Similar with Daryl. In the early episodes, he was mentally under Merle’s control.
Without Merle, he had to grow up. When Merle reemerged for a few episodes, Daryl sort of reverted.
==
I do wonder how long AMC will continue the series. Many serials run out of steam after a multitude of seasons. The writers get lazy in their writing.
There can only be so many new villages they can come upon without the scripts seeming to be repetitive.
Who knows........till then, enjoy the ride.
They are transitioning us from Walking Dead to Fear the Walking Dead which is getting better and new season starts next Sunday night.