Why Daryl is a Walking Dead Favourite

After binge watching The first few seasons of The Walking Dead, I eventually declared Daryl to be my favourite character. It wasn’t until I started reading articles and blogs about the show that I realized I wasn’t alone. He is the hands down favourite of viewers. So I started to wonder why.

And the reasons are really clear as day. Aside from the brooding look, bad boy persona, and bulging muscles that certainly get all of the female viewers on his side, Daryl represents much more. He represents self-awareness, redemption, resurrection, in some way.

Right from the beginning, beneath his hard exterior, you see the love and dedication he has for his brother. Despite how awfully his sibling has treated him through their life. As his relationships develop with Carol and Michione, you see a softer side once again. When he leads the charge to find Carol’s daughter, and holds baby Judith (i.e. “Ass Kicker”) in his arms, well, how could that not make you melt?

Rick is the clear leader. And Shane was definitely the brute force. But neither of them would have been able to get where they could without him. Who ran out to get the medication needed to fight the flu that was attacking the group in the prison? Who always shows up with the bow and arrow to save someone in a jam? He’s also the protector.

His clear affinity for Michione and others also shows that the racism he grew up with isn’t really something he truly feels deep down. That’s powerful.

So it’s not difficult to understand how viewers do not want to see him die. And it’s also precisely why show writers may eventually bring that fate upon him. The show needs shock value. It needs people talking. And while there would be major upset if that happened, people would be talking about it, the media would be writing about it, for weeks.

For my part, I hope it doesn’t happen any time soon. Seeing him revert back to his unfeeling days in this defeated state is an interesting development for him. Clearly the group will all meet again. And maybe he will go back to himself. Especially when he sees Carol and that she’s OK. But either way, guns, knives, strong arms and weapons, alike. None can really be a match for Daryl’s (literally) killer instinct, and ability with that darned bow and arrow. Well, expect maybe Michione’s bad-ass sword-wielding!

Can’t wait until the new episode tomorrow. Check back for my thoughts after the show!