15 of The Walking Dead’s most vile villains ranked
13. Dwight, The Saviors
Who is he: Though eventually ending his journey on The Walking Dead as a tragic anti-hero, Dwight’s character development is a journey on its own. He’s gone from being a hero while trying to escape the Saviors with his wife and her sister to arc complete with joining the Saviors for his safety and more importantly his wife’s safety. Then, his trajectory pivoted him to becoming a more rounded villain by torment Daryl and his friends. However, Dwight’s contempt, disdain, and rebellion were still bubbling not-so-distantly under his surface-level persona.
Worst act of villainy: Dwight killed Denise, contributing to a lot of heartache and another tally in the show’s running bury the gays trope. Arguably, the scene where he killed Denise and a couple of other Alexandria survivors was a seldom calm moment before the brunt of the Saviors vs. Alexandria conflict.
Weakness: As a tragic villain, who never really wanted to be a villain, he doesn’t really get a break from all the turmoil. After all, he only stuck around with the Saviors to save his wife and to make sure she’s safe after she became one of Negan’s wives. Between Negan burning half his face to him stealing his wife and repeatedly taunting him about it, Dwight’s hurt a lot over the years, especially by the hands of Negan.
Redeeming qualities: Dwight wasn’t always a bad guy. Not only did he help and save Daryl and the other non-Saviors, but he also acted as a double agent for a while working under Negan. In fact, Dwight was a critical component to overthrowing Negan. His intel from inside the Saviors helped Alexandria and the other communities fight back against Negan and schedule their attacks against the Saviors accordingly. Plus, Dwight ultimately prevented a lot of Alexandrians and Hilltop survivors from getting infected with the weapons the Saviors laced in walker blood. Not to mention, he risked his own life on numerous occasions because of his rebellions, all to save Hilltop, Alexandria, and Oceanside when they didn’t completely trust him at the time.
First appearance: “Always Accountable” (season 6, episode 6)
Last appearance: “Wrath (season 8, episode 16)*
*Dwight’s last appearance on The Walking Dead was in season 8, but we’ll see him again on Fear the Walking Dead when season 5 premieres.