Why did a TV sitcom almost make Daryl cry?

The Walking Dead had some really touching moments that tug at our heartstrings. But what about the spinoffs? Some people might think they’re not as emotional, but there is one scene in the newest TWD spinoff, Daryl Dixon, that might have slipped under your radar.

In the second episode of the spinoff, Daryl is taken to a room with all the children, and they all sit down to watch an old English sitcom. The series they are watching is Mork & Mindy that aired between 1978 and 1982.

You can see Daryl smiling, but then his smile slowly fades away, and you can see pure sadness in his eyes. You might have overlooked it, because the scene seems cheerful otherwise.

But why was Daryl sad? Well, he later says that he and his brother Merle used to watch this sitcom.

Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl, didn’t need to utter a single word. The emotion was evident in his eyes. It’s not a dramatic death or a shocking twist, but a quiet reflection from one of the show’s most beloved characters. And somehow it makes it even sadder.

Merle, Daryl’s older brother, often took on a protective role, shielding Daryl from the worst of their childhood. Despite differences between Merle and Daryl, the bond between the Dixon brothers was unbreakable.

They relied on each other for survival, both before and during the apocalypse. Merle’s eventual tragic fate in the series was a significant turning point for Daryl.

However, one user pointed out that Daryl wasn’t just reminiscing about Merle in that scene. He was reflecting on his entire life — the hardships of his youth and the bond he shared with his brother. Now, after so many trials and tribulations, Daryl has a family he can call his own, and he is far away from them.

While TWD has given us many tear-jerking moments, it’s these quiet, reflective scenes that often resonate the most. Fans hope Daryl will finally be happy as he really deserved it.

The final episode of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is set to release this Sunday, October 15 on AMC and AMC+.