The Walking Dead: 15 Best Episodes

9. This Sorrowful Life - S3 E15

This Sorrowful Life is an episode revolving around the themes of redemption and, like much of the series to date, choices. Survivors have had to adapt to become quick-thinking and decisive in the incomprehensible new world they've inherited. Rick starts to doubt choices he has made, Glenn and Maggie decide on their future together, while Merle Dixon, a man not used to following the right path, finally strings together choices that save Michonne, aid the group, and ultimately cost him his life at the hands of The Governor, who leaves Merle to turn into a walker. Michonne and Merle had equally guarded shells, yet she was the person who managed to crack through to Merle and salvaged some goodness from his character. Norman Reedus also produces a heart-breaking moment as the misunderstood Daryl holds off his brother's re-animated body, distraught, before finishing him off.