Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 2.
The Walking Deadhas been struggling to find a new central villain ever since Alpha was defeated, butDaryl Dixonmay have finally proven who the franchise’s main antagonist is. With Rick and Michonne taking down the CRM inThe Ones Who Live’s ending, it felt like the spinoff wasted the zombie series' biggest threat.The CRM had been built up for years across multiple shows, making their swift defeat a huge shock. Although the group’s demise provided the protagonists with a wholesome ending, it left questions about the franchise’s overarching villain, whichDaryl Dixonseems to have answered.
While the TV universe has many qualities,The Walking Dead’s villains have often been the bestpart of the show, as the likes of Negan, Alpha, The Governor, and Shane all provided memorable performances and arcs that helped shape the central characters. Having a compelling enemy is crucial for the story to shine, making it pivotal thatThe Walking Deadproperly replaces the CRMafter Rick’s spinoff. Thankfully,Daryl Dixonappears to have done exactly that, as the series managed to elevate one of its main antagonists who look like they could be a major problem going forward.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Reestablishes Genet As A Proper Threat
Her Torture Scene With Codron Proves How Menacing She Is
Given Genet’s character has felt a little inconsistent throughoutDaryl Dixon, she hasn’t always been portrayed as a true threat, but season 2 thankfully fixed this. Although season 2’s premiere put Genet at the end of Daryl’s gun and made her appear relatively weak, episode 2 reestablished her as a menacing antagonist, particularly towards the episode’s closing moments. A large portion of “Moulin Rouge” focused on Carol arriving in France and trying to track down Daryl, which subsequently helped highlight just how much power and influence Genet and her army have over the country.
French citizens were happy to give up their weapons and dedicate their support to Genet in exchange for a feast, showing the antagonist has a strong grip over her followers. However, her scene interrogating Codron was the icing on the cake. WithDaryl Dixonseemingly redeeming Codron in season 2, the former villain faced Genet’s wrath when she tortured him for information on Laurent, Isabelle, and Daryl.The blood pouring down Codron’s chest and his cries of pain showed how ruthless Genet can be, and if this is her demeanor going forward, she could easily become the franchise’s main villain.
Genet Seems To Have A Realistic Goal & A Strong Faction To Back Her Up
With the CRM out of the picture, Genet is easily the best and most important villain inThe Walking Dead.The Ones Who Liveessentially wrapped up the CRM storyline, meaning they likely won’t be back as villains anytime soon - if at all. In contrast,Dead City’s antagonists will appear again in 2025, andwhile both the Dama and the Croat are interesting, neither of them feels as menacing as Genet.Daryl Dixonhighlighted that Genet has control over the majority of France, which is far more influence than any other villain still alive currently.
The fact that her goals feel realistic and grounded - unlike the CRM’s - while having a powerful faction to support her demonstrates Genet’s power and why she should be taken seriously.
Her desire to rule the country and her experimentation on zombies are also extremely compelling to watch, which helps makeDaryl Dixonarguably the bestWalking Deadspinoff. There is also still more to explore regarding Genet’s personality and background, adding to how intriguing her story is. The fact that her goals feel realistic and grounded - unlike the CRM’s - while having a powerful faction to support her demonstrates Genet’s power and why she should be taken seriously. Despite all this, she also still feels beatable, making her the ideal enemy for Daryl in his spinoff.
Is Genet A Threat To Alexandria? Will She Be?
Daryl Continuing To Oppose Her Could Become A Problem
If Genet really isThe Walking Dead’s new main villain, it raises questions about whether she is a threat to Alexandria alongside its allied communities and if she will be in the future. Currently, the American communities aren’t in Genet’s crosshairs as she is focused solely on ruling France. However, with Daryl being a constant thorn in her side and Carol arriving in the European country, this could all change. Carol was last seen going to Genet’s base of operations, and if the villain is able to figure out Carol’s connections to Daryl, she may learn about Alexandria.
Norman Reedus' Daryl Dixon Update Just Made Me Even More Excited For Season 2
Norman Reedus just provided a huge update on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 2, and I’m more excited than ever for the show’s return.
As a result, she could use this information to threaten Daryl into giving up Laurent, asGenet already has ships that travel to America as seen in season 1. It’s clear Genet is capable of sending soldiers to the US if she really wanted to, and while the villain may be reluctant to weaken her forces in France, taking down L’Union would make this less of an issue.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonhas been officially renewed for season 3, which will take place in Spain.
Depending on how the rest ofDaryl Dixonseason 2 plays out, it’s possible Genet will turn her attention to Alexandria, the Commonwealth, and possibly even the Civic Republic in the future, which would cement her as the franchise’s main villain.
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.
