The Walking Dead is not known for getting a lot of attention from awards shows, so it felt like validation for the whole TWD Family when Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier) was nominated for a Critics Choice TV Award. Hopefully that’s just the first step on the path to the 2014 Emmy Awards — and one person who would be thrilled to see Melissa honored is TWD’s fearless leader, Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes).

The Emmy nominations will be revealed on July 10, and AMC produced a campaign to promote the cast of TWD Season 4. Fans and critics have shared hopes for several stars — including Danai Gurira, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, and Andy himself — but there’s been a special push to give Melissa an Emmy.

Season 5 is now in production, and Gold Derby talked to Andy about the past and future of the show, mentioning how Melissa was singled out at Critics Choice TV Awards. Andy worked with Melissa a lot in the first half of the season, and Carol had a huge showcase in the second half in Episode 14, “The Grove.” What’s it been like for Andy to see Carol’s character develop over the past four seasons, and to see Melissa get recognition?

“It makes me so happy,” Andy said, and he really got animated about it complimenting Melissa, which you can see in the full video below. “It makes me more happy than getting recognition myself, because she’s … any actor that has acted with Melissa McBride knows they’re in the company of — I won’t say genius, but a uniqueness that is extraordinary, and incredibly captivating. I mean I came to this country to work with people of that quality.”

He said she’s a perfect example of how the ethos of the show is developed — that you are rewarded for your talent.

“Melissa McBride said maybe five sentences in the first season and now look at what she’s done,” he continued. “It’s wonderful when you see talent, pure talent, being recognized in this way, and even more thrilling when critically it’s recognized as well. The fans knew it quite some time ago, I think, but it’s wonderful that she had the opportunity and had that incredible episode to show what she is more than capable of doing. She’s a rare talent.”

Well! Isn’t he just the sweetest thing? Andy also gushed about his on-screen son, saying Chandler Riggs (Carl Grimes) arrived on set as a 32-year-old trapped in a 10-year-old’s body and they lucked out to find him. If he was asked about each member of the cast he’d surely find something wonderful to say about them. He just happened to be asked about Melissa’s awards recognition and he had a lot of great things to say. Of course, anytime anyone is asked about Andy they rave just as much, and interview like this just show why.

The Walking Dead Season 5 premieres in October on AMC.

Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) has had great scenes with just about everyone on The Walking Dead, but certain characters do tend to stand out.

Daryl and his brother Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) had such a real dynamic we could absolutely believe they grew up together. Daryl and his other “brother,” Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), have come a long way since their tense first encounter in Season 1, and now they are best friends for life. Daryl and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) bonded during the Season 2 search for Sophia and their bond has only stretched and strengthened with time. Daryl and Michonne (Danai Gurira) connected through their mutual hatred for The Governor (David Morrissey), but also shared some light moments. And Daryl most recently formed a sweet, unexpected friendship with Beth Greene (Emily Kinney) in Season 4.

Which character is Norman’s favorite for Daryl to interact with?

Just before Season 5 started filming, Norman joined fellow TV drama stars as part of an L.A. Times discussion, and he was asked about on-screen partners. After asking the question, the L.A. Times teased, “Norman, I feel like if you don’t say Carol people will stone you.”

Norman answered, “I was going to say Carol, be cool, be cool. My character changed a lot when they put us together. And it’s because of her, [Melissa]’s such a good actress, and she gets me, you know, I feel free to be vulnerable in front of her because she gets me, like she’s my buddy, and you can read everything on her face, she’s just a window.”

Beautiful. He didn’t have to say Carol — it’s not like Norman would be afraid to say, “Actually I was going to say Rick/Beth/Etc.” He chose her because the Daryl/Carol connection comes across as authentic and has evolved naturally over several seasons. Maybe in the future he’ll say Beth, Rick, Michonne, or even Eugene (those two seem like they’d have classic convos), but at this point it’s Carol.

Are you surprised to hear Norman’s favorite screen partner is Melissa/Carol, or did you figure as much?

The Walking Dead Season 5 premieres in October on AMC.

Yes! Now we’re rolling. The fourth annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards nominations were just released, and Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier) was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in The Walking Dead Season 4. Slay, Carol, slay!

Here’s her category lineup:

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife (CBS)
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Annet Mahendru, The Americans (FX)
Melissa McBride, The Walking Dead (AMC)
Maggie Siff, Sons of Anarchy (FX)
Bellamy Young, Scandal (ABC)

Melissa has some worthy competition — and since Breaking Bad just had its final season it may sweep every award — but she should win this. She’s earned it!

There were other categories where the Broadcast Television Journalists Association could’ve nominated TWD — Including Best Drama Series and Best Actor or Supporting Actor in a Drama Series — but this is a good start. Hopefully the Emmy Award voters take this cue instead of following the disappointing TCAs.

We’ll find out if Melissa won when the 2014 Critics’ Choice TV Awards are broadcast live on The CW from the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Congrats to Melissa — and good luck!

The Walking Dead Season 5 premieres in October on AMC.

It’s no secret we heart the heck out of Melissa McBride and think the world of her powerful work as Carol Peletier on The Walking Dead Season 4. And we’re not alone!

“The Grove” was one of the strongest episodes of the series to date, in large part because of Melissa’s unforgettable performance, which left Greg Nicotero speechless and in tears. And this is the guy who deals with fake blood and guts for a living, so he’s not all that soft.

AMC recently revealed the “Something Human” posters it’s using to promote the TWD cast for Emmy Awards consideration. We hope it works, but fans are also launching their own campaigns to reinforce the message.

Right after the Emmys posters were revealed, fans created a Twitter account and Facebook page for The McEmmy Campaign.

@McEmmyCampaign is “A Grassroots Fan Campaign” that’s currently pushing a series of tweets labeled “For Your Consideration – Melissa McBride for Outstanding Supporting Actress in The Walking Dead #McEmmy” to outlets from The Hollywood Reporter to Entertainment Weekly. The Facebook page is also posting billboard photos of Melissa/Carol, adding, “Melissa McBride deserves an Emmy nomination for her work in season four of The Walking Dead. Help spread the word!”

The word is slowly getting out. They had 68 likes and 49 followers on Day 1, and updated that they were up to 274 likes and 90 followers after the first 48 hours. They are currently at 303/98, so we’ll have to see if the momentum grows. Join the cause!

The Walking Dead Season 5 premieres in October on AMC.