10 Best Episodes Of The Walking Dead (So Far)
3. This Sorrowful Life Season 3, Episode 15
Could you ever imagine being sad over the death of Merle Dixon back when we met him in season 1? Neither can I; at least, not until this episode. This whole episode was basically the redemption of Merle, and a very effective one at that. Using the Governors deal to hand over Michonne as a frame, Merle goes on a journey of self-realization, acceptance, and ultimately sacrifice. Rick and Merles conversation in the beginning provided a great callback to their less than cordial meeting, and also established the stark difference in their morality, something that both men struggled with throughout the episode. While Rick wrestled with the burden of having to trade a valuable life for a chance to save others, Merle went with his instinct and took Michonne to go to the Governor himself. Merles rogue actions all started with a single purely intended goal: to save Daryl. Merle knew that the Governor would do horrible things to Michonne, but if that meant saving his little brother, then so be it. He also knew that Rick would not be able to bring himself to do it, and he proved to be right. What Merle was proven wrong with was that he could deliver Michonne himself. At the start of the episode, Merle struggled to find a place among the prison group, despite his checkered past. He figured that if he went back to the Governor with Michonne, a war can be avoided and maybe he can have a place in Woodbury, a place that has accepted him for who he is. Halfway through his journey however, he realized that men like him dont have a place in either side. Merles change of heart by letting Michonne go was his way of refusing to go back to his old ways. Instead of becoming the bad guy again, Merle instead decided to honor his brother and confront the Governor on his own. Though his assault was unsuccessful and he met his untimely end, it did make a dent in the Governors forces. Whats more, it made Merles redemption come full circle, which is a far cry from the racist caricature he was portrayed as in season 1. Also, the final scene where Daryl confronts his brother turned walker delivers on all the right notes, making for another heart wrenching scene that really benefited from Norman Reedus excellent acting.