Given that last Sunday’s episode of The Walking Dead season 11 ended on a tense standoff between Lauren Cohan’s Maggie and Daryl, we weren’t expecting to get Norman Reedus’ fan-favorite character in adorable uncle mode this Sunday, but that’s exactly what we got. And fans are grateful for it.

Recommended Videos

With episode 10 concluding with a six-month time jump that revealed Alexandria had been folded into the Commonwealth, episode 11 kicks off with a brand-new paradigm for the show — the characters living safe and happy lives. With the Commonwealth having reestablished a chunk of civilization, Daryl has essentially become a cop — or at least one of the Commonwealth guard — and is looking after Rick and Michonne’s kids, Judith (Cailey Fleming) and R.J (Antony Azor).

We’ve seen a lot of different sides to Daryl over the past decade of TWD, but doting Uncle Daryl is turning out to be one of folks’ favorites. “Daryl” trended on Twitter in the wake of the episode’s release as the fandom lost its collective mind over all the adorable scenes between Daryl and the kids.

We’re here for Uncle Daryl and the little ass-kicker. #TWD

— The Walking Dead (@WalkingDead_AMC) February 28, 2022

They grow up so fast…

Uncle Daryl will always be there for Judith! #TWD #TheWalkingDead

— MJ (@MJFromEarth) February 28, 2022

Norman reedus absolutely killed it tonight like always ❤️ This season is amazing!uncle Daryl scenes are my favorite 🥺 #DarylDixon #TheWalkingDead #lilasskicker @wwwbigbaldhead

— Gaby 👑 (@gmfeartwd) February 28, 2022

The episode ended with a sweet scene in which Daryl gifts Judith with a record player so she can listen to the Motorhead vinyl she was given earlier on. And, honestly, we’d watch a whole episode of Daryl just being a good dad.

Even though it's near the end, I wish this scene had been just a bit longer. Maybe Daryl schools Judith a bit on Motorhead. #TheWalkingDead

— Omari Daniels (@TheOtherBigO) February 28, 2022

"Daryl can I get an allowance 🥺"

"We'll wait till my job settles, then we'll talk about it🥺 yeah?"

It is physically impossible for Daryl to say no to those kids 🥺🥺🥺#thewalkingdead #TWD

— Puru➶ (@sweetdixonss) February 28, 2022

daryl taking the grimes kids to a haunted maze for halloween 🥺 #twd

— s (@gIennsrick) February 28, 2022

Rick would be proud.

Uncle Daryl loves those kids so much🥺 #TWD

— kate o shaughnessy (@katieshox) February 28, 2022

Though Maggie and her allies at Hilltop are resisting the Commonwealth, Daryl and everyone else is settling back into living in a regular world again, one where the kids only have to fear the fake zombies at funfairs. But this is The Walking Dead, and we know by now that the good times never last for our survivors. Find out where things go from here as TWD hurtles towards its end, with new episodes airing Sundays on AMC.