47 Most Shocking Moments from The Walking Dead… So Far

19. Merle’s Redemption Arc

Let’s all admit that we all hated Merle in the first season. Maybe hate is not a strong enough word- despised. We despised Merle. But can we agree that his redemption arc was nothing short of spectacular.

He sided with the Governor for most of his time on The Walking Dead, even going against his own brother at times. But he makes up for it in the best way. He knows the Governor is up to something, wanting to kill Rick and his group, so he devises a plan to take out the Governor before he gets to Rick. It wasn’t a suicide mission, but he did end up dying in the process. Michael Rooker, the man behind the character, notes:

"“The idea was to go in and take out as many of the Governor’s men, and the Governor if possible, and make an exit. Of course, I made an exit, but it was not the exit that Merle had hoped. But that’s just the way it is. Merle was willing to make that ultimate sacrifice for his brother.”"

This wasn’t shocking because Merle died. It was shocking because we felt bad that Merle died. He was killed by the Governor and then had to be put down again by his brother.