It’s no secret that Rick Grimes is our favorite character of both “The Walking Dead” original comic book and the loosely based hit TV show. Grimes is an average man on a somewhat typical job who turns in to a savior for many people trying to survive amidst the walking dead. In the show, Andrew Lincoln portrays the character brilliantly, and over the course of four seasons has managed to evoke the warrior from Rick Grimes. Season four gave us full view in to the warrior that fans already know from the comic books, and hopefully season five is full of more banner Grimes moments.
Here are five moments Rick was a pure bad ass in the television series from season one down to season four. What are your favorite (or your own favorite character from the show’s) moments? Let us know below!
5. A Calm Discussion (Tell it to the Frogs, Season 1)
This moment in the third episode of season one introduces future fan favorite Daryl Dixon, a hot headed and angry brother of heel Merle Dixon. After leaving him handcuffed on a roof in Atlanta, Rick is forced to return to the camp and fill Daryl in on the problem. Though Rick is still exhausted, distraught, and trying to process his new world, he has to confront Daryl, who attacks him with a knife. With Shane’s help, he subdues Dixon and explains the situation channeling his past as a police officer. You can tell Rick and Shane have their routine for dealing with belligerent individuals down cold in this excellent scene.
4. “Shit Happens” (Sick, Season 3)
During their raid on the prison in season three, Rick, T Dogg, and Daryl decide they have to clear out the cellblocks and fast, if they hope to make their environment worth living. Especially with Hershel on the verge of death from an amputated leg after a zombie bite. After insisting that they’re not leaving, Rick makes an agreement with the remaining prisoners inside to clear out a cellblock for them. The leader of the prisoners Tomas, attempts to kill Rick during battle by throwing a live walker on to him during the chaos. Rick survives thanks to Daryl, and realizes that Tomas is in no mood to share. Declaring “Shit Happens” when Tomas plays innocent, he splits his skull with a machete in cold blood, establishing his dominance.
3. “This Isn’t a Democracy, Anymore.” (Beside the Dying Fire, Season 2)
After fighting to save his son, having to murder his best friend in cold blood, and having to deal with losing more of his friends, Rick assembles the survivors from Hershel’s farm, and finally confronts them on their questioning of his leadership. With Shane undermining him all season and now Carol, Glenn, and Maggie doubting him as a leader, Rick finally snaps, admitting to murdering Shane for their own protection and makes it very clear to them. Without him they’d be dead, he knows how to lead them to safety, and if they plan to continue following him, they must continue to do so without debate. This is one of the many times we see Rick from the comics rise up from the surface. Say what you want about Rick, but he knows how to deal with his environment, and it’s proven when the group decides to stay, rather than fend for themselves.
2. Rick Evades Nomads (Claimed, Season 4)
After barely surviving the raid on his prison, and the walker invasion, Rick heals from his wounds in his new safe haven with son Carl, and Michonne. When they leave to gather more supplies, Rick relaxes in the upstairs bed room for a nap. Much to his horror, he realizes nomads have broken in to the house, and are not intent on making friends. Oblivious to Rick’s presence, Rick evades the group at every turn, hiding in corners, running from room to room, and even chokes one of the members when he runs in to them while hiding in the bathroom. Rick has managed to survive by thinking quick, and on his feet, and it’s never epitomized more than in the season four episode “Inside.”
1. Rick Breaks His Own Rules (Nebraska, Season 2)
After being forced to kill an undead Sophia, Rick has to deal with the fall out, trying to prevent a war between Shane and farm owner Hershel. Distraught over the massacre, Hershel leaves to get drunk at a local bar, and Rick and Glenn decide to bring him back when daughter Beth falls ill. Rick manages to talk Hershel in to thinking straight and bring him back home, but the trio is interrupted by two wandering nomads. Beyond all else, Rick was a trained police officer who gained a sixth sense for body language and profiles. He spent years learning to sniff out potential criminals. Even when the pair of gun wielding wanderers win over Hershel and Glenn, Rick isn’t convinced, and they quickly show why. Intent on finding the location of Hershel’s farm, and revealing some violent ticks, Rick is forced to handle the pair the only way he knows how. In a split second, Rick draws his revolver like a cowboy, blowing away his two assailants in lightning quick retaliation before they can draw their own. Glenn and Hershel can only watch as Rick reveals in his actions their true motives, and how his judgment is most times irrefutable.