This Walking Dead Character Had a Long Way From Super-Hated to Everyone's Favorite
Even a priest can't resist becoming a total badass.
The Walking Dead has been airing for twelve years and concluded with its eleventh season more than a year ago. While the show has been criticized for many aspects, there is one thing the series absolutely nailed most of the time.
We are talking about character development. In a long-running show like The Walking Dead, showcasing characters’ progress (or regress) is a crucial key element. If you watched TWD, you can easily remember a bunch of characters who evolved throughout the series.
However, there is one particular character, whose development stands out the most. You’ve guessed it right, — it’s Father Gabriel.
When Gabriel first appeared in season 5, he was portrayed as a coward who cared only about his own survival. He refused to help Rick and his group, leaving them to fend for themselves against the walkers outside his church.
We also find out that he even turned on his own congregation, locking them out of the church when they needed him most.
Gabriel's cowardice continued throughout the series, as he often put himself first and didn't seem to care about anyone else. This made him an easy character to hate, and many fans were vocal about their dislike for him.
Gabriel's transformation from a hated character to a fan-favorite didn't happen overnight. It was the result of several key events that forced him to confront his fears and become a more likable character.
One of the turning points for Gabriel was when he witnessed the brutal murder of the Alexandrians by the Wolves. This event made him realize that he needed to step up, but it was just the beginning.
Another pivotal moment for Gabriel was when he formed a close bond with Aaron during their bottle episode. The two characters went on a dangerous mission together, and it allowed Gabriel to prove his worth and show that he was capable of being brave.
He eventually became a somewhat badass killing machine. His transformation is pretty much similar to the one Carol had — from a peaceful scared woman to the toughest character on the show.
Gabriel's gradual transformation into a hero left fans eager to see more of him as the series progressed. Despite some missteps along the way, Gabriel became and remained a beloved member of Rick's group until the very end.