Daryl Dixon’s top 5 shining moments on The Walking Dead

Choosing Rick over Merle

When Michonne informed Rick that a man who called himself The Governor took Maggie and Glenn they rushed to Woodbury to rescue them. Trying to regroup, the citizens of Woodbury began retaliating.

When it was revealed that Merle was alive at Woodbury Daryl immediately wanted to find him, sounding like a lost child who finally found his way home. He probably would have ditched the group if it weren’t for Rick’s memorable plea for him to stay.

This was probably the first time in Daryl’s life he heard the following words, “I need you!”

Considering seasons later Daryl admitted he was no one before the apocalypse started and with evidence that his home life wasn’t the greatest he never believed he was capable of being needed. He agreed to help Rick and in the end and stayed behind so they could escape.

Daryl is captured and forced to fight Merle in a pit surrounded by walkers. But that isn’t the end.

Once the group escapes Woodbury with everyone in tow Daryl initially leaves with Merle choosing blood over the group. After coming to blows with Merle realizing that he was better off without him Daryl ultimately returns to the prison.

Much to the group’s dismay, Merle trailed along remaining unchanged while Daryl evolved for the better.