The Walking Dead: The Unlikely Alliance of Daryl and Merle and Its Impact on the Group

In the first season of The Walking Dead, the dynamic of the group changes dramatically with the discovery of Merle Dixon. Suppose we explore a scenario where Daryl Dixon is not with the group when they find his brother in Atlanta. In that case, it could lead to unforeseen consequences and alter the narrative of the series significantly. This article delves into the potential outcomes of such a situation, focusing on the interactions between the group and the Dambled brothers, as well as the impact on key characters such as Rick Grimes, Shane Walsh, and Glenn Rhee.

The Inevitable Conflict

Merle Dixon was not a person anyone in the group liked, but his physical strength and toughness made him indispensable for missions requiring violence. However, his actions when Officer Rick left him to die in Atlanta were the tipping point. If Merle had perished, the group would have returned to camp, narrating a similar story of his abandonment. The gravity of this situation would not escape Daryl, who was hunting nearby.

Determined to rescue Merle, Daryl would likely venture into Atlanta. Even if he did not find Merle alive, the remnants of his brother might lead Daryl to the area, guiding him to the corpse or the cut-off arm. This discovery would immediately complicate their mission, as the plan to steal from the group would have failed. With Merle’s death, the brothers would seek revenge, prompting a confrontation between themselves and the group.

Shane Walsh's Early Antagonism

The rising threat would not remain just between Daryl and Merle. Rick, who had just transitioned from his "Officers Friendly" phase, might not have the capability to protect the group from human threats. Shane, on the other hand, would be more inclined to challenge Rick for the role as protector of the group, especially with the group dynamics shifting. This could lead to Shane becoming an antagonist much earlier in the series, with his motives rooted in a desire to claim Lori as his own despite his past actions.

Survival of the Fittest

The survival of the group during this conflict would be a prime example of strategy and firepower. A lone hunter like Daryl would be outmatched by a group of four skilled individuals: Rick, Shane, Glenn, and the recently re-converted T-Dog. Furthermore, with two ex-police officers on their trail, the group's chances would be slim. Daryl’s chances of evading capture or death would be minimal, as skilled fighters like Rick and Shane could easily track and neutralize him.

Consequences and Character Development

Given these circumstances, the group's fate would most likely be bleak. They could be killed off in a night raid by Daryl and Merle, or when confronted by a horde of infected, as depicted in early season one episodes. The group's demise would be a turning point, seeing Shane turn his hostility towards Rick, and Rick’s character development into a more feral and unpredictable figure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daryl and Merle’s pursuit of revenge would intensify the conflict within the group, leading to unpredictable outcomes and character transformations. A scenario where Daryl and Merle ally against the group would jeopardize its survival and could result in the destabilization of the group, with the emergence of players like Shane as early antagonists. This analysis not only sheds light on the aftermath of Merle’s absence but also provides insights into the complex interplay of characters and events in the first season of The Walking Dead.