In the world of The Walking Dead, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments — from gruesome zombie kills to devastating character deaths. But for Norman Reedus, the man behind the crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon, one episode holds a particularly special place in his heart: Season 4’s “Still.”
On the surface, “Still” seems like a quieter detour in a show built on apocalyptic chaos. But according to Reedus, it marked a major turning point — not just for his character, but for the way The Walking Dead told its stories. And not all fans were on board.
A Character-Driven Break from the Carnage
When Entertainment Weekly asked the cast about their favorite episodes back in 2015, Reedus didn’t hesitate. “‘Still,’ with Beth,” he said, referring to the introspective episode that follows Daryl and Beth Greene (Emily Kinney) as they drift through the wreckage of a collapsed world — drinking moonshine, playing “Never Have I Ever,” and confronting their emotional trauma.
“I had never really worked one-on-one with Emily before,” Reedus revealed. “It was those two characters learning about each other as those two actors learned about each other all on the spot.”
While the plot was minimal — the duo scavenges for booze and shares stories — the episode became a deep character study, peeling back Daryl’s tough exterior to reveal the vulnerable man beneath. Beth, still mourning her father’s brutal death, offers Daryl a rare moment of connection. What resulted was a quietly devastating hour of television that fans either loved or loathed.
The Start of a Bold, Divisive Trend
“Still” was the first episode in The Walking Dead to focus almost exclusively on just two characters, slowing down the narrative in favor of emotional exploration. That approach would become a hallmark of later seasons — and a lightning rod for criticism.
Some hailed it as essential character development. Others slammed it as filler.
This new storytelling formula gave fans deeper insight into characters like Tyreese, Carol, and even the villainous Governor. But it also came at a cost: momentum. Episodes like “Still” and “The Grove” often hit pause on the main plotlines, leaving viewers divided over whether the show was evolving or simply stalling.
The Fallout and Legacy of “Still”
“Still” may not have been the highest-rated episode — it holds one of the lowest IMDb scores for Season 4 — but its emotional resonance left a lasting impression. Beth’s eerie prediction, “You’re gonna miss me so bad when I’m gone, Daryl Dixon,” foreshadowed her shocking death in Season 5’s “Coda” and broke the hearts of fans who’d grown attached to their bond.
As the ensemble cast expanded, The Walking Dead struggled to give newer characters the same depth. The show shifted back toward high-stakes battles and worldbuilding, but episodes like “Still” remained a reminder of what it could be at its most introspective.
Reedus’ Enduring Influence
Reedus’ pick for favorite episode says a lot about his understanding of Daryl’s journey. From an angry loner to one of the show's emotional anchors, Daryl’s evolution wouldn’t have been possible without moments like “Still.”
With the Daryl Dixon spin-off continuing his story across the Atlantic, it’s clear that Reedus still values character over spectacle — and so do many of the fans who’ve stuck with him for over a decade.
Conclusion
“Still” may have started as a quiet character episode, but it grew into a symbol of The Walking Dead’s ongoing tension between plot and personality. For Norman Reedus, it was a turning point. For the fandom, it was a challenge. And for the series, it was a bold reminder that sometimes the biggest impact comes from the smallest stories.
