Top 25 Walking Dead Villains of all time
By Nir Regev
21. Officer Dawn Lerner (and Officer Gorman)
Introduction: Dawn Lerner was the leader of the police force at Grady Memorial Hospital, and supposedly ran things… But she was actually just a figurehead while the rest of the force — in particular Officer Gorman — excreting control and sexually exploiting its female residents. Dawn would turn a blind eye in order “to keep the place running” until government could help. Naturally, that day never came. Dawn took her aggression out at Beth, Noah and the others in order to maintain a sense of control.
Meanwhile, Officer Gorman ran the show, first “saving” Beth, planning to groom her for himself. He reminds Beth repeatedly that he saved her and she should show special gratitude.
Biggest moment of Villainy: Officer Gorman is about to force Beth to engage in relations and puts a lollipop in her mouth before Beth breaks the candy jar over his head. He then is bitten by a walker. After Beth unexpectedly stabs Dawn, she impulsively shoots her in the head.
Everybody Hurts Sometimes: Dawn quickly realizes her sudden mistake and asks Rick’s group to wait after the gunshot, as Daryl walks forward and shoots her in the head. Both sides decide to call off a firefight right after.
The Good Side: While Gorman was likely always shady, he seemed to be rewarded for his years of service prior to the outbreak by Dawn. Whether the same dynamic existed prior to the walkers is unknown. Dawn believed she was maintaining peace in the facility, and it was just a matter of time before they were all rescued, a misguided belief that would end up corrupting her as she let things spiral out of control.
First Appearance: Dawn/Gorman “Slabtown” (season 5, episode 4)
Last Appearance: Gorman – “Slabtown” (season 5, episode 4), Dawn – “Coda” (season 5, episode 8)
Cause of Death: Dawn Lerner is shot in the head by Daryl Dixon. Officer Gorman dies by a combined effort of Beth smashing a glass jar to the side of his head before he is bitten by a walker Joan.
Memorable Quote: “Beth, in this job you don’t need their love. But you have to have their respect. Otherwise, the day’s gonna come when you need backup and you don’t have it. And what comes next?” (Dawn to Beth)
Next: 20. Jed (The Saviors)