Throughout the first two seasons of The Walking Dead, Rick’s former partner and friend, Shane, shared leadership responsibilities with Rick. However, at the time, Rick and Shane had two different views of the world they lived in. Shane was never the kind to save people outside of their group, while Rick was always looking to help others by giving them care.
For example, in the latter half of season two, Rick saved a boy named Randall, who was a part of a different group, and brought him to Hershel’s farm. Shane was completely against Rick’s decision to bring Randall near their group and wanted to kill the boy to solve the issue. Meanwhile, Rick wanted to let Randall go free, which ultimately created a conflict between Shane and himself.
Ever since season three, Rick has slowly realized that Shane’s theory of killing others outside of the group is the right thing to do. But when The Governor destroyed their prison that is when Rick fully transformed into the ruthless person he is now.
During the latter half of season four, Rick has gone on to kill people without hesitation which is something that would have made Shane extremely proud if he was still alive.
The goriest kill Rick has had was when he chomped into Joe’s jugular vein in season four’s finale. Since then, he has been merciless, as he brutally murdered Gareth and his Terminus people without giving them a chance. Rick also wanted to murder everyone in Grady Memorial to rescue Beth, but Tyreese and Daryl talked him out of it.
In a way, Tyreese is similar to the Rick from season’s one and two, while Rick is starting to resemble Shane, except he is more in control and less erratic. This version of Rick is far more entertaining to watch, as he has transformed into a stronger leader.
Who will Rick have to slaughter next in order to keep his group alive? Find out tomorrow, February 8th, when The Walking Dead returns at 9/8c.