We've considered a lot of possibilities when it comes to who will die [1] during the season six finale of The Walking Dead [2]. We've suspected it might be Glenn [3] for quite some time now, and recent circumstances made Carol's death seem likely [4] as well. In light of this week's episode, though, we've had to acknowledge one theory we never before wanted to believe. It could very well be Daryl that dies when Negan makes his big debut [5]. This is the hardest pill of all to swallow. Keep reading to see why we just couldn't bear to lose Daryl, then check out the cliffhanger theory that sounds even worse [6].
We're Not Done Shipping Daryl and Carol's Romance
Anyone who called themselves a fan of The Walking Dead [7] knows that Carol and Daryl have long been the show's ultimate "will they/won't they" couple [8]. After all this time, they still haven't gotten together. In fact, Carol's shacking up with that useless bag of Alexandria garbage. We deserve this couple. We need it.
He's Grown So Much Since We've Met Him, and He's Not Done
When you think about it, it's kind of crazy that Daryl and Merle were brothers. As time goes on, it becomes so clear that Daryl has evolved far beyond Merle, in terms of empathy, humanity, maturity, everything. Daryl's growth gives us hope. Don't take it away.
He's One of the Show's Most Crucial Characters
Daryl is Rick's right-hand man. His death would tear the very fabric of our favorite group into pieces. He's essentially responsible for keeping the group in line. He makes sure everything is running smoothly. He protects everyone at all costs.
He's All Soft and Mushy on the Inside and Must Be Protected at All Costs
Daryl may present as a total badass who gives zero f*cks and kicks all the ass and takes all the names, and that's because, well, he is. But once you chip away at his hardened exterior, you come to see that he's a big ol' teddy bear underneath. And that's the best kind of person, to be honest.
He's an Effing Badass, and the Show Would Suffer Greatly
Like, who else can dispatch walkers like this? Who else has managed to get this far with a mere crossbow? Michonne is the only one who comes close, but still. We need this kind of zombie slaying on the show.
No One Would Be OK — Like, We'd All Be Broken Forever
Not only would everyone on the show be forever devastated, but everyone in real life would be devastated, too. Case in point: there's a Facebook page titled "If Daryl Dies, We Riot." [9] If that's not an indicator of how passionate we all are about keeping Daryl alive, I don't know what is.