10 TV Shows Where The Villain Became A Hero

9. The Walking Dead - Merle Dixon

The quest for redemption isn't easy, and sometimes it can only be achieved by dying. Case in point, Merle Dixon.

The Walking Dead's resident racist redneck, Merle was an absolute dick who then committed to full-out villainy (not before losing his hand) when siding with the Governor at Woodbury.

With crimes including bigotry, misogyny, and torturing Glenn, Merle was a completely detestable character, but also an interesting one. In Season 3 we learned more of his past, and the brutality suffered at the hands of his father, and the complex relationship he shared with fan-favourite Daryl made him much more than a straight-up antagonist.

Eventually, he turned against his master, not only doing his best to save the lives of Rick's group, but also trying to kill the Governor himself. It cost him his life, and he won't be remembered as a true hero in the traditional sense, but he came good at the end.