They’re arguably one of TV’s greatest ever modern-day double acts – up there with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and those Winchester brothers that everyone raves about.

We are, of course, referring to Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon, two pillars of The Walking Dead universe. The former is sadly no longer with us, having been shipped off in a helicopter during the gut-wrenching (mid-season) finale of season 9. He’s still scheduled to return, mind you, what with a trilogy of AMC movies in the works for Andrew Lincoln’s grizzled survivor, but in the interest of some good old-fashioned nostalgia, Walking Dead director Rosemary Rodriguez has shared a never-before-seen snap of Lincoln and his cohort Norman Reedus (Daryl) goofing around on set.

And here’s the caption:

Right about now I start thinking of all the special moments that made me feel #gratitude this past year. Here’s one of them! @bigbaldhead #andrewlincoln #daryldixon #normanreedus #rickgrimes #twd #thewalkingdead #bts #director #crewlife #season9 #theobliged #twdfamily #georgia #ilovemyjob #ilovedirecting #greatshow #twdlove

Lifted from “The Obliged,” this particular set photo finds Rick and Daryl battered and bruised, though it’s fair to say that Rodriguez’s latest Instagram post takes on a whole new meaning in light of Andrew Lincoln’s shock departure from The Walking Dead after eight seasons (and change).

He’s only been a part of AMC’s undead flagship from the very beginning, so it’s no wonder the show’s viewership took a big hit soon after Rick Grimes made his final bow. In his absence, the young Judith will likely take center stage throughout The Walking Dead season 9 and beyond (or so says Chandler Riggs), and we’re intrigued to find out what AMC has planned for Rick’s only surviving child. February can’t come soon enough…

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