If you are going to be a fan of a post-apocalyptic series, you must be prepared to lose your favorite characters. The Walking Dead featured many deaths that left the fandom a wreck, but occasionally a death would receive cheers from viewers as it would rid the world of some evil.
Significant character deaths, including Glenn, Carl, Hershel, and Abe, among others, brought a sadness to the story that some fans have never recovered from. These characters touched the hearts and lives of fans to such an extent that they truly felt a sense of loss.
Once in a while, the series would satisfy fans with a death that was collectively celebrated, because the character’s villainous ways needed to be stopped.
Joe, The Claimer
Portrayed by actor Jeff Kober, Joe, leader of the Claimers, was a ruthless and violent man. He was never liked by viewers, but when he threatened to brutally harm Michonne and Carl, everyone, including Rick, wanted him dead. Just when it seemed that he had the upper hand, Rick's rage overcame him, and he literally took a bite out of Joe, and the fandom celebrated.
It wasn't only Joe's death that fans were ecstatic about, but also seeing savage Rick back in action. Rick often curbed this side of himself, but only when he absolutely needed to, he could tap into something primal, which resulted in someone being brutally killed.
The Governor, Leader of Woodbury
David Morrissey did an incredible job of bringing the Governor to life on screen. Although not as horrific as his comic book counterpart, the series version did his fair share of awful things. After losing Woodbury, fans weren't sure if he would be seen again.
When he did reappear, he had allowed his hatred of Rick to fester into an obsession that would only be overcome by the death of his enemy. As Rick and the Governor brawled on the prison grounds, Michonne took it upon herself to run him through with her katana, allowing him to die in agony. But that wasn't good enough for Lilly, a woman he deceived; she finishes him off by shooting him in the head.
Beta, The Whisperer
Beta, played by Ryan Hurst, was second in command of the Whisperers. He was a huge, hulking man who was never seen without his skin mask due to the fact that he was once a famous musician. The death of his leader, Alpha, filled him with a rage that fueled his already incredible strength and brutality.
During the Whisperers' attack on Hilltop, Beta is confronted by Negan, the man who killed Alpha. He becomes enraged and throws a walker at Negan, knocking him to the ground. Beta is so intent on killing Negan that he fails to notice Daryl, who slashes the man and then forces knives into both of his eyes. He is then overtaken by the horde of walkers, smiling as they devour him.
Ed Peletier, husband of Carol
Adam Minarovich played Ed, husband of Carol and father of Sophia. He only appeared in a few scenes, but that was enough for viewers to realize what a horrible person he was. He was abusive to his wife and daughter and, overall, just a miserable person.
When Shane and Ed got into an altercation and Shane beat him badly, no one blinked an eye, as it was only a matter of time before someone was bound to give him a beating. When the Atlanta camp was overrun by a group of walkers, Ed was attacked and killed; again, no one cared. Carol stopped Daryl when he was about to put Ed down. She took the pickaxe and pulverized his corpse, taking out all her pent-up anger and frustration on his dead body.
Gregory, leader of Hilltop
Gregory, the cowardly, arrogant, egotistical leader of Hilltop, was played by Xander Berkeley. Introduced in season 6, it didn't take long for viewers to realize his true colors. He hid behind the walls of the community, allowing the residents to handle anything he didn't want to or was too afraid to take care of himself.
In season 9, after he loses his position at Hilltop, he attempts to have Maggie assassinated. He accuses her of being a horrible leader who gives in to the demands of Rick. This was ironic because this was precisely what he had done for Negan. After his failed attempt at ridding himself of Maggie, he dies a humiliating death at the hands of the woman who took away his leadership position.