The Walking Dead: 30 most heroic moments of all-time

20. Daryl Is Not Negan

Season 7, “The Cell”

Some fans thought that Daryl was responsible for getting Glenn killed because it was his sucker punch of Negan that made Negan decide to kill Glenn after killing Abe. Whether that’s true or not, Daryl definitely felt responsible for Glenn’s death. When Negan took him prisoner and he was beaten, kept in a cell, and fed dog food he probably felt like he deserved it. After Dwight left him alone with the polaroid of the aftermath of the slaughter of Glenn and Abe, he almost broke because of the guilt and shame he was feeling.

But when Negan offered him a totally different existence as a member of The Saviors, he remained true to Rick and the others that he loved. Daryl could have accepted his situation and said yes to a cushy life with an apartment, all the food he wanted, and lots of perks. He didn’t, because that’s not who he is. After the beatings, the imprisonment, and the mental anguish that he went through, Daryl still wouldn’t cave in and join The Saviors.

When Negan offered him all the comforts that The Saviors enjoyed and said all Daryl needed to do was say that was Negan and all would be forgiven, Daryl didn’t hesitate. After being asked who he was Daryl said that he was Daryl. And that small act of defiance was just one of the many heroic choices that Daryl has made throughout The Walking Dead. It’s one of the reasons why fans love Daryl so much.