In Santa Clarita Diet, Dan Palmer was killed by Joel Hammond, who struck him in the head with a shovel, and his body was subsequently partially consumed by Sheila Hammond as part of an effort to dispose of the evidence.
Dan Palmer's Demise in Santa Clarita Diet
Dan Palmer's involvement in the series took a dark turn as he became a significant antagonist for the Hammond family. His ultimate fate was a direct consequence of his attempts to leverage Joel's desperate situation.
The Blackmail and Escalation
Initially, Dan blackmailed Joel, compelling him to kill individuals that Dan had researched, effectively forcing Joel into becoming an unwilling accomplice in his schemes. This coercive relationship put immense pressure on Joel, who was already struggling with his wife Sheila's new zombie reality and their need for human flesh.
The situation escalated dramatically when Dan threatened to arrest Sheila, which posed an existential threat to the Hammonds' secret and their freedom. This specific threat pushed Joel to his breaking point.
The Confrontation and Joel's Action
Faced with the imminent threat to Sheila and their family's precarious existence, Joel took drastic action. In a desperate attempt to protect Sheila and prevent her arrest, Joel struck Dan in the head with a shovel, an act that proved fatal for Dan. This marked a pivotal moment for Joel, highlighting the extreme measures he was willing to take for his family.
Sheila's Role in Body Disposal
Following Dan's death, the Hammonds faced the immediate challenge of disposing of the body without attracting suspicion. In a grim and desperate attempt to eliminate the evidence, Sheila, in her zombie state, proceeded to half-eat Dan's body. This act was a horrifying yet practical solution within the context of their unique predicament, aiming to make the remains unidentifiable and remove them from their home.
Key Events Leading to Dan's Fate:
- Dan blackmailed Joel into committing murders.
- He escalated his threats by vowing to arrest Sheila.
- Joel reacted by fatally hitting Dan in the head with a shovel.
- Sheila partially consumed Dan's body to help dispose of the evidence.
