The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon‘s highly anticipated second season has plenty of potential after a strong first installment, but in order to succeed, it must avoid one mistake that The Walking Dead has repeatedly made over the last four years. Since The Walking Dead‘s ending in 2022, the franchise has continued through spinoff shows, with Daryl Dixon being the only character to get his own solo series. The change in location alongside the introduction of new characters made the project stand out, and with Norman Reedus once again delivering as Daryl Dixon, fans had plenty to enjoy.

Although it was a big risk taking the fan favorite away from the other main survivors, he managed to build new relationships, which proved to be one of the most compelling parts of the show. However, with Daryl Dixon season 2’s story adding Carol into the mix, it will provide even more drama and help raise the stakes for the next installment. With a major antagonist and several plot dynamics already set up for season 2, things are looking positive for Daryl Dixon‘s future, but it still has to overcome one Walking Dead issue that has hindered several shows.

Daryl Dixon Season 2’s Finale Is Even More Crucial After Multiple Underwhelming TWD Finales

The Walking Dead Has Severely Struggled With Wrapping Up Storylines Over The Last 5 Years

Given The Walking Dead has struggled with its finales over the past four years, Daryl Dixon season 2 has even more pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The main series was always going to have a tough time wrapping up every character arc and storyline, and while it did leave the central survivors on a more positive note, the ending focused too much on setting up the spinoff shows and didn’t feel like a proper conclusion. Sadly, this felt underwhelming after 12 years of build-up, and the problem only continued in other shows.

World Beyond finished a year prior to the main show, and once again ended with several characters going off on their own journeys. The apocalyptic setting may not leave much room for definitive endings, but the show’s post-credit scene proved there were a lot of interesting dynamics that went unexplored, and the characters’ final moments weren’t overly memorable. While The Ones Who Live‘s ending did give the Grimes family a wholesome reunion and left viewers satisfied, the actual conflict resolution was poor, as Rick and Michonne took down the CRM in a single episode, despite years of anticipation.

In addition, both Dead City and Daryl Dixon season 1’s endings set up their second installments, and while they weren’t poorly executed, they left too many unanswered questions. Unfortunately, the franchise’s longevity means each show is scared to provide a truly conclusive finale, and this ending problem has plagued the series for the past four years. Therefore, all eyes are on Daryl Dixon season 2 to try and change things and break this trend; however, this will be an extremely tough task since the spinoff has officially been renewed for a third season.

Daryl Dixon Season 2’s Conclusion Can’t Just Set Up Season 3

Season 2’s Finale Has To Definitively Wrap Up Most Ongoing Storylines

With Daryl Dixon season 3 heading to Spain, it’s important that season 2’s finale doesn’t simply set up the next installment. Although the spinoff’s first installment did end with Daryl and his allies making it to the Nest, it left a lot of ongoing stories unfinished, such as Daryl’s return to America and the fight against Genet. While season 2 won’t be able to conclude absolutely everything, it needs to avoid dragging out the main narrative. Naturally, the spinoff will have some setup for its third outing, but Spain offers completely new adventures, meaning most conflicts should be resolved.

Even if there is still a looming threat, Daryl and Carol should reunite and at least solve the main problems in France, which would make a tease for season 3 feel more earned.

The move to Spain could be part of Daryl and Carol’s attempt to take on a bigger threat or return home, as opposed to the protagonists simply doing more of the same in a new country. Moreover, season 2 has to have a much bigger objective that should be completed by the finale if the show wants to avoid repeating The Walking Dead‘s previous mistakes. Even if there is still a looming threat, Daryl and Carol should reunite and at least solve the main problems in France, which would make a tease for season 3 feel more earned.

Norman Reedus’ Finale Comments Are Encouraging For Season 2’s Climax

The Daryl Dixon Actor Has Created Big Expectations For Season 2’s Ending

Daryl Dixon season 2 may have the odds stacked against it to deliver a good finale, but Norman Reedus’ comments about the last episode provide a reason to be optimistic. Having been part of the franchise since the first season in 2010, Reedus has been involved in many of the series’ greatest episodes, yet the actor believes Daryl Dixon season 2 contains The Walking Dead‘s best episode ever. In an interview with Radio Times, Reedus claimed “The last episode is… I’d say the best hour of Walking Dead television ever“, proving he has full belief in the project excelling.

While this could simply be a way to hype up season 2, Reedus sounded genuinely passionate about his love for the finale and hasn’t made many similar comments throughout his time with the franchise. Of course, his quote doesn’t guarantee the finale will wrap up everything, but it at least suggests the action should be great and will hopefully offer a logical solution to whatever problem the central characters face in the next installment. Thankfully, this gives Daryl Dixon season 2 a much better chance at breaking this recent trend, which would make season 3 even more intriguing.

Can Daryl Dixon Season 2 Solve The Walking Dead’s Ongoing Ending Problem?

The Spinoff Show Faces A Lot Of Pressure To End The Walking Dead’s Disappointing Streak

Considering The Walking Dead‘s ending problem has lasted four years, the evidence that Daryl Dixon will overcome this issue is limited, but the show still has some hope. Reedus’ comments are by far the most positive sign for the show, as he seems confident the finale will exceed expectations. Additionally, the fact that the series is filming season 3 in Spain indicates that there should be some sort of definitive ending in France, which is encouraging. However, season 3 creates problems of its own considering the show will almost certainly at least have one major unfinished storyline.

Norman Reedus has appeared as Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead universe every year since his debut in 2010.

The Walking Dead‘s biggest problem has been its inability to commit to true endings, and it’s hard to see Daryl Dixon changing this since the show has plenty of longevity. Despite this, the franchise has offered satisfying conclusions in the past, even when setting up more stories like in the earlier seasons, proving the spinoff can still succeed with its finale. Therefore, Daryl Dixon must take a step in the right direction with its climax and end some of its most pivotal arcs, allowing season 3 to have a completely fresh vibe, regardless of the plot.

Source: Radio Times