Daryl Dixon
To call Daryl Dixon a “fan favorite” simply wouldn’t sum up just how beloved he is by fans of The Walking Dead. And it’s for good reason too, because Norman Reedus’ performance as the lovable rogue has endeared the character to audiences throughout the full extent of the show’s run – so much so that he became the leading man after Rick Grimes’ season 9 departure.
In many ways, Daryl became the backbone of TWD. Yes, he played a supporting role for much of its run, but he was always the character you could rely on in any given situation. His tough exterior might have been his calling card early on, but it quickly became clear that he cared about people deeply. So when those people relied on him, he had no problem doing whatever it took to protect them.
Daryl might be known for his iconic grunts more than his monologues, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that there isn’t any depth there. He’s one of The Walking Dead‘s most nuanced characters. From his undying love for best friend Carol and his strong partnership with Rick to his role as a leader and guardian to the next generation of survivors like Judith and RJ, Daryl is a good person through and through – and an incredibly strong character.
That has never been more clear than it is in his own spinoff series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, as the beloved hero has once again put his own goals aside to protect a young boy named Laurent from the dangers of post-apocalyptic France. Daryl never stops trying for the people he cares about.
Verdict: BEST