When did Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) die in The Walking Dead?

Actor Jeffrey DeMunn portrayed Dale Horvath on The Walking Dead series during seasons 1 and 2. He often stood as the voice of reason amongst the confrontational attitudes of Shane (Jon Bernthal) and Rick (Andrew Lincoln). His death in the series is a very brutal one and one that could have been avoided.

In season 2, episode 11, “Judge, Jury and Executioner,” Dale meets his maker. The episode begins with Daryl (Norman Reedus) brutally interrogating Randall (Michael Zegen), a prisoner of the group, being held in a shed on Hershel’s (Scott Wilson) farm. The group’s division was holding this prisoner’s life as many wanted him dead, while others felt he should be freed.

During this series timeline, Carl (Chandler Riggs) is in his bratty phase and refuses to listen to those older and wiser. This is likely due to the environment thrust upon him at a tender age. It is difficult for adults to understand this new world, let alone a young boy who wants to be included.

He steals a handgun from Daryl’s camp. He comes upon a walker stuck in the mud and taunts it with rocks. The walker partially frees itself from the mud allowing it to reach Carl’s leg. Instead of shooting it with the gun in his hand, he frees himself and runs back to the farm, unable to face the adult decision to kill the walker as he should have and too embarrassed to share the incident with anyone else. This will prove a huge mistake that will have dire consequences.

The Walking Dead – Dale

In the end, Dale begs for the life of Randall, trying to convince the group if they kill him, they are saying there is no hope. Rick and the others prepare to hang Randall in the barn, but Rick stops it when Carl is looking on, saying, “Do it, Dad.” Rick couldn’t do it with his young son watching.

Feeling defeated, Dale walks alone and hears moans from a cow he sees was gutted. He is attacked by the walker Carl found near the creek, and others hear his screams. Daryl is the first to come to his aid as Dale’s abdomen is torn open by the walker. His wounds are too great, and there is no saving him. Rick tries to put him out of his misery but is unable. Daryl takes Rick’s gun, looks at Dale, says, “Sorry, brother,” and sadly fires the weapon.

Dale may have been a bit much, but always tried to do the right thing. His calm demeanor, age, experience, and RV were vital pieces to the creation of the Atlanta group.

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