The Walking Dead's Most Badass Woman Was Almost Killed Off in Early Seasons
How showrunners of The Walking Dead almost committed a terrible crime.
Carol Peletier, portrayed by Melissa McBride, has become an iconic figure in The Walking Dead universe and an absolute fan-favorite.
From her initial portrayal as a timid, abused wife in the early seasons to her transformation into a pragmatic survivalist, Carol's evolution was simply fascinating. Surprisingly, this beloved character was almost written off the show in its third season.
In the third season of The Walking Dead, there was a heart-stopping moment when T-Dog sacrificed himself to save Carol from a horde of walkers. However, the original plan was quite different.
Carol was initially slated to meet her end instead of T-Dog. The show's executive producer, Greg Nicotero, had hinted at this switch in an interview with GamesRadar, but the real savior behind the scenes was actress Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Lori Grimes.
Sarah, recognizing the potential mistake, stepped in, advocating for Carol's character to remain. Her intervention, combined with the belief that Carol had a significant journey ahead, contributed to the decision to keep Carol alive.
Carol's journey was simply too captivating to be abbreviated. She began her story as someone suffering from domestic violence, and after enduring the heart-wrenching loss of her child, she became a resilient survivor.
The showrunners, including Scott Gimple, saw the potential in highlighting Carol's metamorphosis. They imagined her going from being controlled by her ex-husband to becoming a total badass. And it wasn't just about getting tough physically; it was also about her mental and emotional strength.
And let’s admit it, they did a great job with this character. Over the seasons, Carol has faced numerous challenges, from the loss of loved ones like Lizzie, Mika, and Henry to navigating complex relationships. Yet, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt, strategize, and fight.
Today, Carol stands as one of the best characters of the TWD universe, and fans can’t wait to see Melissa McBride again. The actress is set to reprise her role in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The first episode is already available for streaming on AMC+.
Sources: GamesRadar, CinemaBlend