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The Walking Deadseries regularly cycled through its cast of characters throughout its run, even making some changes to the core group that the rest of the story revolved around. The nature of the zombie apocalypse show required that characters get killed off and the group encounter new allies and enemies to establish the constant and ever-changing dangers of their world. Yet, while some characters only spent a short time onThe Walking Dead, their impact on the other survivors was profound for years to come.
Daryl Dixon’s significantly less endearing brother, Merle, ultimately found redemption when he sacrificed himself to the Governor to save the rest of the group. Rick and Carl Grimes were forced to killRick’s pre-apocalypse best friend, Shane, after he turned on the group- marking the beginning of Carl’s loss of innocence. Lori Grimes died giving birth to Carl’s younger sister, Judith; after being bitten by a walker, Carl shot his mother in the head, furthering the decline of his purity. The loss also provided the catalyst for Rick’s independence and eventual romance with Michonne. And Maggie Rhee, one of the series' longest running survivors, once had a bright younger sister named Beth.
Who is Beth?
Beth Greene is the half-sister of Maggie Greene (now Maggie Rhee) and daughter of Hershel Greene.Rick and his group of survivorsstumble upon the Greene’s farm in season 2 when Carl is accidentally shot by farmhand Otis. The group’s arrival was something of a wake-up call to the Greenes as the seclusive, self-sufficient nature of the farm had largely shielded them from the true extent of the outbreak. However, Beth and Maggie’s brother, Shawn, and Beth’s mother, Annette, had already been bitten and reanimated as walkers. The rest of the Greene’s group had been keeping them ‘alive’ in a barn, full of false hope that a cure would be discovered and things would go back to normal.
When she is first introduced, Beth is only 16 years old. She’s at first invigorated by the arrival of Rick’s group, asking Rick to teach her how to shoot, but she struggles to accept the reality that there is no saving her zombified mother and brother. The rest of the Greene’s face the truth, joining some of the other survivors in executing the walkers in the barn, which sends Beth into shock and hysteria. Her normally optimistic demeanor changes drastically and she attempts suicide, but she survives the cuts she inflicted on herself and rediscovers her will to live. After that ordeal, Beth returns to her positive self, sometimes singing for the group and often boosting morale.
Beth and Daryl
In season 4, tensions rise between Rick’s group andthe Governor’s forces. When Hershel is executed by the Governor, a battle breaks out and chaos ensues. The survivors eventually retreat and flee the prison where they had been living for some time. In the confusion, Beth and Daryl are separated from the group and run into the woods alone. Beth eventually declares that she wants a drink, as Hershel never let her have alcohol. Daryl starts on a quest to find her something worthy of her first drink. The pair comes across a cabin with a supply of moonshine, which they proceed to get drunk on.
Playful banter and drinking games soon give way to a huge release of emotions as Daryl lashes out at Beth, citing her privileged life before the outbreak and accusing her of attempting suicide for attention. But just as quickly, his anger gives way to tears as he admits to missing his brother Merle and blaming himself for Hershel’s death. Beth comforts him, admitting to her lack of survival skills and acknowledging that she won’t be able to make it in this environment forever. Now closer than ever, the two agree to burn the cabin down and continue on their way.
You’re gonna be the last man standing. You are. You’re gonna miss me so bad when I’m gone, Daryl Dixon.
After leaving the cabin,Beth and Daryl continue to explore, with Daryl teaching Beth some survival tactics, including how to shoot a crossbow. The two continue to bond, with Daryl admitting he likes Beth’s singing and clearly feeling impacted by Beth’s positive view of human nature. However, the pair is separated by an unexpected walker encounter. When Daryl arrives at their rendez-vous point after killing the walkers, he finds Beth’s bag in disarray on the ground and a car speeding off- she’s been kidnapped.
What Happens to Beth?
Season 5 finds Daryl reunited with the other surviving members of their group. Beth, meanwhile, awakens in an Atlanta hospital. She has been nursed back to health by another group of survivors under the oppressive leadership of Dawn Lerner. Dawn informs Beth that she will be expected to stay and work for the group to repay them for the resources they’ve expended on her.
Beth obliges for a time, though she also demonstrates her newfound independence and strength by continuing to advocate for what she thinks is right. She hasplans for justice and rebellion, but puts them on hold when an injured Carol is wheeled into the hospital. Instead, Beth begins advocating for Carol’s protection.
In season 5, episode 8, “Coda”, Rick’s group arrives at the hospital with two hostages from Dawn’s group in tow. They trade the hostages for Carol and Beth, but at the last moment, Beth brandishes a pair of scissors and stabs Dawn. Impulsively, Dawn shoots Beth in the head, but is adamant that her death was accidental. Outside the hospital, Maggie is overwhelmed with grief as Daryl carries out her lifeless body.
Beth’s memory is preserved throughout the series as she is seen sporadically inflashbacks and hallucinations.
Season 2, episode 2 “Bloodletting”
Season 5, episode 8 “Coda”
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