The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Just Officially Beat Game of Thrones at Its Own Game

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The Walking Dead‘s zombie apocalypse could offer some benefits – like freedom, lots of free time, and no need to worry about work or taxes – but it also means constant danger and fighting for survival. Initially, the biggest threats were the zombies themselves and the challenges of the natural world. This was difficult enough for people who were still recovering from the collapse of society and trying to adapt to a life they couldn’t control. Over time, while zombies and nature remained constant obstacles, a new, even more dangerous problem emerged: other people becoming enemies.

Some of the most memorable moments in The Walking Dead weren’t planned battles, but sudden attacks. For example, The Governor’s ambush on the prison in Season 4 resulted in Hershel Greene’s death and the loss of the group’s carefully built home. Similarly, Troy Otto’s decision to unleash a horde of walkers on his own ranch – as revenge for being banished – showed just how far people would go, even using the walkers themselves as weapons against others, just to prove a point. In The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, conflicts between people often served as displays of power, but Daryl and Carol’s opponents consistently underestimated them. However, recent fight scenes between Solaz del Mar and the Primitivos have been particularly impressive, reaching a level of scale similar to Game of Thrones – something The Walking Dead hadn’t accomplished before.

The Walking Dead Almost Always Fell Short of Game of Thrones’ Standards

The Walking Dead attempted a grand, Game of Thrones-style battle in Season 10, Episode 11, “Morning Star,” but it didn’t quite reach the level of excitement it promised. The episode is set at the Hilltop, where the group fights off an attack by the Whisperers to defend their community. Airing shortly after the infamous Battle of Winterfell, it naturally drew comparisons – though it was shorter and benefitted from clearer visuals. In that regard, The Walking Dead actually came out ahead of Game of Thrones. It’s important to say that the episode wasn’t poorly made at all; it was genuinely engaging and suspenseful, but it simply wasn’t on the same level as Game of Thrones. And that’s perfectly fine. The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones have very different styles – the former is more down-to-earth and focused on smaller conflicts, while the latter is more epic and large-scale.

However, if asked to compare a television battle sequence to Game of Thrones, it will probably not measure up. Game of Thrones wasn’t perfect in its final season, but it revolutionized television by bringing the impressive scale and quality usually found in movies to the small screen. People eagerly anticipated its battles, and fans even held viewing parties to watch them together. Episodes like the Battle of the Bastards, The Battle of Blackwater Bay, and Hardhome are widely considered to be among the best television episodes ever made. An episode of The Walking Dead, with a much smaller budget and that doesn’t show the entire battle (instead jumping from the height of the fighting to what happens afterward) will likely fall short of expectations.

The Walking Dead attempted to copy the style of another show, but it didn’t really suit the series. We saw the Coalition soldiers practicing formations with shields, swords, axes, and spears – similar to what you’d expect in Game of Thrones. However, these elements didn’t match the established look and feel of The Walking Dead after many seasons. Using weapons from the past felt out of place in a show set in the 2010s. Perhaps this kind of display would have made more sense if the show was set much further in the future, showing a society that had regressed over time.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Finally Figures Out the Art of a Battle Sequence

Following the episode “Morning Star,” The Walking Dead had trouble establishing a unique style for its large battles. These fights, both in the original show and its spinoffs, often felt like they belonged in a different series altogether. However, even later in its run, The Walking Dead demonstrates its ability to showcase fresh talent. In Season 3, Episode 4 of Daryl Dixon, the people of Solaz del Mar are suddenly attacked by the Primitivos – a wandering, ruthless group who thrive on chaos. The surprise of the attack immediately throws the community into crisis. Residents are frightened and scrambling to find safety. There isn’t time for soldiers to fully prepare with protective gear; they must rely on their intelligence and whatever weapons they have.

The weapons used in the show generally fit the time period it’s set in. There are a few exceptions, like the antique gun Fede carries and the burning walker slingshots, which were a neat touch. It’s good to see The Walking Dead stay current and avoid using outdated, medieval methods just to fit a certain genre.

The chaos of the ongoing conflict is what truly makes it stand out. Beneath the physical and emotional struggles, these are just everyday people who used to have regular lives – jobs, chores, and errands. They’re completely ordinary. The sudden disaster forced them into survival mode, something they never expected. Even years later, they’re still figuring things out in desperate situations, because it simply isn’t natural for them.

The assault on Solaz del Mar is likely to be remembered as a standout moment in The Walking Dead‘s history, and not simply because of comparisons to Game of Thrones. It’s on par with a Game of Thrones battle in terms of scale and intensity, but Daryl Dixon’s presence makes it distinctly part of the zombie universe. The fight sequences, directing, stunt work, and set pieces all feel true to The Walking Dead‘s realistic and understated style. Is it possible to draw new viewers to Daryl Dixon? It’s hard to say. However, The Walking Dead demonstrating that it still has a knack for compelling storytelling should be enough to keep audiences engaged.

New episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon air every Sunday at 9:00 PM ET on AMC and AMC+.

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2025-09-30 07:14