As The Walking Dead nears the end of the series, there's a lot to look forward to, but more to look back on.
Though it's undeniable that people have to die in this show, there were some characters that deserved to live on to the end. Considering TWD's body count, there are dozens of people fans wish had lived longer than they did, but there are a select few that would have offered more to the group had they not been killed off. Whether they're beloved like Glenn or long-gone like T-Dog, these characters should have survived to fight another day.
T-Dog
T-Dog (IronE Singleton) was one of the survivors from the original group. While he went through a lot with the group, his time was cut short when he's bit by a walker and he sacrifices himself so that Carol can escape.
However, his personality stuck out uniquely right from the very beginning, with his honest personality and caring nature. Had he lived on, his dedication to his fellow survivors would have been an asset during the many battles to come.
Dale
Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) was also one of the survivors from the very first season. Dale was known for being the moral com of the group, trying to hold on to their humanity and society as the others grew more ruthless and dangerous.
When he suddenly dies from a walker attack, the group, despite their differences, is devastated. If he had survived, he would have continued his fight for moral high ground in a way no other survivor comes close to throughout the series.
Beth
Although when the audience first meets Beth (Emily Kinney) she's a meek young girl scared to live in the world, she quickly becomes a fan favorite. Beth learns what it means to survive in the apocalypse, coping with the loss of loved ones and understanding what it takes to survive.
Her death is one of The Walking Dead's most unexpected plot twists, as she's suddenly shot in the head after a long plotline of her struggling to survive being held captive by a group after being separated from her own people. There was a lot of development in her character and potential wasted in her sudden demise.
Henry
When the show jumps ahead many years, the audience gets to see this young boy grow into a strong teenager with ambitions and curiosity. Henry's character gets an exciting story, with him building a bond with Lydia, Alpha's daughter.
There was a lot of potential for another young person in the world to impact the future of society, but his story was cut short when he was killed with a number of others by the Whisperers in season 9. While his murder had the shock impact it was meant to, the story may have been better served if he had lived.
Sasha
Sasha's character was always interesting, but her story met new heights with the unexpected betrayal of Abraham leaving Rosita for her.
Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) was one of the strongest characters in the series, though she was sometimes a bit hotheaded, she was confident in her beliefs of what is right and what needs to be done. If she hadn't sacrificed herself to avoid being a pawn in Negan's manipulation, Sasha would have continued to be a strong member of the group during difficult and dangerous times.
Tyreese
Tyreese (Chad Coleman) was Sasha's brother, though his death came far before hers. Tyreese's death was one of the noblest in The Walking Dead, and many fans thought it was a fitting end to his overarching storyline.
However, there was a lot of potential for Tyreese to influence the group in years to come with his sensitive and loving demeanor. If his story had continued, he would have been a more thoughtful addition to the mindset of the survivors.
Jesus
Fans enjoyed Jesus's character right from the start, his quick wit and resourcefulness was an undeniable asset to the communities' survival. He was a leader after Maggie's departure, though he didn't want to be, and he was just as good at the job as other great leaders throughout the series.
His story was shockingly cut short during their first encounter with the Whisperers. For him to be killed by an unnamed side character was an injustice to his arc, and, had he survived, he would have continued to thrive.
Hershel
One of the best changes from the Walking Dead comics was Hershel being killed by the Governor, but that doesn't make his loss any easier. Up until his untimely and sudden demise, Hershel (Scott Wilson) was a profound influence, especially on Rick. He taught Rick how to be a better person and taught the whole group how to farm and produce their own resources.
Had he lived past their time at the prison, through all the battles and hardships the group had to endure, he would have continued to teach and guide the group to prosper.
Carl
The audience really got to see Carl (Chandler Riggs) grow from a boy into a young man, transforming from a hotheaded, vulnerable child into a kind and strong young man.
When he departs from the series, he's not a kid that needs saving but a powerful and able member of the group. Though he does die protecting someone, it's unfortunate he doesn't get to die in action, but by a walker bite. If he had survived the attack on Alexandria, he would have been one of the young people to shape the future of the world.
Glenn
Glenn's death was the cruelest trick played on the audience, believing Negan's decision to kill Abraham was the end to his devastation that night. From the first season to his death, Glenn was a smart, tactical member of the group, often keeping the survivors out of danger.
Though he grew up and had to adapt to new life, his part in the group was always needed. Had he not been slaughtered so suddenly he would have continued to have played a vital part in keeping everyone safe.