I wish more people could see how rare it is to have a character like Carol Peletier. You don't have to relate to her personally to get how groundbreaking and revolutionary it is to have a female character this layered and complex, subverting common tropes. It's a real gift.

And to have an actress this devoted to the part, this appreciative of the fans, who truly understands what her character represents? Who fights for her, who cries with her and us, who champions for women and their strength? This doesn't just happen everyday! You know, that right?

Seeing people hate on Carol/Melissa, especially fellow women, both breaks my heart and enrages me. Particularly when it stems from internalized misogyny, ageism or plain shipping drama. Your biases are keeping you from celebrating one of the best female characters ever written.

If you consume media other than twd you'll know there are so few examples of realistic female characterization out there. The famous "strong woman" is NOT what I'm talking about, and the fact that some people don't know the difference is very disconcerting.

Watch other tv shows, movies, read books. Find me a handful of female characters on the same level of complexity as Carol. I promise you, it won't be easy. So please, let's celebrate this character and what she represents