You know what's so great about shows like The Walking Dead? No matter how many times you watch them, you just never get tired of them. Rewatch session after rewatch session, you catch new details, laugh at the same jokes, and somehow still get your heart ripped out all over again.
But while the hit zombie series consists of 11 seasons, not every episode managed to leave a lasting impression. Some felt more like fillers, while others had you sitting forward, heart racing, muttering 'No way!' at the television screen. Andrew Lincoln’s favorite episode is definitely one of those, and it still hits all the right notes for fans many years later.
Back in 2015, Entertainment Weekly had the opportunity to speak with Lincoln and other cast members of The Walking Dead about their favorite episodes, and I doubt you'll be surprised by some of their picks. Lincoln shared that his personal favorite was the very first episode of the series, "Days Gone Bye." He explained that the pilot episode holds a special place in his heart because it was the start of everything and it was simply an incredible episode.
He loved how the pilot was thrilling, scary, and exhilarating all at once. He even goes on to recall the unforgettable moment of riding a horse into downtown Atlanta while being chased by hundreds of zombies, a scene he says doesn’t come along often in an actor’s career.
"The first. It’s always the first, because it’s just extraordinary. Only because I was finding my way, it was Frank [Darabont], and just the scares. I loved it. It was really exciting, and terrifying, and just euphoria. And I think that was just kind of connecting. I will always harken back to riding a horse into downtown Atlanta, being chased by 500 zombies. That doesn’t happen that often in one’s career."
Honestly, I can see why Lincoln loves the first episode so much. It perfectly sets the tone for the entire series and introduces us to a world that’s as terrifying as it is thrilling. We also meet a bunch of characters who immediately make you care, like Rick, Morgan, and his son Duane.
When we're first introduced to Rick, we see him vulnerable, confused, and struggling to understand the new reality. Before going into a coma, he had been a dedicated sheriff, living a normal life with his family. Waking up to a world overrun by the undead forces him to adapt, fight, and make impossible choices almost immediately. You want him to get back to his family safely, but you’re on the edge of your seat at the same time, hoping he can survive the walkers and the harsh new world around him.
From early on, you already find yourself rooting for a character who is brave yet human, facing impossible odds while holding on to hope. Rick’s struggles, fears, and determination make every moment gripping, and by the end of the pilot, you’re completely invested in his journey and the world of The Walking Dead in a way that few first episodes ever manage. Overall, the pilot episode will forever remain one of the zombie series' best.
You can catch all 11 seasons of The Walking Dead on Netflix.