The Walking Dead: 10 Great Moments When The Show Ignored The Comic

10. Merle Runs Wild

When the foul-mouthed, racist and downright manic Merle Dixon was introduced in the second episode, titled "Guts", he managed to make himself charming and hated all in one scene. Michael Rooker's distinct voice and Merle's raucous attitude created a character that was equal parts villain and anti-hero. His antagonistic relationship with Rick Grimes was humorous and allowed for some of the best on-screen interaction the show has ever seen. When Rick ran into his first group of fellow survivors in Atlanta, he met the elder Dixon brother. As Merle seemed very happy popping the heads of walkers from the roof, his carefree attitude was leading danger their way. Owning up to his role as the only law in a town gone mad, Rick handcuffed Merle to the roof, introducing himself as Officer Friendly. A series of events led to Merle being left on top of the roof as dinner for some hungry walkers, and his eventual return as one of the Governor's soldiers in season three. Merle's initial introduction to tv viewers was a great one, as it allowed Rick, and the audience, to see that it isn't always the walkers you have to worry about. By creating original characters that did not exist in the comic book, you allowed yourself some room to write for fascinating characters like Merle and even his younger brother, Daryl. More on that later.