‘The Walking Dead’: Daryl Dixon Fighting Hard Not To Join Team Negan — What Does Future Hold For Norman Reedus’ Character On ‘TWD’? [Spoilers]
The Walking Dead Season 7 not only featured Glenn and Abraham’s deaths, but Daryl Dixon being kidnapped by Negan and the Saviors. Many fans are wondering what is going to happen to Norman Reedus’ character. Will he stay strong and resist Dwight and Negan trying to break him? Or will he eventually join the Saviors? Recently, his predicament was discussed in an interview with showrunner Scott Gimple, as well as actors Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Andrew Lincoln.
TWD spoilers are ahead. Do not continue reading if you don’t want to know what could happen next on the zombie apocalypse TV show.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Norman Reedus said that Daryl Dixon was resisting the torture by Negan and the Saviors because of Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun). It was, in a way, his way of honoring Glenn’s life and death on The Walking Dead. More recently, showrunner Scott Gimple spoke to TV Guide along with actors Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Andrew Lincoln. A small tidbit was revealed by Gimple about Daryl in the article.
“[Daryl] is fighting hard not to sell out to Negan and become a Savior. And he will soon start having interaction with people outside the Sanctuary.”
As TWD fans know, Negan, Dwight (Austin Amelio), and the Saviors are not only trying to break Daryl Dixon, but are also testing him. The door to his cell was purposely left open and he tried to escape. He was warned by one of Negan’s wives, who used to be married to Dwight, not to do it. However, he didn’t listen and was caught. Instead of Negan taking Lucille to Daryl, he allowed the Saviors to use him as a human punching bag.
On the last episode of The Walking Dead, Negan and the Saviors arrived in Alexandria. Surprisingly, they brought along Daryl, who wore his prison outfit. Norman Reedus’ character made sure not to look anyone in the eyes. He also didn’t speak and did what he was instructed to do. Knowing the character, he is probably not broken yet. However, he may be getting close.
It is interesting that soon, Daryl will have interactions outside of the Sanctuary. Likely, this will be another test by Negan and the Saviors. Even if he is left alone and is out of earshot, fans can be sure that Dixon will be careful. He has learned that Negan’s eyes and ears are everywhere. For them to allow Daryl to interact with people outside of the Sanctuary, Negan must feel Daryl is close to joining the Saviors. However, it is unlikely that he will. If he does decide to become Team Negan, then it won’t be genuine. Daryl will probably have a plan and will use the opportunity to gain a bit of freedom. As he is trusted more and left on his own, it will give him the chance to help protect and/or warn Rick and the others.
Daryl is not a character in Robert Kirkman’s comic books, so it’s hard to predict what will happen to him. However, on the TV show, Dixon is loyal, resourceful, and has street smarts. He is also patient and observes more than people think. Despite being held in a cell at the Sanctuary, Daryl is paying attention. A few weeks ago, he was taking a look into a room with an open door when Dwight told him to wait in the hallway. It isn’t because he was curious. He is creating a map in his mind, looking for doors, windows, and probably ordinary objects that can be used as weapons. That is the kind of man he is. Negan and the Saviors know he is tough and resilient, but they are also underestimating him.
What do you think is going to happen with Daryl Dixon in the next few episodes of TWD? Will he join the Saviors, pretend to be Team Negan, or keep on resisting? What are your predictions for Norman Reedus’ character in The Walking Dead?
[Featured Image by Gene Page/AMC]
