Yea, Shane started out more likeable than he ended up but his character, the friendship with Rick and his relationship with Lori added a little tension. I still wonder if baby Judith could be his.
Merle a great villain. A real hateful guy BUT great for the storyline. I actually felt bad when Darryl saw Merle was a walker.

And Herschel, yea he was the moral compass of the show. I'm gonna miss him. Plus, who's gonna be a doctor now? They're gonna have to wing it.
Maybe it's just me, but one character that got on my nerves was Dale. He just kept hounding Andrea and then Shane. I know he was a good guy but for some reason that character got on my nerves.
TIS