Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 2's Finale.The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 2 concluded strongly for most of the show's central characters, but Laurent and Ash's happy ending has one problem that could prevent them from making it to the Commonwealth. After 12 episodes of conflict and drama in France, Daryl Dixon season 2's ending wrapped up in a mostly positive fashion, as Daryl and Carol headed for England, Fallou found a new purpose in France, and Laurent and Ash flew towards America. While Codron's fate remains a mystery and Anna was killed, the finale's optimistic close hinted at a positive future for the spinoff's cast.
However, while Laurent and Ash arguably had the best ending out of Daryl Dixon's main group, there is one overlooked issue that could jeopardize their trip to the Commonwealth. Having initially refused to travel to France, Ash was eventually persuaded after Carol lied about Sophia's death. He was heartbroken after Carol revealed her true reasons for wanting to travel to Europe, but the pilot managed to get over the betrayal to give Laurent a chance at a better life. Unfortunately, Ash's survival experience could be a major problem when it comes to safely escorting the child to his new home.
Ash's Mistakes Mean Laurent Might Not Reach The Commonwealth Safely After Daryl Dixon Season 2
Ash's Lack Of Survival Skills Suggest He Will Struggle To Protect Laurent On His Own
Throughout Daryl Dixon, Laurent has been protected by Daryl alongside several other characters, hence why he made it across France, but his trip to the Commonwealth will be entirely different. Although Ash has managed to survive most of the apocalypse on his own, he spent a lot of his time isolated in his own safe zone and didn't venture outside much, giving him a severe lack of survival skills. His compound was easily breached by walkers in season 2's premiere, and he has had several other close calls, making it a miracle that Ash hasn't died yet in Daryl Dixon.
Ash's pilot skills make him an incredibly valuable ally, but he clearly isn't the type of survivor who can easily fight off zombies and protect a child, posing questions about whether he can look after Laurent.
Out in the wild, he has severely struggled, as he wound up injured in a car surrounded by zombies, only surviving because Daryl and Carol were able to track him down and rescue him. Additionally, had it not been for Daryl's quick thinking and instincts, Ash would've walked straight into a walker in season 2's finale, which could have been a huge disaster. His pilot skills make him an incredibly valuable ally, but he clearly isn't the type of survivor who can easily fight off zombies and protect a child, posing questions about whether he can look after Laurent.
Losing his son will undoubtedly make Ash extra motivated to keep Laurent safe and throw himself in front of danger, but this doesn't guarantee they'll make it without extra help. Ash also had to stop in Greenland to refuel the plane earlier in Daryl Dixon season 2, but he had Carol to help protect him, and even then they barely survived. Laurent wouldn't be able to offer the same support, and even if the extra tank of fuel gets them to America without a stop, the duo would still have to make it from their landing spot to the Commonwealth.
Although Daryl Dixon season 2's finale made audiences think Laurent and Ash would be fine, there are clearly still some huge obstacles that they'll have to overcome, and without any experienced survivors there to help them on their journey, their path to the Commonwealth will be far from straightforward.
The Commonwealth Could Come Under Attack Before Daryl & Carol Get Back There
Designation 2's Unresolved Storyline Means Daryl & Carol Could Be Walking Into A War Zone
With Daryl and Carol likely to return to the Commonwealth at some point in the future, there is a strong possibility the community could be under attack before they arrive. The last time we saw the Commonwealth, it was in a good place. Ezekiel and Mercer seemed to be leading the settlement, there was unity among the residents, and there was no ongoing conflict, indicating the future would be peaceful. However, while The Walking Dead season 11's ending managed to resolve the internal problems within the Commonwealth, it never addressed the mysterious Designation 2 which could still become a problem.
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Daryl Dixon Season 2's Ending Points Toward A Major Character Return For Season 3
Although many characters completed their story in Daryl Dixon season 2, one character's fate in the finale sets up a heroic return in season 3.
During "Outpost 22", Connie was being delivered to a place called Designation 2, with one Commonwealth soldier claiming people that go there are never seen again. Lance Horsnby also mentioned working with people who would be very upset in the event of his death. While Hornsby was killed and Connie was rescued before being taken to this hidden community, there hasn't been any retaliation from the villains, but this could've changed since The Walking Dead last showed the Commonwealth.
It's possible that sometime after Carol left for France, Designation 2 finally revealed itself with an ambush on the community.
It's possible that sometime after Carol left for France, Designation 2 finally revealed itself with an ambush on the community. Why they would wait so long to strike or what their goals are remains unclear, but with the franchise lacking an overarching villain, it could be a way to work toward a crossover. Therefore, if Designation 2 were to begin a war with the Commonwealth, Daryl and Carol could be walking into the middle of this battle, creating a tense arrival for the duo.
Daryl Dixon Season 2's Ending Wants You To Assume Laurent & Ash Fly Home Safely
The Optimistic Ending Could Be A Red Herring For How Difficult Their Journey Will Really Be
Ash and Laurent leaving France felt like the most triumphant moment in season 2's finale, making it obvious the writers want the audience to assume the duo made it home safely. However, it could all be a red herring to highlight that the flight was just the beginning of their journey. Managing to take off from an unorthodox runway while L'Union and Pouvoir shot at them was a massive accomplishment, indicating that they were over the worst of their troubles, but this might not be the case.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been renewed for season 3 and will premiere in 2025.
Alongside their potentially dangerous journey to the Commonwealth, the plane could've also sustained damage, potentially requiring an emergency landing. Therefore, until the duo actually arrives in the safe zone, their struggles are far from over, meaning they could potentially have their own storyline in season 3 attempting to find the Commonwealth. Regardless of what happens with their narrative, Daryl Dixon ending on a high is far from a guarantee that Ash and Laurent will have a smooth ride home, but I'm looking forward to seeing where their story goes in the future.