'Walking Dead' Watch: Is Daryl Gay?
by EG
Most viewers agree that The Walking Dead needs to shake things up a little if it wants to halt its precipitous ratings slide. One writer thinks she has a great idea for doing that, and it involves a major revelation about Daryl's sexuality. Read on for details.
As leading man Andrew Lincoln (who plays Rick Grimes) prepares to exit AMC's The Walking Dead, Norman Reedus (who plays Daryl Dixon) is negotiating a $20 million deal to hover at the top of the call sheet on one of TV's most-watched dramas.
While the writing for Lincoln's departure may have been on the wall, the news has left stunned viewers asking one question: How could a loner like Daryl ever become the next leader of the apocalypse?
Daryl’s popularity, after all, has long relied on his brooding charm. He’s not the type that takes control of a group. In order for this character arc to be plausible, Daryl needs a major story development to trigger the change. One thing that would do the trick is a theory that’s been circulating fandom for years: Daryl is gay.
Giving him a coming-out story in the forthcoming season nine, centered around a relationship with Aaron (played by Ross Marquand), would make the transition convincing while also bringing compelling character drama back to the show. Here’s why it would work:
1. It Would Give Daryl a Compelling Storyline Again
Let’s face it, Daryl hasn’t been interesting since season three. While he used to intrigue viewers with his moody, complicated loyalties which sent him blindly searching for Sophia (Madison Lintz) and struggling to love Merle (Michael Rooker), all viewers have seen him do lately is eat dog food and make bad decisions. Introducing a nuanced love interest would call back to The Walking Dead's glory days when characters were multidimensional and had more to do than decide whether to kill people.
2. It Would Explain His Metamorphosis Into a Leader
The biggest problem with Daryl becoming the next leader is that it runs entirely counter to his character. Partnering with Aaron would offer an explanation for the change. On an emotional level, a consequential relationship gives Daryl something to fight for. On a practical level, it explains how he acquires the interpersonal skills necessary to succeed at this role. Aaron was a diplomat prior to the apocalypse. He is measured and reasonable where Daryl is reckless and hot-headed. A romantic union would explain how a quick-tempered, inarticulate guy like Daryl becomes capable of leading a civilization.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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