With the arguable exception of Game of Thrones, there is no show on TV today with less actor job security than AMC's zombpocalyptic drama The Walking Dead. Each season of the series brings with it multiple character deaths, some major and some minor, some heroic and some villainous. Given the subject matter though, anything less would just feel false, as life or death stakes are absolutely vital to the successful execution of this type of horror story.
One character many fans constantly fear for is Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), who started TWD as the put-upon younger brother to flagrant racist Merle, before ultimately emerging as one of the most effective combatants in Rick's group. Daryl's frequent displays of crossbow-wielding badassery have made him a favorite of just about everyone, along with a somewhat unlikely heartthrob to a rather vocal section of the TWD fanbase. There has been recent speculation that Daryl might be the person to meet his end at Negan's hands in season 7's premiere, although it's hard to imagine TWD's producers wanting to jettison their most popular character.
During a recent interview with Comic Book, Reedus was asked about what it feels like as a TWD cast member to say goodbye to one's co-stars and the characters they bring to life. Unsurprisingly, Reedus didn't express the opinion that the process is a fun one:
"It's hard. It's hard always to say goodbye to people on the show. Some characters it's harder to say goodbye to than others. They're all good friends of ours. It's always hard but, when it's certain characters, it's really hard."
Of course, the debate continues among TWD fans as to just who will meet their maker at the business end of Lucille, or even if Negan will claim only one victim. After all, Negan isn't exactly sane or trustworthy, and could easily decide to kill an additional person simply for the fun of it, or to repay some other perceived infraction. It would also send a huge message to Rick to never again stick his nose in The Saviors' business.
Regardless of who gets their head bashed in or how many, The Walking Dead's season 7 premiere will no doubt serve as a turning point in the course of the series. Things will truly never be the same for Rick's group, and the guilt for letting this happen will likely weigh on the former cop's already fragile mind. One wonders if it's time for someone like Daryl to step up and take over as leader, presuming he makes it out of the premiere alive.
The Walking Dead season 7 premieres Sunday, October 23 at 9pm on AMC.
Source: Comic Book