How Dale’s Death In The Walking Dead Differed From The Comics

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Summary

  • Dale’s shocking death in season 2 was a major departure from the comics and surprised both fans and non-fans alike.
  • The Walking Dead took a big risk deviating from the source material with Dale’s death, causing disappointment among many viewers.
  • Behind-the-scenes issues involving actor Jeffrey DeMunn ultimately led to the decision to kill off Dale, contrary to the original plan.

The TV series “The Walking Dead” often took its characters and storylines from comic books, which proved effective given the popularity of the original content and the enthusiasm among viewers to witness this narrative unfold on screen.

To put it simply, while watching “The Walking Dead” TV series, you might notice that it diverges from the original comic books at certain instances. Some of these changes were welcomed by fans of the comics, but others left them puzzled and annoyed. For example, Dale Horvath’s storyline in the show takes a different turn compared to his fate in the comics.

How Did Dale Die In The Walking Dead Television Series?

This Was A Moment That Took Fans By Surprise

From the get-go, Dale was a central figure in the series, belonging to the primary group of survivors the show chronicles from beginning to end. He first saves Andrea and Amy Harrison, later joining the group. His character resonated well with viewers. Dale’s role was that of a guardian, often serving as the moral guide among the survivors early on, valuing human qualities even during the outbreak. Unfortunately, in the eleventh episode of the second season titled ‘Judge, Jury, Executioner,’ Dale met an untimely end at the hands of a walker. This gruesome death was orchestrated by a series of events: Carl Grimes had earlier released the walker that eventually killed Dale, and Daryl Dixon ended up putting Dale out of his misery by shooting him in the head.

For various reasons, spectators were taken aback by the turn of events. Those unfamiliar with comic books were left astonished as Dale, a crucial figure, was among the first major characters to be killed off. His gentle demeanor and advanced age added an unexpected layer of shock, making his death one of the most impactful in the series’ timeline. On the other hand, comic book enthusiasts were taken aback because they expected him to endure longer due to the extended lifespan he had in the The Walking Dead comics.

What Was Different Regarding Dale’s Death?

The Walking Dead Television Series Took A Gamble

In the comic books, unlike his character’s fate in season two of the TV series, Dale continues to be part of the group even after his death. This unexpected turn of events left fans quite stunned. The change in Dale’s demise was not a minor adjustment; it was a substantial alteration to the character. Dale survives through the prison era and beyond, living longer than initially depicted. Instead of meeting an abrupt end as portrayed on the show, Dale experiences a harrowing ordeal. He loses one leg earlier in the story before eventually succumbing to the cannibals, who were responsible for his gruesome death – a scene that ranks among the most disturbing in the Walking Dead series. Dale’s journey significantly deviates from the original storyline, particularly concerning his manner of death and the profound impact he has on the show, with Dale being one of the most significant differences between the comic books and the TV adaptation.

Essentially, opting for Dale’s character arc in the TV show was a significant risk, as it deviated significantly from the comic books. This choice could potentially displease a segment of the audience who preferred the adaptation to adhere closely to the original source material. The series managed to stay faithful to many storylines, although not every departure was well-received. However, when Dale met his end, the response was largely unfavorable due to the drastic change. His character played a crucial role in maintaining the group’s grounding and realistic feel, and it proved challenging to replicate his unique tone and behavior.

Why Did Dale Get Killed Off In Season Two?

Behind-The-Scenes-Issues Proved Problematic

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, I must confess that Dale’s untimely demise in season two wasn’t part of the initial plan for the series creators. However, the turbulence behind the scenes took its toll on Jeffrey DeMunn, the man behind Dale’s character. He had built a strong bond with Frank Darabont, the original showrunner, having collaborated on various projects before. Unfortunately, Darabont’s departure from the show following a dispute with AMC prompted DeMunn to ask for his character’s exit. It wasn’t just DeMunn who stood up for Darabont; this decision also influenced the fates of Shane and Lori within the series.

However, Dale’s departure left a profound impact on “The Walking Dead” fans because it deviated significantly from the comics. This change was more shocking to the audience as it represented a much larger alteration compared to the original source material.

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2025-05-06 20:12