3. Michael Rooker (Merle Dixon)
Originally appearing in only two episodes of Season 1, Merle was...an interesting character. Not appearing in the comics upon which the series is based, he was a racist, misogynistic, abusive, selfish, and murderous motormouth who probably didn't top too many "favorite character" lists. Merle was just not somebody to root for, and even his long-awaited reunion with his brother (and fan-favorite) Daryl was far more uncomfortable than touching. Already hateful, Merle crossed the line into unforgiveable when he locks a bound Glenn alone in a room with a hungry Walker. All in all, Merle wasn't a character that really deserved to survive. But he sure was fun to watch. Michael Rooker throws himself completely into the role, managing to give a remarkably nuanced performance without making excuses for the character. As unlikely as was his return, Merle was one of the few redeeming factors of the Woodbury plot. He wasn't a villain in the vein of the Governor or even desperate to the point of violence like Dave. Merle wasn't evil he was just a jackass with a blade for a hand and an unapologetic taste for violence. Rooker was universally acknowledged to fall on the "bad guy" side of the spectrum, but his relish for the role made him one of the most entertaining characters of all of Season 3.
MVP Moment: Merle sits in his hotwired car, drinking whiskey and toasting the surrounding Walkers as he works himself up to making a final stand against the Governor.