[Not_Undead]

I think he did, Grenade. He may BE ex military and still consider the men they killed as a part of his brotherhood or whatever.

He IS ex-military. He ranted about knocking out his CO's teeth and going to the stockades for it while he was cuffed to that pipe.

[DJ_HYDRAulics]

No. Not a speck of regret for that. The only time he kind of showed regret was when he was chained on the roof, talking to himself. He told himself a story about hitting his officer in the military, but then he changed his mind and said it was worth the time in the brig. He did say that he had been a bad, bad man but then got mad again and cursed God, saying that he wouldn't ask Him for anything.

Other than that, Merle has reveled in his depravity.

he certainly didn't look happy in that scene. none of the gov's henchmen did. They were all silent. they weren't laughing and having fun. TG was obviously enjoying the moment. the henchmen(especially the asian dude) looked like they knew they just did something horrible but they better keep their mouths shut or else they are next. if merle "Reveled in his depravity" he would have been spewing off his usual racist/asshole jokes. for example when they were subdueing the walker and trying to pull out it's teeth for the biter fights. he certainly was reveling in that scene

[theglassintheguvseye]

Thanks to both for clarifying that. I haven't watched S1 in a looong time but will start again tonight! Still, I think he winced during that scene at least once. Just b/c you knock your CO's teeth out does not mean you don't have loyalty to your peers or former peers. The military really does ingrain you with a 'code'. Merle's a hothead so I can see him lashing out at a CO but still remaining loyal to the men in his squadron or whatever. JMHO.

[Valleyaggie]

he certainly didn't look happy in that scene. none of the gov's henchmen did. They were all silent. they weren't laughing and having fun. TG was obviously enjoying the moment. the henchmen(especially the asian dude) looked like they knew they just did something horrible but they better keep their mouths shut or else they are next. if merle "Reveled in his depravity" he would have been spewing off his usual racist/asshole jokes. for example when they were subdueing the walker and trying to pull out it's teeth for the biter fights. he certainly was reveling in that scene

I had forgotten that scene. Thank you for correcting me.

[earthWake]

If I was Meryl...

- I would blame the whole Maggie, Glenn and Michonne thing on the Governor. Tell them he was forced

- Apologize to all of them sincerely

- Tell them I won't bother them or cause any trouble.

- Explain how much my brother means to me.

- NOT CAUSE ANY MORE TROUBLE.

[theglassintheguvseye]

This is certainly Merle's time to morph into a good guy. I honestly hope that he does and it's sincere.

[Deadpelican]

I think Merle will be nicer to Rick's group if they give him a chance.

He sees that his brother has formed a bond with them, and I think that matters.

Keep in mind the last time Merle and Daryl saw each other, they were both planning to rob the camp outside Atlanta (Merle said so tonight).

From the sound of it, Daryl was an asshole like Merle before the events of season one, but Daryl changed.

I think that Rick and his group were a positive influence on Daryl.

[DJ_HYDRAulics]

I think Merle will be nicer to Rick's group if they give him a chance.

He sees that his brother has formed a bond with them, and I think that matters.

Keep in mind the last time Merle and Daryl saw each other, they were both planning to rob the camp outside Atlanta (Merle said so tonight).

From the sound of it, Daryl was an asshole like Merle before the events of season one, but Daryl changed.

I think that Rick and his group were a positive influence on Daryl.

that does sound very nice and i would love if they went that way. but it's a little too redundant. this show's only big enough for 1 tough as nails redneck with a heart of gold. it would pretty much be like having 2 daryls on the show. the writers definitely brought merle back to rick's group to cause drama which is what makes viewers watch in suspense. I definitely don't see a grand enlightenment in merle's near future

[zomnipotent]

When Merle saw the scars on Daryl s back, I almost thought I saw the smallest sliver of empathy, a good first step

[JonOfTheShred]

I wouldn't mind Merle sticking around. I feel like he's gonna sacrifice himself to save the group. Rooker is easily one of the best actors on the show. And I like his character. It will introduce an interesting dynamic for him to be back in the group

[kimWALKER]

If he can be trusted, then he'd be good to have on the gang's side. The main thought that came to me when I saw the question was : for Daryl. Only real reason I can see.

[Wazzup4567]

He saved Rick. Isn't that enough?

[DJ_HYDRAulics]

He saved Rick. Isn't that enough?

maybe in season 1. if you haven't noticed. rick is a walking cuckoo clock

[Deadpelican]

that does sound very nice and i would love if they went that way. but it's a little too redundant. this show's only big enough for 1 tough as nails redneck with a heart of gold. it would pretty much be like having 2 daryls on the show. the writers definitely brought merle back to rick's group to cause drama which is what makes viewers watch in suspense. I definitely don't see a grand enlightenment in merle's near future

Not a grand enlightenment exactly, but did you see the sneak peek during 'talking dead?'

Spoiler

Merle tells Herschell that he governor will kill Merle first and Daryl next when he comes back. The governor really does want Merle dead and Daryl too, I believe that. Daryl is with the prison group and Merle doesn't want his brother to die, we know that much.

[Zombeemom]

I'm still saying that Merle sacrifices himself for Daryl. Daryl made his choice tonite, he knows where he belongs and he sees what Merle is. He had to have separation and real relationships to move on with his life and past his youth. He kept saying the reason he went to help those people was because of the baby, Merle just tagged along buzz he has no where else to go. Basically, Merle is screwed at this point.

[mr teaspoon]

There is no way in hell that any sane group of people would allow Merle into the prison.

1) He's a known criminal.

2) There's every reason to suspect he wants at least one member of the group dead.

3) He captured two members of the group and personally beat one of them.

4) He's associated with the exact same group that just stormed the prison and tried to kill everyone.

[Grénádé]

Regardless of what Merle did in the past he just saved Rick's life and in TWD universe that pretty much gives you a clean slate.