America’s favorite zombie soap opera ended its first season with a literal bang last night as the survivors entered the CDC in search of answers, a hot meal, and some much needed hygiene. Given this explosive goodbye, we couldn’t think of anyone better with whom to share the touchingly bleak finale than The Walking Dead’s own beloved Rage-aholic Redneck, Daryl Dixon. So, we called up the very gifted actor who plays Daryl, Norman Reedus, and asked him to walk us through the finale — and share memories of what it’s been like to go into work every day and kill zombies and feast on squirrel. Read below as we bid our favorite new show a fond farewell until next October. In the meantime, we’ll be awaiting the DVD box set and embracing our new life philosophy of WWDD: What Would Daryl Do?

ESQUIRE: Your character first appears in this series brandishing a crossbow and wearing a squirrel belt. That’s some courageous fashion statement.

NORMAN REEDUS: There’s all this stuff on the Internet, pictures of me with squirrels, saying, “Squirrel, the other white meat. Squirrel, it’s not just for dinner anymore.” You’re going to be seeing squirrels on the runway all next season.

Read the entire interview here.

The cast of Meskada were at the Los Angeles premiere of the film, Norman was in appearance. Also, added to the gallery some production stills and the movie poster that features Norman. Enjoy!