A crossbow in hand, dead rabbits around his arm and the language of a carter, when Daryl Dixon appeared on our screens for the first time in 2010. He is not really promised to become the favorite character of spectators of The Walking Dead. Faced with a Rick Grimes who is all responsibility and morality, Norman Reedus shows himself to be all violence and selfishness. Fourteen years after this first scene, the protagonist is one of the most popular with the public. AMC is now devoting a spin-off to it, an opportunity to deepen its mythology and establish its status as a darling of fans of zombie production. We met Norman Reedus, to retrace his journey.
Ultimate Survivor
What does it take to survive a zombie apocalypse? Increased weapon proficiencya taste for survival in a hostile environment or difficulty trusting? All three. From his first appearance in the episode “Tell it to the frogs”, Daryl Dixon stands out as the only character capable of navigating this chaos. He knows how to hunt, fight, is fearless and does not bond with other humans. He only trusts his brother Merle, whom the narration will hastily tear away from him to better offer him an opportunity to grow. Norman Reedus remembers the first discussions surrounding the participation entrusted to him. On paper, he should just be a “racist who takes drugs” explains his interpreter.
Reedus, however, wants to free himself from this characterization to draw a more nuanced portrait to tell something else. “I asked them if we could change that. I wanted him to grow up like that, but to be ashamed of it. Now that his brother is gone, he can slowly become a new person that he is proud of. I think he continues to evolve in this way”.
As soon as Merle leaves the picture, Daryl reinvents himself. Season 2 is a tipping point for the characterwho appears as Carol’s unfailing support when she searches for her daughter Sophia. From thick brute to savior, Dixon begins his metamorphosis. He remains silent, discreet and very secretive, the series has not yet revealed all the secrets of his characterization.
We will have to wait until season 3 for the character to show himself in a new light, for him to appear as the only one capable of truly surviving in this hostile environment. Long before the world went up in smoke, Daryl’s world had already descended into chaos. The mere sight of scars behind his back will be enough for spectators to draw the necessary conclusions. For Norman Reedus, it is in this past as a victim of violence that all his complexity is hidden. “I think because he’s been through all that, he has the desire to fight for the marginalized. This past has removed all form of ego from him. He is very humble.”
His past as a child victim of violence also supports the importance of his relationship with Caroltheir friendship is nourished by their shared traumas. The two heroes, however, have a different approach when it comes to survival. While she uses people’s propensity to distrust her to her advantage, Daryl uses his shell to ward off anyone who wants to approach.
An unaware hero
Rick is at the epicenter of the story from the first moments. It is with him that the series begins, through his eyes that spectators discover the world in the grip of an invasion of tough undead. A lawman, loving family man and devoted friend, the sheriff embodies morality and fairness. The Walking Dead will never stop questioning this morality, questioning what humans are willing to do to survive. Rick Grimes will have dozens of heroic moments. Daryl Dixon too. But according to Norman Reedus, the most important thing was that he was virtuous and heroic, without being aware of it. “I don’t mind him being the hero, I don’t want Daryl to know he’s the hero.” Often, moreover, the series will take care of reminding spectators of the violence that inhabits it.
A mentor, a leader…
Fourteen years after his first steps in the parent series, Daryl Dixon continues to travel the world. Although he seemed to have found peace, the disappearance of his friend Rick forced him to hit the road again. With his spin-off series, the character travels across France in the hope of returning to his family. As usual, Daryl forges makeshift friendships, particularly with young Laurentseen by a group of survivors like the Messiah. He is the only one capable of giving hope to his peers. For Norman Reedus, this relationship is precious in the journey of his character. He explains:
“This kid grew up in a monastery, surrounded by nuns, he doesn’t know what’s outside. Daryl is not going to tell him his story, the horrors he experienced. Laurent has an innocence, a naive curiosity that we no longer see. No one thinks like him anymore. He’s special, he can still feel things, he’s not numb. He’s a bit like a unicorn. Daryl doesn’t realize it until halfway through the trip and it starts to rub off on him. This innocence affects Daryl.”
While Daryl is the product of violence, she finds herself at every point of her journey, the presence of young Laurent sounds like a breath of oxygen as much as the prospect of finding a form of fullness, of peace.
Dreaming of a better future
After several decades of zombie wanderings, the question of retirement arises for Daryl. His trip to France allows the character to see the apocalypse in a new light, the series continues to question the notion of community as much as that of survival. In the eternal fight against evil, some of the characters summoned for the occasion prefer tranquility. A shorter life, but one where pleasure is at the epicenter, may well be the more joyful prospect, according to Norman Reedus.
“There’s a really beautiful scene in season 1 where Daryl hears someone playing an instrument. He looks out the window and there’s this old couple just having dinner. Daryl is surprised. People still do that! I think it was very interesting for him to come to a civilized world, where art and time are important. Have a good meal… He eats wild animals. Mortality catches up with us all, and it might be time for Daryl to think about that.”
The question of belonging and family remains at the epicenter of the story, this new season should be an opportunity to move Daryl forward on this path. As a reminder, the series is currently being broadcast on Paramount+ in France.
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