The Walking Dead

People often ask me why I watch The Walking Dead. I guess it's often assumed that anyone who watches it is doing so just to see people get ripped apart by zombies, because, what other reason could there be? Okay, yeah, it has loads of gore. It's commonplace to see someone get their leg hacked off, a chunk of their arm bitten off, or a zombie ripped in two. But honestly, I don't really love that stuff. It adds to the overall creepy and dangerous theme of the show, but that's not why I watch.

The characters in this show are amazing. Diverse, constantly changing, full of emotion, and representative of how most of us think people would really respond to a disaster. This isn't a band of fearless zombie murdering machines bent on revenge, most of them are just normal people trying to keep loved ones alive and sane in the midst of it all. 

My favorite character (as I'll tell anyone who will listen) is a guy called Daryl.

Say hello to Daryl.

This guy wasn't treated so great by his parents as a kid. Having to fend for himself most of the time, neglected, beaten, abused, he turned into a pretty bad dude, and him and his brother would steal from you, and if you still had your teeth after they were done with you, you were lucky.
Cue zombie apocalypse. (I'm going to avoid spoilers moving forward, you're welcome)
Daryl winds up being part of a larger group when everything on earth goes south, yknow, people eating eachother and everything. He goes from being a total loser, to a leader who has to turn against his own brother and his old ways. He's not as tough and emotionless as he had made himself before, and this comes out as he gets attached to other characters on the show, often putting himself at risk for those he cares about (which lately, is everyone he meets). He's still a bit rough around the edges though, and you don't want to get him mad, or this guy will totally throw you into a pit of walkers. This actually winds up being an asset, when things need to be dealt with.
He's pretty much the epitome of a badass. Also, the epitome of how to be a really nice guy. Also he rides a motorcycle and his weapon of choice is a crossbow, so he's also a silent ninja. Did I mention he really likes kids? Oh, and he really respects women.

So basically, Daryl's great, and you should watch The Walking Dead. It's honestly the best show I've ever watched, and it will change your life, no word of a lie.

Kyle Jenkins