5 more fathers and father figures from AMC’s The Walking Dead

In our last The Walking Dead-themed article, we wrote about five fathers and father figures from the AMC series. In honor of the upcoming holiday, Father’s Day (June 19) we wanted to show our love and appreciation to these characters as they went above and beyond for their families.

More often than not, they risked their lives and reminded viewers how strong these bonds can become, especially in such uncertain times. We decided to compile a list, adding five more fathers and father figures from The Walking Dead.

These characters are listed in no particular order. Before we begin, be aware, that spoilers are ahead if you have not caught up with the series.

5. Shane Walsh

Would Shane have been a better leader if he lived, and Rick didn’t? Was Shane justifiable in his actions once Rick returned?

We may never know. But what we do know is that if it weren’t for Shane, both Lori and Carl may have been killed just as the apocalypse was beginning.

Shane took it upon himself to find and rescue Lori and Carl once he believed Rick could no longer be helped. If we recall, he stayed with his best friend until the last second and still spared him a horrific death by blocking his hospital room door from incoming walkers.

In the time before Rick awakes from his coma, Shane had become a father figure for Carl while also starting a romantic relationship with Lori. Even when Rick returned, Shane did everything he could for Carl, even as far as sacrificing Otis in order to make sure he returns with the required medicine.

While Shane’s dedication and love for both Lori and Carl may have led to his downfall, you cannot deny that he would always be there for the both of them.

4. Alden

Alden unfortunately met his end earlier in season 11, but before that he had gone through quite the transformation. He went from being a Savior to one of the core members of the group and even becoming Enid’s boyfriend.

What we probably didn’t see coming was Alden taking the role of father to little baby boy Adam. Adam was the child of Gamma’s Whisperer sister, who was essentially ordered to leave the baby for dead as it attracted walkers.

Connie rescued Adam and he was taken in by couple Earl and Tammy. After both tragically died, Alden became Adam’s guardian.

Even as he’s dying from his wounds caused by the deadly Reapers, he speaks fondly to Maggie of his adopted son. Unfortunately, we do not get to see a lot of screen time of Alden and Adam before his death.

But knowing what we do of Alden and how he spoke of Adam and raised him, we know he was a magnificent father and deserves to be on this list.

3. Tyreese

When The Governor returned for a second time, proving he would never change from his villainous ways, the prison fell separating the tight knit group. Rick and Carl believed baby Judith was killed in the process but in fact she was rescued by Tyreese as he, Lizzie, Mika and Carol continued onward.

Tyreese took sole responsibility for the baby girl, knowing the risks a baby will pose in a world where walkers are driven by sound and hunger. Regardless he risked his life protecting her, even going as far as having a standoff with Terminus cannibal Martin.

Once a majority of the group got reunited and survived at Terminus, Judith returned to the loving arms of her father and brother. While we didn’t see how Tyreese was able to rescue Judith per say, we cannot forget that without him she may have died at the prison.

2. Hershel Greene

Perhaps the truest of all family men in the entire series is farmer Hershel Greene. We meet this veterinarian in season 2 when Carl is accidentally shot while Otis is hunting a deer.

The Greene farm had remained mostly untouched by walkers, enabling the family, which included Maggie and Beth, to remain safe. With the apocalypse being fairly new, Hershel believed there was a way to bring people back but quickly learned this is not the case.

Throughout his time on the series, he proved himself to be not only a strong leader but a determined fighter who turned to the Bible for extra guidance. While Maggie and Beth are both different characters it is obvious that Hershel’s upbringing helped these young ladies to grow and become more than they thought even possible.

Maggie was a natural leader; fearless and strong. Beth’s never-ending compassion and quick thinking soon turned to bravery and strength.

While Hershel had an unfortunate past with drinking, he protected his daughters, loving them equally. He wanted what was best for them, even when Glenn wanted to marry Maggie.

His wisdom and clear mind have been missed on the series ever since his unfortunate death.

1. King Ezekiel

With a beaming smile and positive attitude, you know King Ezekiel would have to be on our list! The leader of The Kingdom with a loyal pet tiger Shiva, knew when to be kind and compassionate as well stern and threatening.

He, like The Hilltop and Alexandria were under The Saviors’ thumb until they fought back in the war. During that time, Ezekiel and Carol had developed a relationship and eventually married.

There were two brothers Ezekiel had become close to: Benjamin and Henry. Benjamin’s sudden and tragic death by the Savior Jared truly broke Ezekiel’s heart.

Together, with Carol, they raised child Henry as their son. Henry grew up becoming skilled and compassionate at The Kingdom.

But unfortunately, he met his end along with several others at the hands of Alpha, leader of The Whisperers who also happened to be Lydia’s mother. His death created a rift in Ezekiel and Carol’s relationship that never mended.

While the two remained cordial since then and perhaps still have feelings for each other, we cannot forget the amazing father Ezekiel had been to Henry.

Which father or father figure from The Walking Dead is your favorite? Share your answers in the comments below, I’d love to read them!