In the new spin-off series, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” everyone’s favorite character, Daryl (played by Norman Reedus), finds himself in post-apocalyptic France. The show begins with Daryl being shipwrecked off the southern French coast, where zombies, called ‘affamés,’ are causing chaos. Undeterred by the Atlantic Ocean, Daryl sets out on foot to find a boat that will take him back to America.
This change of location offers a fresh take on the familiar character, making it accessible for both loyal fans and newcomers. The first season consists of six episodes, presenting a self-contained story with a clear goal: Daryl must travel from the southern French coast, through Lourdes and Paris, to Le Havre, where he can cross back to America. Along the way, he encounters new friends, like the nun Isabelle and her pupil Laurent, as well as enemies, including soldier Stéphane and the self-appointed commander-in-chief Marion Genet, who conducts experiments on zombies.
The series wisely gives more space to new characters, acknowledging that Daryl’s development is somewhat limited. As an American tourist in France, Daryl remains a guest, providing an interesting dynamic as he navigates through the country without delving into its language or culture.
The show showcases various French locations, from a nunnery near Lourdes to scenes in Mont-Saint-Michel and Paris, capturing the diverse landscape of the post-apocalyptic world. “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” airs weekly on Star Channel starting December 11, 2023.
