I’m going to preface this post with a lot of little disclaimers:
1. I do not like horror movies
2. I do not read horror, or even all that much suspense (I threw a Stephen King book across the room during my honeymoon–eons ago–and had major heart palpitations while reading Silence of the Lambs)
3. I do not believe in the Zombi Apoloclypse
4. I cover my eyes when there’s blood and guts on the big or small screen
5. Squeebie sounds freak me out
6. I am not a celebrity groupie and don’t do fan clubs
So why in the world did I ever start watching The Walking Dead? Wendy Lyn Watson.
“If you get past the look and sounds the zombies make, it’s a great story,” she said one day while we were out for our walk.
“But zombies?” I cringed, thinking to myself there was no way in hell I would ever watch the show.
But then I did. After all, I knew Wendy wouldn’t lead me astray. Husband and 15 year old son watched, too, and while I ducked and covered during the gross parts, I found out that Wendy was right. The Waking Dead isn’t really about the zombies. They’re more of a backdrop for the survival story of the, uh, survivors. Sometimes it’s all very Lord of the Flies. Other times it’s very subtly Machiavelian (although not in the way that House of Cards, my other FAVORITE show with the very duplicitous, very awesome Kevin Spacey, is). It’s all very addictive. And yes, gory.
You can’t get too close to any of the characters because, you know, the zombies are after anyone with a pulse. Nobody seems to be safe. But if I’m rooting for anyone to make it through the whole series, it’s my favorite redneck, Daryl Dixon. His character arc is fantastic, and watching him lately as he struggles with the demons of his childhood, including his redneck and diabolical brother Merl, verses the person he’s become–part of the FAMILY of survivors, an integral part of group, someone that people actually care about, just makes me love him even more. That and he named the newborn baby on the show Lil’ Asskicker.
During the last episode, Daryl was off with Merl, has it out with his brother, and then walks off to return to where he belonged. Cut to a zombie attack and Sheriff Rick cornered by several undead. A zombie falls, an arrow through the head, and we see Daryl with his crossbow. My son and I both whooped and hollered and called out Daryl’s name. He was back where he belonged and there to save the day.
So here I proclaim, I’m a fan of Daryl Dixon, and while I won’t officially join his fan club, of which I’m sure there are many, he holds a special place in my heart.
If you know The Walking Dead, tell me, what’s your favorite Daryl moment?
About Melissa Bourbon Ramirez
So glad I convinced you to give it a try (and so glad you’re actually enjoying it). My favorite Daryl moment was when he gave Carol the Cherokee rose … it was such a simple, sweet, sincere gesture. Le sigh …
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 3:34 pm
I loved that moment, too!
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I’m such a wimp! I don’t like blood and gore. I’m afraid of zombies, and so your list spoke to me. I cover my eyes at the violent parts of shows. A show I love seems more violent this season–Justified. But now I love the characters, so I stick with it. I’m sure this show would be the same if I ever work up the nerve to try it! Maybe someday!
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:49 am
I’m a wimp, too, but I still love it!
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I luuuuurve Daryl! My very favorite moment was when the zombie horde is about to catch Carol and then Daryl rides up on his motorcycle. “Come on. I ain’t got all day.” lol Also, him holding the baby? Whoa.
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:49 am
I guess we can agree that we all just LOVE him
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I keep hearing about this show and I’ve got to sit down and watch it. And House of Cards. And Arrested Development and…
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:49 am
They’re all good! Now we’re watching Hell on Wheels. OMG, another great one!
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I tell everyone the same thing: It’s not about the zombies.
And I luuuurve Daryl. I would join his fan club…does he have a fan club? I’ll start one. He’s also one of my imaginary boyfriends (they rotate, though sometimes two show up and once, and then there’s fighting and making up, and…).
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:48 am
He’d make a pretty interesting boyfriend!
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I loved how he continued to look for Sophia even after everyone else knew it was pointless.
My kids watch it, too. In fact, when we drive around and look at houses, the top contenders just happen to be the ones with the sturdy iron fences that surround the entire perimeter and can keep the zombies out.
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:47 am
I loved that he kept the faith and kept looking, too. Your kids must have iron wills. My kids wouldn’t come anywhere near anything zombie related!
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I never watch scary/gory movies. And I’m watching The Walking Dead. I hide behind a throw pillow whenever the gore starts to fly. It’s my favorite show.
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Melissa Bourbon Ramirez Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:46 am
Me, too, Chris! I keep the pillow or blanket by my side at all times because I’m such a wimp, but I love the show!
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The combination of tough and tender makes my knees weak and the Daryl character has that in spades. Not to mention the fact that they’ve kept him reserved and I like that very much. To me, nothing wrecks a good show quicker than pulling out the physical involvement card too soon, too often and with too many.
As far as the zombie element goes.. for some reason that doesn’t scare me that much. I think my enjoyment just overshadows it
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