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

Turmoil before Terminus

Just when Daryl thought the worst thing could happen after losing sight of the vehicle that kidnapped Beth, more trouble found him. Like a magnet, Joe and his less-than-friendly gang of leather-clad bikers and hunters show up.

Feeling defeated Daryl joins them haphazardly only to discover that the mysterious man who killed one of their men in an abandoned house happened to be Rick. Finding Rick with Michonne and Carl spoke for itself by his shocked expression alone.

Wanting revenge Joe was ready to kill them when Daryl stepped in without a second thought, willing to take their place. His heroic act surprised Joe who had taken a liking to him.

Why this moment makes this list is because if this was season one Daryl he might not have stepped in to save Rick. Remember Daryl blamed him for Merle handcuffed to the rooftop in Atlanta.

That was before Daryl realized his brother deserved it. This moment of self-sacrifice is also the first time Daryl had put Rick and the group before himself in the threat of actual danger where he believed he wouldn’t survive.

Leading walkers away on his motorcycle or entering enemy territory armed is one thing. Facing death in the face to save someone else is entirely different.