The Walking Dead series ran for 11 seasons, giving viewers some amazing stand-out performances.
The social media accounts for The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment asked an interesting question this week and fans responded in full force. The question: What is the single best performance in The Walking Dead?
I would be hard-pressed to name the SINGLE best, as there were several standout scenes over the course of the eleven seasons. These scenes featured the best performances by TWD actors, and fans were sure the actors would receive some recognition, but alas, The Walking Dead actors never got proper recognition for their talents.
Reading through the comments on Twitter (X), responses ranged from giving one actor overall praise for their performances to scenes almost all viewers could agree were top notch. Others brought up some surprising performances with excellent explanations as to why it was a stand out.
Some of the best Walking Dead performances
- Melissa McBride
Rick’s reunion with his family
Lauren Ridloff in “On the Inside”
Lennie James in “Clear”
Michonne
Carl Grimes death
“The Grove”
Negan
The meme making moment
Melissa McBride
McBride has always portrayed Carol Peletier with such heart. Her fanbase is vast, and the thread contained numerous comments regarding her overall performance and calling out specific scenes that she just crushed. Carol was an abuse victim turned warrior who had the courage to make tough decisions and carry them out. McBride’s performance throughout the twelve years of the series was exceptional. Many called “The Grove” one of her best; read more on that episode below.
Rick’s reunion with his family
Andrew Lincoln portrayed Rick Grimes in the series, beginning with the pilot episode. When he awoke from his coma after being shot in the line of duty, his world would never be the same. His first thoughts were of his family, and he began his search for them. In season 1, episode 3, “Tell It To the Frogs,” Rick partners with a group based near Atlanta and, against all odds, reunites with his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and son Carl (Chander Riggs). This scene was overly emotional, bringing tears to the eyes of viewers. Many comments regarded this as the single best performance of the series.
Lauren Ridloff in “On the Inside”
This one is HIGH on my list too! Many people cited Lauren Ridloff, who played Connie, a deaf woman, as the best for her performance in the season 11 episode, “On The Inside.” Connie is paired with Virgil (Kevin Carroll) in an episode that could be part of a horror film. They took shelter in a home that, unknown to them, was inhabited by a group of ferels. The episode was outstanding, and Ridloff’s performance was incredible. To see this haunted experience from the eyes of a deaf person added to the suspense and horror aspect.
Lennie James in “Clear”
Lennie James portrayed Morgan Jones beginning in the pilot episode of the main series and concluded this character’s story in season 8 of Fear the Walking Dead, the franchise’s first spinoff. After his season 1 appearance, Morgan isn’t seen again until the season 3 episode, “Clear.” At this point, Morgan had experienced significant trauma and wasn’t in his right mind. Rick, Carl, and Michonne (Danai Gurira) discover him living in an apartment after the loss of his son, who was killed by the reanimated version of his wife. He believes his purpose is to keep the community clear of walkers. Several people cited this as one of the best performances of TWD.
Michonne
Michonne was made for survival. She is strong, fierce, and unafraid to do what needs to be done. Her character left the series in season 10 when she discovers clues to Rick’s survival. Encouraged by her daughter Judith (Cailey Fleming), she leaves the communities searching for him. Prior to her departure, Michonne was a vital part of the communities. Many comments stated that any scene Michonne, portrayed by Danai Gurira, was seen in was a “best performance,” as Gurira did a fantastic job of bringing this character to life.
Carl Grimes death
It was a surprise to see Carl Grimes’ death scene as one considered a “best of.” After further consideration, I agree with Bluejay Soul’s comment below. This episode, while extremely emotional for a huge number of viewers, showcased outstanding performances by all.
“The Grove”
A large number of fans rank “The Grove” high on their list of best Walking Dead episodes. This was another highly emotional episode featuring stand-out performances by McBride, Chad L. Coleman (Tyreese), Kyla Kenedy (Mika), and Brighton Sharbino as Lizzie. This took place after the fall of the prison when the group was scattered about. This small group, along with baby Judith, whom Tyreese saved during the skirmish at the prison, took shelter in a small home located in a pecan grove. No one was prepared for what this storyline would entail. “Look at the Flowers” has become synonymous with TWD ever since.
Negan
Several actors were considered to portray Negan, leader of the Saviors, but after the incredible performance by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, it’s difficult to think that anyone else could do the character justice. Love or hate Negan, viewers agree that Morgan was made for this role. It is no surprise that the thread consisted of numerous comments regarding Morgan’s performance. He continues to portray Negan in The Walking Dead: Dead City, TWDU’s first direct spinoff.
The meme making moment
The prison is one of my favorite eras of the series, and one of the most heartwrenching scenes is the birth of Judith Grimes. Rick’s wife, Lori, went into labor during an altercation with the prisoners they encountered, and this forced Maggie (Lauren Cohan) to deliver the baby. When things become complicated, Lori must choose her life or the baby’s, and she chooses the latter. Add to that, all of this is witnessed by her son Carl, who, after watching his mother cut open and his sister delivered, has to shoot his mother in the head to ensure she didn’t reanimate. UGH! Below is the scene when Rick loses it, realizing that Lori is dead, an event that takes its toll on him in future episodes.
But, out of this came the meme featuring Rick and “Coral” as Rick tells him the most eye-rolling dad jokes known to man.
