Tensions have continued to rise in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 2, and episode 4 just made a huge statement by uniting the show’s two main villain groups. Ever since season 1, L’Union and Pouvoir have been on opposing sides, creating conflict between the two factions. Up until season 2, The Union of Hope seemed to consist of good people who were willing to oppose Pouvoir’s evil regime to create a more peaceful France. However, L’Union betrayed Daryl Dixon in season 2 despite the protagonist helping them, and they revealed their real plan was to prove Laurent’s immunity.

Even though they had more sinister intentions than first met the eye, The Union was still against Genet and Pouvoir’s goals, but episode 4 changed that. With neither group having custody of Laurent and Genet’s motivations in Daryl Dixon no longer a factor, the rival factions were seemingly able to bury the hatchet and come together. Losang told his people the two groups could merge their dreams and claimed all was forgiven. Although his followers don’t seem convinced by the decision alongside it going against his previous feelings towards Pouvoir, the villains now appear to be a united force.

Why The Union & Pouvoir Team Up In Daryl Dixon Season 2, Episode 4

The Two Villainous Factions Put Their Differences Aside & Joined Forces After Genet’s Death

The decision to team up largely came down to Pouvoir forcing L’Union’s hand. After Genet and Pouvoir successfully stormed the Nest, there were casualties on both sides, but Pouvoir came out on top and was able to imprison Losang and Jacinta. However, with Laurent escaping the settlement, Genet and a few of her soldiers went looking for him but wound up being killed by Carol and Daryl in the process. Therefore, Pouvoir’s change in leadership also brought a change in philosophy, leading to Sabine offering Losang the opportunity to bring their goals together and create an even more unified France.

Despite being loyal to Genet, Sabine was quick to critique her former leader’s methods after learning about her death and clearly has her own vision for the future. While it’s possible Losang only agreed to form an alliance with Pouvoir to save himself, his change in demeanor suggests he’s all in on being a villain. He was responsible for Isabelle’s death in Daryl Dixon and was willing to risk Laurent’s life to justify his faith, meaning his desperation to maintain power and prove he was right about Laurent’s immunity has driven him to unite with those he once opposed.

Genet’s death was the catalyst behind these two groups coming together, but Sabine having more ambitious ideas alongside Losang becoming increasingly evil were equally crucial to L’Union and Pouvoir joining forces.

Why Pouvoir Still Wants To Find Laurent Is Confusing

Laurent Still Appears To Be Part Of The Overarching Plan, But It’s Unclear Why

Both Pouvoir and L’Union’s plans have revolved around Laurent since Daryl Dixon first started, and while it’s understandable why L’Union still needs the boy, it’s less clear why Pouvoir wants to find him. The Union is likely still adamant about proving that Laurent is immune to the zombie virus in Daryl Dixon, given that’s the whole reason for the group’s existence, but Pouvoir mainly needed him as a symbol. Having the child resist their ideologies is the biggest reason Pouvoir had such strong resistance, but allying with L’Union has solved that problem, meaning Laurent is no longer essential.

With L’Union on their side, there are very few people in France rejecting Pouvoir’s message, giving them the ultimate power they’ve been craving. As a result, Sabine doesn’t have to worry about Laurent inspiring people to stand up against her group, and if anything, it would be better for her if he didn’t return. Perhaps Pouvoir still hopes to find Laurent in an attempt to hold up their end of the bargain and keep L’Union happy, but in reality, Laurent coming back would only create more problems for Sabine’s faction, making it unclear why they truly want to find him.

Where Are Daryl Dixon & Carol Going After Season 2, Episode 4?

Daryl & Carol Are Continuing Their Pursuit To Find Laurent Before Heading Back To America

After escaping the Nest together and taking down Genet, Carol and Daryl set off on a trip that seems to be taking them to Paris. Although their final conversation of the episode doesn’t fully confirm this, Daryl does tell Carol, “You know Laurent is coming home with us, right?” Given Daryl wouldn’t just abandon Laurent, it seems reasonable to assume the protagonists are traveling to Paris after learning Laurent was heading there with Fallou. When they do eventually catch up to their allies, it seems likely they will try to leave France.

Unless Laurent is miraculously immune from the virus, he is bound to die if he stays in France.

Despite the relationships he was able to build in France, Daryl Dixon still wants to return to the United States, but bringing Laurent with him is crucial, especially after learning about L’Union’s true intentions. Unless Laurent is miraculously immune from the virus, he is bound to die if he stays in France, meaning Daryl will be adamant about fulfilling Isabelle’s dying wish to take care of Laurent. Therefore, Daryl and Carol’s next stop will almost certainly be Paris, where they can reunite Laurent and Fallou, alongside Ash, who is their ticket home to the US.

How Genet’s Death Changes Daryl Dixon Season 2’s Entire Setup

The Show Losing Its Best Villain Somewhat Reduces The Stakes Going Forward

One of the biggest shocks in episode 4 was Genet’s death, as it completely changes how the remainder of the season will play out. Genet’s ruthless methods have become a little familiar to the audience, but they also ensure Daryl’s escape from France would be far from easy. She had a strong grip on the country and her past actions proved she would go all out on trying to kill Daryl and capture Laurent. Unfortunately, without Genet at the head of Pouvoir, season 2’s stakes have been lowered slightly, as Losang and Sabine are unlikely to have the same impact.

New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol air Sundays on AMC and AMC+.

They may be a bit less predictable, but it’s hard to imagine either villain being as intimidating as Genet. Now, the story becomes more about how Daryl and Carol will find Laurent, rather than if they can escape. Without Genet, Carol telling Ash the truth about Sophia is more compelling than overcoming L’Union and Pouvoir, as it’s clear neither of them is truly capable of stopping the protagonists. Daryl Dixon season 2’s remaining episodes will still be full of entertainment and explosive action, but Genet’s death certainly hurts the importance of the show’s villains, which is a huge blow.