Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol episode 3.
The Walking Deadhas had plenty of great villains over the years, but none have stood out as much as Negan; however,The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonseems to have revealed his replacement. Although the franchise has had some strong antagonists since Negan’s reign of terror came to an end,no one else has felt quite like Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s charismatic killer. He became so iconic that not only is he still around today, but he even got his own spinoff, which has teasedNegan returning to his villainous ways whenDead Cityseason 2 finally comes around in 2025.
Despite the character still being a pivotal part of the franchise, he’s no longer a villain after going through a redemption arc, andDead Cityseason 2’s trailer doesn’t guarantee that he’ll completely regress to the brutal and menacing man he once was. Therefore, the series needs someone to step up and fill that main antagonistic role, especially after theCRM failed to replace Negan inThe Walking Dead. Thankfully,Daryl Dixonlooks to have answered this call, as one of the show’s main threats has gotten more sinister in season 2, while also sharing a similar background to Negan.
Genet’s Backstory In Daryl Dixon Is Very Close To Negan’s In The Walking Dead
Both Characters Lost Their Spouse Before Starting A Villainous Faction
Negan’s tragic backstory was explored inThe Walking Deadseason 10, which added an important bit of context to the character, explaining why he became so evil. “Here’s Negan” didn’t try to justify Negan’s actions and highlighted that he was already flawed even before the apocalypse, but it helped the audience understand his transition into violence and control, as losing his wife put him on a dark path.Genet’s backstory is eerily similar, as her husband was killed by a walker right in front of her, which outlines why she became the way she is inDaryl Dixon.
Both characters also worked relatively unexpected jobs before the outbreak, with Negan being a gym teacher and Genet being a janitor at the Louvre, yet these life-altering moments changed them forever. Tired of being looked down upon and treated as inferior, Genet and Negan each stepped up in their own way and became something better in their eyes. As a result, they each turned into hardened, influential survivors who took over their own groups. Negan went on to lead the Saviors, whileGenet leads Pouvoir Du Vivant inDaryl Dixon, highlighting how much they both adapted after losing their spouses.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixonhas been renewed for a third season which will take place in Spain.
While Negan’s story at the beginning of the apocalypse seemed fairly unique at the time, Genet’s feels incredibly similar, as does her descent into villainy. Her belief that she is doing the right thing for the people of France resembles Negan’s own delusions regarding his leadership of the Saviors, showing how much their backgrounds parallel one another.
Genet’s Style Of Leadership Has Echoes Of Negan & The Saviors
Genet Is A Strict & Hardened Leader Who Still Treats Some Of Her Soldiers With Respect
Alongside sharing similar histories,Genet’s leadership style also has shades of Negan. Pouvoir and the Saviors both have a huge amount of control and influence over their respective areas, which takes a level of ruthlessness. Negan’s introduction showed how brutal he was willing to get, as he was responsible forGlenn’sThe Walking Deaddeathand it remains one of the franchise’s most gruesome moments. Additionally, Genet has also proven she is willing to rule with an iron fist, as evidenced by her pursuit of Laurent and her desperation to kill Daryl, which has continued in season 2.
Why Daryl Dixon’s Villains Specifically Need American Zombies, Not French
Daryl Dixon’s central antagonists have been experimenting on American zombies, and the franchise has explained why they don’t use French walkers.
They also both treat their people in similar ways. Negan killed some of his own men, forced certain women to become his wives, and frequently spoke down to the Saviors. Despite this, he did take care of some of his more vulnerable followers and rewarded loyalty, indicating he wasn’t completely evil, despite his awful behavior.Daryl Dixonhas portrayed Genet in a similar fashion, as she forced a man to eat from the floor after disrespecting an innocent woman, highlighting her hatred for elitism while maintaining an authoritative role that demands both discipline and respect from her community.
Pouvoir Is More Organized & Large Scale Than The Saviors
Although Negan and the Saviors were portrayed as one of the most dangerous groups inThe Walking Deadfranchise when they were first introduced, Genet’s Pouvoir Du Vivant seems even stronger. The Savoirs almost appeared as though they had unlimited soldiers, as more and more kept popping up even after being killed. They were also able to make Hilltop, Alexandria, and the Kingdom all submit to Negan’s demands, making them extremely intimidating. However,the area that the Saviors had control over was much smaller compared to Genet and Pouvoir, who rule almost the entirety of France.
Daryl Dixon’s main antagonists are some of the biggest threats the franchise has ever seen, making them more powerful than Negan’s army.
Having control over an entire nation highlights just how influential Genet and her group are, with a large percentage of France’s survivors buying into her beliefs and way of life. They have nullified most resistance, and if they were to expand into other countries, it’s inevitable they would find more and more success. The Saviors were a great group of menacing villains during their time, but the stakes have only got higher inThe Walking Dead, andDaryl Dixon’s main antagonists are some of the biggest threats the franchise has ever seen, making them more powerful than Negan’s army.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
In a post-apocalyptic France, the series follows Daryl Dixon as he navigates the complexities of a new landscape. Separated from his familiar world, Daryl faces unexpected challenges and forges new alliances while confronting the lingering threats of a walker-infested reality.
