The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon writer Laura Snow tells us about shaping Daryl’s story (Exclusive)

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon writer Laura Snow tells us about shaping Daryl's story (Exclusive)

As a writer with a penchant for crafting tales that delve deep into the human spirit, I find myself captivated by the post-apocalyptic genre – and The Walking Dead is no exception. With Laura Snow at the helm, we’re able to traverse this eerie yet familiar terrain, exploring characters like Daryl Dixon who embody the very essence of resilience and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.


Prior to the premiere of “The Walking Dead” season 2 – “The Book of Carol” , we had the opportunity to chat with Laura Snow, who has been a writer for the show during both seasons, crafting the latest escapades for our main character Daryl Dixon as he finds himself in zombie-ridden France.

Season 1 of Daryl Dixon introduced a novel and intriguing perspective on the zombie apocalypse, transporting fans across Europe as it delved deeper into the life of beloved character Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus). In Season 2, titled “The Book of Carol“, we find Daryl residing in a new community within the famed Mont Saint-Michel commune in France. Naturally, Carol is making her way to France to reunite with him.

In our conversation with Laura Snow, we delved into her insights about working on the show. Feel free to take a look at our interview down below!

I worked in the writers’ team during seasons one and two of The Walking Dead, specifically contributing to Daryl Dixon’s storyline. I even had a significant role in crafting the season one finale, which allowed me to contribute more to that specific narrative. What I loved most about being part of a writers’ room is the collaborative nature – typically, every writer contributes to each episode. We brainstorm together on the stories we want to tell, the season arcs, and what each episode will be like. Once our ideas are solidified, a writer is assigned an episode, and they then focus on writing that script independently.

Is there extra pressure you experience when crafting episodes for “The Walking Dead,” given its massive and dedicated fan base that actively engages in discussions about the show?

Absolutely! It’s a privilege to further expand this world. The challenge lies in creating narratives and plots that aren’t just enjoyable, but also fulfilling for fans who have been with Daryl since the start.

Despite the increased demands, delving into fresh scenarios for Daryl feels like a privilege – having watched him evolve over 11 seasons on our flagship series, we’re thrilled to continue his story. Our aim is to provide him with novel experiences while maintaining fidelity to his character and the universe in which he resides. Ultimately, it’s about crafting new adventures for Daryl that are both intriguing and respectful of the path that led him here.

How did you tackle crafting a fresh adventure for the popular character Daryl Dixon from the series, considering the task of revealing additional depth to his persona?

Writing for Daryl proved immensely enjoyable – he’s undeniably one of the most cherished figures in this series. Our goal was to lead him on an adventure uncharted for his character, a task we were eager to tackle. This endeavor sparked numerous intriguing conversations within our writers’ room. With our familiarity and affection for Daryl, we felt even more passionate about the tales we craft for him.

Each choice mattered since we aimed to provide him with growth opportunities and hurdles that seemed deserved, given the long journey so far. It’s extraordinary to guide a character such as Daryl towards uncharted grounds, all the while preserving the essence that made him so memorable.

Incorporating the backdrop of France brings a fresh, distinct ambiance to the series. Can you share how this distinctive environment impacted your storytelling, particularly in shaping the narrative arc and character progression?

Initially, it’s captivating to see how spectacularly bleak Europe is depicted in this narrative, providing an ideal canvas for the tale. The French landscape offered an exciting playground, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris catacombs, French countryside, Omaha Beach, and Mont Saint-Michel serving as iconic backdrops. It’s fascinating to weave stories within such grand settings. Moreover, Daryl, a character who has never ventured outside the United States before, finds himself in an authentic fish-out-of-water scenario. I believe many people can resonate with this feeling, especially when traveling to a new place, particularly a foreign country for the first time.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be thrilled by the way Daryl moves through this uncharted landscape – it’s not just about finding his bearings physically, but also culturally. And let me tell you, he doesn’t compromise on his survival skills even for a second! The juxtaposition of these stunning, historical sites with the perils of the post-apocalyptic world really ramps up the tension and excitement in his quest.

What’s your process when it comes to writing new stories in a universe that’s already told so many? How do you inject fresh ideas?

Though TWDU has already delved into numerous stories, there’s still an abundance of untold tales waiting to be unraveled. The threats and perils posed by Walkers continue to offer a wealth of possibilities for character development, making the show all the more intriguing. We’ve been fortunate to experiment with various Walker types, such as burners and supercharged Walkers, which infuses fresh excitement into the recurring danger.

I prefer to concentrate on the emotional arcs of characters within a genre setting, as these stories are fundamentally about people and their experiences. Regardless of the character like Daryl, they navigate survival, crises, and decision-making processes, which make the show relatable and engaging. It’s intriguing to ponder what you would do in similar circumstances, confronted with insurmountable odds while clinging onto one’s humanity.

Do you have a favorite character to write? If so, who is it and why?

Apart from Daryl, I find Laurent incredibly delightful to write about. He’s full of warmth, relatable, and I adore the bond they develop during the initial season. There’s a certain enchantment in how Daryl interacts with this youngster who is embarking on his first journey into the world and seeks his guidance.

Observing Daryl transform from a tough survivor to a nurturing protector towards Laurent offers an intriguing interplay. Their relationship seems central to the narrative, offering a captivating contrast amidst the turmoil. It’s a blend of guidance and unwilling paternal care, and delving into their developing connection has been deeply engaging.

In a team effort, how do you guarantee that our combined thoughts stay in line with the grand plan for the series as a whole?

We’re fortunate to work with David Zabel, a talented showrunner who not only possesses exceptional skills but also demonstrates strong leadership. He has a distinct vision for the series, yet he encourages everyone’s ideas during brainstorming sessions. This open-minded approach fosters an atmosphere where creativity flourishes, enabling us to collaborate effectively and optimally.

The balance of direction and openness he provides means we’re not just following a blueprint, but really building something together, which is the best part about working in TV. It’s this collaborative energy that keeps the process exciting and the storytelling fresh.

What is it about the post-apocalyptic genre that appeals to you so much? Why does The Walking Dead spark your imagination and motivate you to craft tales within its universe?

The construction and development of these imaginative worlds, without a doubt! The excitement comes from understanding the consequences while adhering to the rules within these realms, and inserting characters into these distinctive universes is captivating. Despite its differences from our own world, there’s still an element of recognizability that makes it relatable. I believe that anyone watching a show in The Walking Dead Universe can’t help but ponder what they would do if they found themselves in such a place.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon writer Laura Snow tells us about shaping Daryl's story (Exclusive)

Daryl Dixon, entitled The Book of Carol , premieres on AMC on September 29.

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2024-09-21 17:41

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