6. Michael Raymond-James (Dave)
When compiling a list of top-notch actors on a particular television show, most of those actors are going to be series regulars, with maybe a few notable guest stars scattered among the ranks. Most lists would probably not include an actor who had appeared for fewer than ten minutes in only one episode, playing a character that had not even warranted a last name in the script. Most lists, however, are probably not compiled after watching Michael Raymond-James play Dave in the Season 2 episode entitled "Nebraska." When a pair of living humans run into Rick, Glenn, and Hershel in the bar closest to Hershel's farm, there is almost a sense of immediate relief. After all, how many other live people are they likely to encounter in the zombie apocalypse? Nevertheless, it quickly becomes apparent that these two are not men who ought to be tasked with continuing the human race or brought anywhere near the farm. Dave's friend Tony may have been the one so openly obscene and aggressive that he should clearly be kept away from any and all women, but Dave's nonchalant questioning of Rick's group's location and resources all while casually insinuating himself into a prime position that would allow him to take out Rick, Glenn, and Hershel with little risk to himself is far more unnerving. On-page, Dave doesn't really become overtly antagonistic until nearly the very end of his one scene. As played by Raymond-James, there is an unspoken threat in his every move. Even when just exchanging tales of woe with Rick and Co., there is something so discomfiting about Dave and his questions that we get out first introduction to a concept that will dominate a decent chunk of Season 3: sometimes, the living are far more dangerous than the dead. Dave is the first living human that we see Rick kill, and the relief that comes with Rick's unflinching headshot is a testament to Michael Raymond-James' performance.
MVP Moment: Dave works out for himself that Rick's group is holed up in a nearby farm and begins trying to convince them to let his group join them.