Michael Rooker is hilarious in ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’ S4 Premiere

Michael Rooker ‘pestering’ his cousin Georgie about her lack of “Butterbeans and Cornbread” readiness on Ride with Norman Reedus’ Season 4 Premiere is worthy of its own reality show spinoff.

Michael Rooker’s visit back to his hometown of Jasper, Alabama on Ride with Norman Reedus‘ Season 4 Premiere ended up being the breakout highlight of the episode. It was richly authentic, like a page out of a biography. The duo of Rooker and his cousin Georgie made for natural comedy that’s created through years of bonding, rather than typed in a script lab. No writer’s room, no partially scripted feeling, as is often the case in reality shows these days. From the moment Rooker said, “Give me a hug, woman!” and neighbors commented on Merle being in that “Walking Dead mess” you knew you were in for a fun time.

From Rooker teasing George about not making any “Butterbeans and Cornbread” per his arrival and her doll-filled house… To Georgie revealing her ignored texts to Norman Reedus as a type of arbiter. “He would have had Butterbeans and Cornbread if he’d answered my texts! Look at all these texts Norman!” Reedus supported Georgie’s case only to have Rooker respond, “I don’t reply to texts.” Case closed. Gavel down.

Georgie would try to get some photos in as Rooker commented, “We’re busy people, woman!” but posed for a few while making Merle-esque comments. The entire segment felt like a home movie. As if a live stream was setup to capture one day in the life of Rooker interacting with his family. Rooker’s teasing continued later in the episode even when cousin Georgie was off-screen. The Dixon brothers visit a haunted chicken farm and when they walk into a room filled with dolls, Rooker remarks, “We’re back at my cousin’s house!”

The whole ride back to The Walking Dead’s home in Senoia, Georgia concludes with Merle finally getting his ‘hand’ back at Nic and Norman’s! TWD Director and special effects extraordinaire Greg Nicotero does the honors of returning Merle’s prized possession. In Reedus’ words “I don’t trust Rooker having three hands!” If you’re a fan of the early seasons of The Walking Dead and the Dixon brothers, tonight’s Ride with Norman Reedus Season 4 Premiere is not to be missed.

Ride with Norman Reedus airs at 12:10 am ET/ 2:16 am PT on AMC after Talking Dead and tonight’s TWD replay.

Be sure to read The Walking Dead Season 10B: Examining Carol’s Claustrophobia and Lost Affection: Carol Peletier’s past destroying her future (Poem) on The Natural Aristocrat! All Walking Dead Season 10 coverage can be found in The Walking Dead category section.