The Walking Dead – Dale’s quotes – 10 of the best!
By Wade Wainio
Yes, you read that right: This is about Dale from The Walking Dead, not Daryl! Played by Jeffrey DeMunn, Dale Horvath often acted as the good conscience or wise advisor in the early seasons of The Walking Dead. Of course, not every series fan is also a fan of Dale’s wisdom. In fact, some seem glad he was killed off, finding him too preachy or annoying. Nevertheless, I assume I speak for some when I saw he was, and remains, one of The Walking Dead‘s best characters.
On that note, here are some of the best quote highlights from his share of the timeline, which might explain why such a character was crucial to the plot and establishing the overall moral dimensions of the story.
The Walking Dead: Dale’s best quotes
"Words can be meager things. Sometimes they fall short."
This simple quote from “Tell It to the Frogs” (2010) reveals Dale as a bit of a philosopher. Granted, this was a simple statement, but most characters on The Walking Dead just didn’t talk like he did. He brought something a little different to the series, like calmness. In fact, season 2 was criticized a bit for being more about the dramatic tension between the characters, which included Dale’s distrust in Shane, but at this point, most of the characters were getting along fine. How refreshing!
"…[A] father said to his son when he gave him a watch that had been handed down through generations. He said, ‘I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire, which will fit your individual needs no better than it did mine or my father’s before me; I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you may forget it for a moment now and then and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it.’"
Another one from “Tell It to the Frogs.” This was Dale paraphrasing William Faulkner, speaking again as someone who’s reasonably well-read. While other Walking Dead characters seem ready to begin grunting like cavemen to protect territory, Dale’s over here quoting classic literature. They don’t make ’em like they used to!
"Had I been informed of the impending apocalypse I’d have stocked up."
Okay, so not every line is a masterpiece or thought-provoking, right? Nevertheless, this line from “Vatos” (2010) demonstrates some of Dale’s humor. It’s also a lighthearted reminder that no one was prepared for the whole zombie apocalypse thing. On that note, it’s tragic that Dale died as admittedly stupidly as he did. What was up with that? Probably too lost in the fog of seeing nature’s beauty (a cow) savaged by some walkers.
"Too bad. You don’t get to do that… To come into somebody’s life, make them care, and then just check out. I’m staying. The matter is settled."
This line to Andrea from “TS-19” (2010) explains Dale’s willingness to sacrifice his own life on principle, knowing it would convince Andrea not to commit suicide by staying in the CDC facility. Though Andrea and Dale would later argue over his decision, it seems most people would understand why he did this.
He assumed, perhaps correctly, that Andrea’s depression may have only been temporary due to her sister’s death. Dale later admits he shouldn’t have stopped her, but even Andrea seems to come around somewhat to getting his point. Of course, some people also didn’t like Andrea either.