2. It's Never Too Late to Make a Change
I'm talking about starting with that Man in the Mirror, of course. In terms of character development, The Walking Dead writers have provided numerous twists and turns with the personalities and objectives of the show's characters. Remember when Carol wouldn't say boo to a goose? Now she burns people alive. And what about the Governor? He seemed a nice enough guy to begin with, didn't he? And then there's Carl. His voice was way higher when the show first started. But more than this, it's been highlighted that redemption is always attainable. Take Merle. Is there anyone you'd less like to be trapped in a lift with? And that was before he had a sword for an arm. Casual racist turned evil henchman, Merle was a constant source of abhorrence throughout the series, that is, until the end of his life, when he decided to spare Michonne and then sacrifice himself to help Rick's people gain an upper hand on the Woodbury group. Because of this, we remember Merle fondly, and respect his benevolence. Another example of this notion was present in the Season 4 mid-season finale. Before the Governor obliterated the prison with his tank, Rick promised him that it wasn't too late for them, and that the two camps could live together. Despite all their history, Rick was willing to forgive. Did we believe it? Do we think that the Governor could really have made that change, and become something of an ally to Rick? I suppose it's a matter of opinion. But my own stance on the issue is an optimistic one.