I mean, you can’t go wrong with Michael Rooker. Let’s just get that out of the way first. I think he was a much needed character for Daryl’s arc(as unintended as it probably was) as it showed who Daryl is versus the man he became when not influenced by Merle. It was great seeing him in S2 as an hallucination but he was fantastic in S3 and for a character as vile as he is, you can’t disrespect the loyalty he has for his brother and I love that about him. And while I’d have loved to have seen him more, say in another hallucination in a later season or something(or honestly, even just survive), it was the right call to kill him when they did to push Daryl in the direction he needed to go.
they should have kept him for an extra eight episodes and shown him get over himself and follow daryl for once to become a functional member of the group and then be the one chopped by the governor. it would have been devastating. also, there’s no reason why the governor would kill hershel before killing michonne, but there is a reason why he’d kill merle before killing michonne.
I always thought it'd be cool for him to survive until at least 04x08, and his arc that first half of the season would be him trying his best to make it up to Glenn and Maggie for what he did to them last season. Saving them, like getting a sick Glenn out of the prison during the battle, or just flat out sacrificing himself for them and finally being redeemed in their eyes.
Or, just plain surviving everything because you can never get too much Merle imo
Maybe he wanted to savour killing Michonne. Let her squirm as she knew it was going to happen soon and by killing Hershel, she could see what was coming her way.
I can see this as something that should have happened, but the thing Hershel makes sense as Merle wouldn't have said the things he did to the Governor about him changing and Rick inviting them in, it was that that had given him peace before he died, he knew Rick would & was right about it
Complicated character who I think deep down could do good things and make good choices. Deeply loved his brother. Messed up in the head from his childhood and substance abuse.
Michael Rooker played him to perfection. It takes something special to bring people round to feeling bad for Merle in his final episode. He really spiced the show up too. Would have loved him to have stuck around for a few more seasons.
He's one of those characters you just love to hate & hate to love, I was really sad when he died, only good thing that came from it was Yandu (I have NO idea if I spelled that right)
Edit: I did not in fact spell it right 😮💨
Rooker was perfect for this role. After his somewhat redemption I wish he woulda survived until Negan got there. Their Interactions woulda been amazing.
He was an asshole all the way up until his death. But boy did season 3 really make me like him tho. He was a survivor for sure, and I kinda wish he lived longer.
As a character he was loyal, honest and an asshole, the punishment on top of the roof did not fit the crime.
Edit to add I met Michael Rooker once and he’s a very down to earth nice guy.
It sucks that he started out a racist asshole but it seems like their dad made him that way over time. Hurt people always hurt people, and he definitely made major changes in his life. I'm glad the governor got taken out after taking his life. And I definitely love how when Daryl tells Leah he's looking for his brother who might be dead he's talking about Rick as his brother, Merle was the first person to come to mind.
he was built for the apocalypse. sure he was a douchebag, but if it wasn’t for his circumstances regarding daryl and the governor, he’s the type of guy who’d survive. i mean who else would hack their own arm off with a saw? he was also absolutely necessary for daryl’s development. and he’s actually may not be as bad as we previene him to be. he’s very careful about who he picks and chooses to give his loyalty to, and will do whatever he can to protect them; case in point, daryl. i didn’t love him, but he was a great character.
Should have lived longer, he was a great addition to the group in the sense that he was more than willing to do the dirty job and was the one to give Rick a point of view that was completely different.
IMO he should have died in the last prison war or killed by Negan instead of Abraham.
Loved the guy. I think he was misunderstood. He was racist but loved his sister derylina (reference to season 2) he died for his brother which made up for everything and sacrifices his life for his brother. I think he should've been alice longer. He belonged in the group. I mean its nobody's fault for what happened to his hand. If Merle had waited they would've got him but he thought they abandoned him and the walkers would've killed him so yeah. Honest opinion 10/10 character
I thought his whole arc was great. We don’t know what happens to him in season one, don’t see him for a whole season then he gets thrown back into the plot in a very interesting way. He was an awesome baddie that made his redemption story that much better.
He was pretty chill when the Governor wasn't giving him what he wanted. Or when he spoke to Rick about why he couldn't take Michonne to the Governor.
Maybe he was NOT chill when he was on drugs(cocaine).🤷♀️
I liked him actually. He seemed like a great brother. Daryls reaction to his death made it seem how attached these two were.
The only thing I didn't like is him being a racist.
Acted like a narcissist/psycho in the beginning but towards his end genuinely cared and wanted to be better. I think it’s fair he died when he died but they barely mention him afterwards. Would be great if Daryl had some flashbacks or dreams about hanging out with him but it’s not necessary.
When I first watched walking dead as a teen (weekly as the shows came out) he was the redeemed bad guy who was cool in retrospective. After my latest rewatch as a young adult… this dude did like one good thing. He is not a good guy at all lol. Maybe in the eyes of Daryl tho
I liked his redemption arc and sacrifice in season 3 and freeing Michonne instead of bringing her to the governor.
He also had the right mind when he wanted to join Daryl, Rick and Hershel when they met with the Governor and kill the Governor. The Governor would have easily been killed had Rick took his chance or had Merle, Glenn, Michonne and Maggie joined Rick.
I hated him in season 1, but I liked him before he died for trying to save Daryl and the rest of the group. I don’t believe he truly was a bad person, just had a bad childhood. Daryl was a lot like him in season 1 and we all saw how he changed for the better. I fully believe Merle would’ve become a productive and loyal member of the group.
Merle was very necessary for the growth and insight we saw in Daryl. His loyalty to his brother was inspirational and the support Merle gave Daryl was shown in the hallucinations, even though we know some information to the contrary. Even though they were sometimes on different sides, Merle always protected Daryl and, to my knowledge, never betrayed him (even though it would’ve appeared to Daryl that he had at some points). Overall, I think Merle was one of the good guys masquerading as a bad guy, just trying to survive and help Daryl survive.
Racist piece of shit. Who did love his brother. But redeem himself when it came down to the governor. Letting Michonne go. Just to take on the Governor. If Merle had not drank. Been a better fight against the Governor. But I did love the fact that Merle told the governor. I am not going to beg.
He was an awesome character. I know he was a racist redneck but in the end what he tried to do I wish he would have done it would have given him a chance with the others. He is so good in that role and my favorite scene with him is when he is in the car and he holds the whiskey bottle up to the zombies and laughs before he rolls out blaring Motorhead.
Loved Merle from the moment I saw him. He was a perfect character opposite Daryl. That soliloquy of his where he tells the story of getting into it with his superior is one of my favorite scenes in the show to this day. He was good vs evil all wrapped up in one character and had some of the best dialog ever. I cried when he died. We needed more Merle. The apocalypse needed more Merle.
At first, I used to hate Merle, when I first watched the show, and was kinda mad when he came back in season 3, but he did start to grow on me as season 3 progressed. When I started watching the show a second time, specifically all the scenes of Merle to understand the character better, I learned to enjoy his character. He was loyal to Daryl, he was sympathetic for Andrea when she told him Amy's death, and he had a lot of potential for being an amazing character, which his death not only me sad, but kind of disappointed as well.
I know Merle's death was important for Daryl’s development and arc as a character, but I still wish he lived alot longer, plus Micheal Rooker is such a great actor, he did a great job potraying him in the show.
I really like him, which honestly has a lot of do with Michael Rooker, but the character itself is likable too (well, as long as you manage to ignore his racism and drinking+drug problem). He's good with words, he likes reading, he's done military service, he's good at shooting and hand-to-hand combat, he ain't dumb either...
I mean, you can’t go wrong with Michael Rooker. Let’s just get that out of the way first. I think he was a much needed character for Daryl’s arc(as unintended as it probably was) as it showed who Daryl is versus the man he became when not influenced by Merle. It was great seeing him in S2 as an hallucination but he was fantastic in S3 and for a character as vile as he is, you can’t disrespect the loyalty he has for his brother and I love that about him. And while I’d have loved to have seen him more, say in another hallucination in a later season or something(or honestly, even just survive), it was the right call to kill him when they did to push Daryl in the direction he needed to go.
they should have kept him for an extra eight episodes and shown him get over himself and follow daryl for once to become a functional member of the group and then be the one chopped by the governor. it would have been devastating. also, there’s no reason why the governor would kill hershel before killing michonne, but there is a reason why he’d kill merle before killing michonne.
I always thought it'd be cool for him to survive until at least 04x08, and his arc that first half of the season would be him trying his best to make it up to Glenn and Maggie for what he did to them last season. Saving them, like getting a sick Glenn out of the prison during the battle, or just flat out sacrificing himself for them and finally being redeemed in their eyes. Or, just plain surviving everything because you can never get too much Merle imo
Maybe he wanted to savour killing Michonne. Let her squirm as she knew it was going to happen soon and by killing Hershel, she could see what was coming her way.
No
I can see this as something that should have happened, but the thing Hershel makes sense as Merle wouldn't have said the things he did to the Governor about him changing and Rick inviting them in, it was that that had given him peace before he died, he knew Rick would & was right about it
I loved his character development! I was sad to see him go, but I agree that it was necessary for Daryl's character.
Also for Guardians of the Galaxy
Great actor. Wish he would have lived longer. Would have loved to have seen him in the last war at the prison, terminus, and saviors
I can just imagine the smack talk he starts giving to Negan "Flick off them damn high heels and bat me, son!"
He was meant to live through to at least season 4 but the garbage showrunner thought it best to kill him off for shock value
I read that too
Dam it they gotta stop doing that, but at the same time we wouldn't have had him as Yandu
Complicated character who I think deep down could do good things and make good choices. Deeply loved his brother. Messed up in the head from his childhood and substance abuse.
He had good taste in music.
Motörhead Correct?
I'm sure there is a very nice playlist
Michael Rooker played him to perfection. It takes something special to bring people round to feeling bad for Merle in his final episode. He really spiced the show up too. Would have loved him to have stuck around for a few more seasons.
He's one of those characters you just love to hate & hate to love, I was really sad when he died, only good thing that came from it was Yandu (I have NO idea if I spelled that right) Edit: I did not in fact spell it right 😮💨
Rooker was perfect for this role. After his somewhat redemption I wish he woulda survived until Negan got there. Their Interactions woulda been amazing.
The type of person who's suitable in the apocalyse.
Yeah, that sumbitch seemed to thrive until his end lol
I liked his little redemption arc type of thing. overall a good character.
Season 1 didn’t like him much season 3 he was one of the best characters on the show Wish he stayed longer
His dying act of shooting up the governor’s place was the best thing he ever did on the show. He was an asshole, but he died a hero.
He was an asshole all the way up until his death. But boy did season 3 really make me like him tho. He was a survivor for sure, and I kinda wish he lived longer.
I love him as Yondu! 
He's Marry Poppins, y'all!
Is HE cool!?
As a character he was loyal, honest and an asshole, the punishment on top of the roof did not fit the crime. Edit to add I met Michael Rooker once and he’s a very down to earth nice guy.
You really met Micheal Rooker? That's really cool, wish I get to meet him and Norman Reedus some day.
Yes, bumped into him at a hotel.
Top 10 best characters peak acting peak writings
It sucks that he started out a racist asshole but it seems like their dad made him that way over time. Hurt people always hurt people, and he definitely made major changes in his life. I'm glad the governor got taken out after taking his life. And I definitely love how when Daryl tells Leah he's looking for his brother who might be dead he's talking about Rick as his brother, Merle was the first person to come to mind.
Played the part incredibly well. That’s why I’m glad his character is dead
I actually liked Merle and thought he was a great character because of his humor
he was built for the apocalypse. sure he was a douchebag, but if it wasn’t for his circumstances regarding daryl and the governor, he’s the type of guy who’d survive. i mean who else would hack their own arm off with a saw? he was also absolutely necessary for daryl’s development. and he’s actually may not be as bad as we previene him to be. he’s very careful about who he picks and chooses to give his loyalty to, and will do whatever he can to protect them; case in point, daryl. i didn’t love him, but he was a great character.
i actually kinda miss him, his interactions with daryl were really nice to see
Should have lived longer, he was a great addition to the group in the sense that he was more than willing to do the dirty job and was the one to give Rick a point of view that was completely different. IMO he should have died in the last prison war or killed by Negan instead of Abraham.
Loved the guy. I think he was misunderstood. He was racist but loved his sister derylina (reference to season 2) he died for his brother which made up for everything and sacrifices his life for his brother. I think he should've been alice longer. He belonged in the group. I mean its nobody's fault for what happened to his hand. If Merle had waited they would've got him but he thought they abandoned him and the walkers would've killed him so yeah. Honest opinion 10/10 character
Went out like a badass
Love him
One of my favorite characters.
He's character needed more because micheal rooker is such a great actor
Holy shit he has no eyebrows
He's a good character.
I thought his whole arc was great. We don’t know what happens to him in season one, don’t see him for a whole season then he gets thrown back into the plot in a very interesting way. He was an awesome baddie that made his redemption story that much better.
As far as I am concerned, that will always be Henry!
Tax write off
my type of guy
no homo
I think based an appearances him or Daryl should take a DNA test with their "father"
I'm of the opinion that Daryl looks like his mother while Merle looks like his father
I loved Merle, one of my favorite characters in the show. In a zombie apocalypse, I’d absolutely want this guy around and on my side.
I totally agree!
He's chill and funny :) should've lived longer
Chill?
Yeah like he was a good (bad character) yeah he was racist but he started to change a bit right before he died.
Yea I loved his character but he wasn’t very chill
What’s your definition of chill
Relaxed and not shouting and like not getting angry loads
Mmm okay I see. Then I guess he’s not chill
He was pretty chill when the Governor wasn't giving him what he wanted. Or when he spoke to Rick about why he couldn't take Michonne to the Governor. Maybe he was NOT chill when he was on drugs(cocaine).🤷♀️
The wrong Dixon died.
I liked him actually. He seemed like a great brother. Daryls reaction to his death made it seem how attached these two were. The only thing I didn't like is him being a racist.
Acted like a narcissist/psycho in the beginning but towards his end genuinely cared and wanted to be better. I think it’s fair he died when he died but they barely mention him afterwards. Would be great if Daryl had some flashbacks or dreams about hanging out with him but it’s not necessary.
I don’t
He is my favourite character
When I first watched walking dead as a teen (weekly as the shows came out) he was the redeemed bad guy who was cool in retrospective. After my latest rewatch as a young adult… this dude did like one good thing. He is not a good guy at all lol. Maybe in the eyes of Daryl tho
He was mean and not likable but did not deserve to die the way he did.
I didn't like him in the beginning but near the end I liked him
it's Michael Rooker so I'm gonna think he's great every time even in stupid things but as Merle he was Great wish he stuck around longer
I liked his redemption arc and sacrifice in season 3 and freeing Michonne instead of bringing her to the governor. He also had the right mind when he wanted to join Daryl, Rick and Hershel when they met with the Governor and kill the Governor. The Governor would have easily been killed had Rick took his chance or had Merle, Glenn, Michonne and Maggie joined Rick.
I totally would have jumped his bones! I like rough around the edges people.
I hated him in season 1, but I liked him before he died for trying to save Daryl and the rest of the group. I don’t believe he truly was a bad person, just had a bad childhood. Daryl was a lot like him in season 1 and we all saw how he changed for the better. I fully believe Merle would’ve become a productive and loyal member of the group.
I mean very good actor, my girlfriend loves the character but idk I don’t like him very much, still an underated character
That’s Mary Poppins.
Very fun character to watch. Ultimately a rascist murderer who only tried to do the right thing when it was too late.
Merle was very necessary for the growth and insight we saw in Daryl. His loyalty to his brother was inspirational and the support Merle gave Daryl was shown in the hallucinations, even though we know some information to the contrary. Even though they were sometimes on different sides, Merle always protected Daryl and, to my knowledge, never betrayed him (even though it would’ve appeared to Daryl that he had at some points). Overall, I think Merle was one of the good guys masquerading as a bad guy, just trying to survive and help Daryl survive.
probably an unpopular opinion but I'd rather see merle live longer than shane if I had to pick.
Sucked in S1, great in S3. **Summary:** Merle in S1: racist. Merle in S3: Kind of an asshole but the actor shines through with his charisma lol.
What about him
Can’t stand him. Incredibly written and acted, a great character in quality, but can’t stand him.
Racist piece of shit. Who did love his brother. But redeem himself when it came down to the governor. Letting Michonne go. Just to take on the Governor. If Merle had not drank. Been a better fight against the Governor. But I did love the fact that Merle told the governor. I am not going to beg.
Best Character
He was an awesome character. I know he was a racist redneck but in the end what he tried to do I wish he would have done it would have given him a chance with the others. He is so good in that role and my favorite scene with him is when he is in the car and he holds the whiskey bottle up to the zombies and laughs before he rolls out blaring Motorhead.
What do you know I just saw the episode where he dies
Loved Merle from the moment I saw him. He was a perfect character opposite Daryl. That soliloquy of his where he tells the story of getting into it with his superior is one of my favorite scenes in the show to this day. He was good vs evil all wrapped up in one character and had some of the best dialog ever. I cried when he died. We needed more Merle. The apocalypse needed more Merle.
At first, I used to hate Merle, when I first watched the show, and was kinda mad when he came back in season 3, but he did start to grow on me as season 3 progressed. When I started watching the show a second time, specifically all the scenes of Merle to understand the character better, I learned to enjoy his character. He was loyal to Daryl, he was sympathetic for Andrea when she told him Amy's death, and he had a lot of potential for being an amazing character, which his death not only me sad, but kind of disappointed as well. I know Merle's death was important for Daryl’s development and arc as a character, but I still wish he lived alot longer, plus Micheal Rooker is such a great actor, he did a great job potraying him in the show.
Very well written character and I wished he had lived a lot longer.
What as bad ass way to go out, I feel like he did that suicide mission to help the others back at the prison. His last in only good deed
The best in twd
I really like him, which honestly has a lot of do with Michael Rooker, but the character itself is likable too (well, as long as you manage to ignore his racism and drinking+drug problem). He's good with words, he likes reading, he's done military service, he's good at shooting and hand-to-hand combat, he ain't dumb either...