The Walking Dead: 7 Greatest Deaths So Far

6. T-Dog (Iron E. Singleton) - Episode 3.4

Like many shows before it, The Walking Dead has had its fair share of "redshirts," characters whose sole purpose is to die in order to create tragedy and drive the plot - survivors are frequently introduced on the show, only to die a few minutes or a few episodes later and soon be forgotten (I'm looking at you, Jimmy and Patricia), replaced by a new wave of expendable supporting characters.

Theodore 'T-Dog' Douglas, played by Iron E. Singleton, is unique amongst such individuals in that he lasted for three seasons before meeting his maker, despite having little in the way of character development or involvement in the main plot. Indeed, following the rapid deaths of original survivors such as Ed, Jim and Jacqui in season 1, he seems certain to become a victim of the walkers in the season 2 premiere after he slices his arm open on a car door, attracting significant attention with his blood until he finds an unlikely saviour in the form of redneck Daryl Dixon. The character's longevity finally comes to an end in season 3's prison arc, in which he was finally beginning to become more involved in the story, having advocated the admission of the surviving prisoners to the group. During a search of the facility, he and Carol, another recurring cast member who has survived for three seasons, find themselves overwhelmed, and T-Dog makes the heroic decision to sacrifice himself, throwing himself at the walkers to ensure Carol's escape.