking Dead franchise.
And while some fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of catching up with Norman Reedus' character, there are those who think Daryl's solo show is actually a bad idea. Here's why.
It was originally Carol's show
When development began on the project in the fall of 2020, the spin-off was supposed to focus on the character of Carol Peletier. However, Melissa McBride was unwilling to spend much of her time filming in Paris, and the focus shifted to Daryl, with Carol appearing for a cameo.
However, some fans feel that Carol would make a much better lead character for the spin-off than Daryl. While he is great as a side character, Daryl doesn't seem interesting enough to be the lead, especially since his more compelling scenes are the action ones where he barely survives.
Daryl was the main character of The Walking Dead
The whole point of a spin-off is to shift the focus to a supporting character and show their arc and an unknown part of the fictional universe in a new light — but this principle doesn't work with Daryl's spin-off. After Rick Grimes left the original show, it was basically Daryl who took over. So instead of giving him his own show that is a direct continuation of The Walking Dead, why not just continue the original?
Fans think it was done to milk the franchise for all it was worth. The original viewers who left are more likely to tune in to the new project rather than return to the parent show. Also, wrapping up The Walking Dead means an end to the behind-the-scenes scandals surrounding it, even if it does break the 'quality over quantity' approach.
Daryl's original arc is ruined
People feel that some of The Walking Dead's spin-offs, including Daryl Dixon, are dragging out and ruining the arcs of fan-favorite characters who should have been allowed to have conclusive endings in the main show. The original had plenty of time in its 11 seasons to flesh out these characters and develop their storylines to a satisfying conclusion.
Instead, the creators decided to make more money off of them and announced the spin-offs before The Walking Dead finale even aired, spoiling the ending for everyone. That's how Daryl's original arc was ruined by lazy writing and a thirst for profit.