15 of The Walking Dead’s most vile villains ranked

6. Joe, Leader of The Claimers

Who is he: Joe was essentially the leader of a group of adult children. They carried on the tradition of “finder’s keepers” well into adulthood, as well as into the apocalypse. If someone didn’t claim an item or resource, then it was up for grabs. The Walking Dead is known for its vast ecosystem of villains, but Joe’s reign as the leader of the Claimers was a slow build to his villainous reveal. He seemed like a decent character for Daryl to mingle with before he tracked down Beth and reunited with Rick and the rest of the group. However, Daryl eventually found out that Joe wasn’t just a jerk. He was a cruel leader who didn’t have much regard for anyone but himself.

Worst act of villainy: He beat Daryl in front of Rick, Michonne, and Carl (after the Grimes family finally found Daryl and tried to save him from the Claimers). Then, Joe went into some taunting diatribe by telling Rick how he’s going to kill him and Daryl and take Michonne and Carl captive.

Weakness: His fatal fight scene with Rick was gruesome and ultimately fueled Rick’s temporarily angst character arc. Joe died in a gory and especially painful way. Rick really went for his neck in that episode.

Redeeming qualities: At some point, his finder’s keepers-riddled moral code and rules seemed fair. He believed Daryl and saved him from Len’s fate (which was an extreme punishment of being beaten to death). However, his feigned form of kindness was very short lives.

First appearance: “Claimed” (season 4, episode 11)

Last appearance: “A” (season 4, episode 16)

Death: Inspired by walkers, Rick chomped on his neck and down he went.