People, for some reason, are convinced that The Walking Dead‘s macho bow-toting ‘protector’ figure Daryl Dixon is a gay man.
The character’s lack of love plots throughout four seasons and clear disinterest in the women who have come on to him in a post-apocalyptic zombie world have led fans to speculate about his sexuality and fate in the upcoming fifth season — due to his four-year partner draught, they are almost certain that he will either die or come out this year.
Because everyone can agree that men on television shows should either be gay or just die.
Pressure from fans is weighing on the show’s creator Robert Kirkman, who recently told them that Daryl’s sexuality “[has] been discussed”:
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“We have very specific ideas about Daryl’s sexuality (or the seeming lack thereof), and if there’s ever a quiet period in the show where he’s not consistently distracted by crossbowing… we’ll tackle it in the show.”
When asked if the AMC network would “allow” a gay character (wth?), Kirkman confirmed “they absolutely would.”
Last year, Norman Reedus, the actor who plays Daryl, told EW that he wouldn’t mind a gay love plot. He even revealed the potential gay love interest at the top of his list:
“I think in Season 4, he and Steven [Yeun] — the Glenn character — I think they really, they have a lot of romantic time they spend together. Alone time. And I think, you know, it is a prison. I think that’s probably where his character’s going to go. Maggie? Who’s Maggie, you know what I mean? It’s Glenn and Daryl.”
Personally, I think the show missed a perfect opportunity for a gay subplot when they killed Jon Bernthal. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have died for a little Rick-on-Shane smut.
Cam
That would keep it interesting. The rest of the relationship plotlines have worn themselves out.
barkomatic
I’d love to see a gay love plot for Daryl not only because it would make the show more interesting but also that it would absolutely enrage the conservative straight hicks who look up to his character. Bring it.
MarionPaige
Daryl isn’t even in Kirkland’s book, he is an invention of the tv show. Daryl is undisputed to be the most popular character on The Walking Dead, there is also a separate franchise consisting of Daryl and Merle to consider. Since everyone on The Walking Dead is infected, any sexuality seems out of place. Anywho there is a lesbian character on the show.
Kieru
That’s curious… I always assumed there was something going on between his character and Melissa McBride’s (Carol). Their character’s connection deepened significantly in the last two seasons and always came off as more than just friendly, and certainly not Mother-and-Son.
NG22
@Kieru: Well, Carol wants Daryl, but Daryl doesn’t want Carol.
I for one hope Daryl is gay or bi or who cares. Just kissing a guy for no reason at all.
SportGuy
I have always kind of thought his character might be gay, since his brother was a womanizing jerk, I thought it would be ironic if his brother was gay! Plus Daryl is a total hottie.
JennyFromdabloc
Isn’t Michonne gay too? There was an insinuation she was in love with Andrea.
AJAnders
It’s a nice thought but I don’t believe it for a second. Kirkman is doing some major gay baiting here. Daryl has been one of the most popular characters on the show since the beginning and if it were revealed that he was gay, his fans would lose their sh*t. Imagine all the fanboys across the country who threw up in their mouths when Andrew Garfield publicly brought up the possibility of Spider Man being gay….only worse.
I’ve been addicted to The Walking Dead since the first episode and I will continue watching regardless but it HAS been disappointing that we’ve never seen a gay male character. I feel if we ever do, it’s certainly not going to be Darryl. It will probably be some throw away character who is introduced and then killed by a herd of walkers by the second commercial break.
SportGuy
@JennyFromdabloc:
I am not sure about that, I thought that as well! I do know in one episode, this past season, she talked about her boyfriend/husband and her son, though I know that means nothing and she could still be gay.
jd2222248
“Because everyone can agree that men on television shows should either be gay or just die”
WTF
Tim
I agree with AJAanders. If there would be a gay character, they’ll off him quickly just like every other non-comedy show. Or reveal his sexuality after he’s dead like they did Boone in Lost. Because no gay heroes, that’s why.
siltor67
oh god i hope not. i want daryl with beth.. f*ck those silly gay rumors
1EqualityUSA
Arrrgh! WolahhhgggGnararr,nom,nom,nomslurp. This dude will be the last man standing, lonesome, but alive.
MarionPaige
the Andrea character was so hated by fans that the actress who played the character became concerned. The “solution” the show came up with was to distribute a photograph of Norman Reedus hugging the actress. Just remembered though that the group of men travel was traveling with “indicated” that the went both ways – and Daryl was with them for some time.
MarionPaige
the group of men Daryl was traveling with “indicated” that THEY went both ways – and Daryl was with them for some time
JennyFromdabloc
@MarionPaige: Andrea was hated? She could not be anywhere nearly as reviled as Lori.