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Rick Grimes (+/-) The Walking Dead S1

17thMar 20, 2017 by TayBear17

"Rick Grimes is the protagonist and a survivor of the outbreak in AMC's The Walking Dead. He is a former sheriff deputy who was shot in the line of duty and fell into a coma, only to awaken and find himself in the midst of the apocalypse. He travels to Atlanta, Georgia, in search of his wife, Lori, and his son, Carl, who have traveled to Atlanta with his best friend, Shane Walsh. After reuniting with his family, along with discovering a group of survivors, he gradually becomes the de-facto leader in their search of a safe haven.

As the series progresses, Rick gradually develops from an earnest, humble and moral individual into a hardened, ruthless and darker survivor. This nature places him into conflict with hostile forces seeking to exploit him for their own personal gain. Despite this, Rick holds a sworn devotion towards his group and will go towards great lengths to protect them from harm's way."

"Rick is typically calm, smart, and a good friend and father, but he will often stubbornly cling to his strong personal moral code, which has resulted in numerous bad calls and extra stress within the group. Rick's greatest fault, perhaps, is his uncanny ability to place responsibility on himself and set for himself goals that are impossible to reach. Despite his faults, his combat skill and general care for all members of the group have led him to be looked up to, and allowed him to take the leadership role within the group. Rick is strongly non-religious, admitting to never have been much of a believer and instead puts his faith in his family and the group members around him. He also appears to view religion and belief in God as an interference and waste of time."

"Throughout the first season, while adapting to the new apocalyptic world, Rick maintains his honor and moral code and is shown to be incredibly protective of his group and their well-being as seen when he attempted to return to Atlanta to save Merle Dixon's life and also refused to surrender Glenn to the Vatos Gang. He is also shown to be willing to use deadly force to protect his group as he threatens Daryl Dixon a few times with his revolver when he acts out. Upon entering the CDC and learning of the severity of the apocalypse, Rick refuses to allow his family and group to die in the exploding CDC and claims that there is still hope and is able to convince Dr. Jenner to let them try for as long as they can."

"By the second season, Rick is still shown to be extremely protective of his group as seen by his devotion to find the missing Sophia, despite Shane's argument that she is dead and also refuses to risk his group's residency on Hershel's farm due to Lori's pregnancy by going along with Hershel's views of the Walkers still being people. After the massacre of the walkers in the barn and discovering Sophia, Rick regrets his decisons that put the group at risk. While making amends with Hershel, Rick, for the first time is forced to use deadly force to protect his allies from death as he kills Dave and Tony, two men who attempt to force their way onto Hershel's farm. Despite this, he refuses to leave Randall, a member of Dave and Tony's group behind to die following an attack on him, Glenn and Hershel. Saving Randall's life and deciding to let him go is the ultimate moment in his rivalry with Shane and the two physically fight each other over his life. After learning of the threat of Randall's group, Rick reluctantly decides to execute him, but stops at the last minute after seeing Carl watch. After deciding to once again release Randall to honor Dale's wishes, Shane attempts to assassinate Rick by killing Randall and luring him out into the woods under the guise that Randall is free and armed, however Rick kills Shane instead, an act the visibly breaks him. Following this and the destruction of Hershel's farm, Rick has become noticeably colder and strains his relationship with Lori, Carl and the group by revealing Jenner's secret of everyone being infected and his killing of Shane. Following this he declares himself leader of the group."

"By Season 3, Rick had become battle hardened after months on the road and is still distant from members of the group, mostly Lori. Despite this, Rick is able to use his leadership skills and combat abilities to keep the group alive for many months and leads the group in taking the abandoned and overrun West Georgia Correctional Facility, using desperate survival tactics they had come to learn on the road all winter. Rick at this point also has no hesitation in killing human threats as seen when he mercilessly killed the prisoners leader, Tomas, for attempting to kill him twice and also locking Andrew in a courtyard of Walkers to die. Rick has also shown that he no longer trusts outside members of his group and refuses to allow Oscar and Axel, two prisoners to join his group following an assassination attempt on him by Tomas, showing he's more cruel. He eventually accepts them once they prove their loyalty to him by killing Andrew, who survived being left to die and launched an attack on the prison in order to exterminate Rick's group and nearly killed Rick himself, though Oscar saves him."

"After Lori's death, Rick becomes very emotionally unstable, and it is not until just before the group learns of the Woodbury threat that Rick comes back to his senses. By this point, Rick has become a ruthless, uncompromising leader of survivors, in contrast to his high moral code and values in previous seasons. After the Governor causes Andrea's death, Rick seems to regain much of his old self and finally begins to trust other survivors and accept them into the prison. In the six-month jump between the third and fourth seasons, Rick relinquishes his leadership position in order to focus more on raising Carl and making the prison self-sustaining. During the fourth season, many of the other group members ask Rick to step back into a leadership role, most notably Daryl Dixon. After the Governor returns and attacks the prison, Rick becomes distraught and remorseful over the loss of the prison, the death of Hershel, and the assumed death of his daughter Judith. He becomes more protective of Carl and gets into a few arguments with him. After Rick reunites with Michonne, he loosens his grip on Carl a bit and allows himself some time to rest, albeit only temporarily."

"After he, Carl, and Michonne are forced to evacuate a house they were residing in to evade the Claimers, he comes across a poster pointing to Terminus. He decides to take a chance and see the supposed sanctuary. On the way, they encounter the Claimers, who tracked them down in order to exact revenge on Rick for killing one of their group members, Lou. Rick comes to terms with his brutality, which he thought he had put away for good, after he rips out Joe's jugular with his teeth and stabs Dan, who attempted to rape Carl, to death. The next morning, he tells Daryl he knows of his two different personality traits and how he has settled his mind knowing that his brutality has kept his son and the rest of the group alive."

"After arriving at Terminus, Rick accepts his leadership position, for which the group respects him. He holds no conflict in his mind anymore and does not doubt his decisions. The wisdom he took from Hershel, who he came to view as a mentor (as well a father figure towards him), Rick now understands that he can retain his humanity by protecting his friends and has stated that he views his group as his family. His darker side is shown through his brutality and he does not hesitate to kill someone who he views as a threat, fearing he or she will come back and harm his family (based on what happened to Lori when Rick failed to kill Andrew, the prisoner who Rick locked in a courtyard of walkers and presumed was killed). During Season 5, following the group's near death experience at Terminus, Rick grows in confidence but develops massive trust issues towards any strangers that he and his group come across, even if they seem timid and harmless. He has a hard time trusting Gabriel Stokes and Aaron, even threatening to kill them once or twice if they did anything that would harm his family and friends. His trust issues are so strong that he even suspects the applesauce Aaron offers to Judith to be poisoned. Aaron points out that he is tied up and that killing Rick's daughter in front of him would only lead to Aaron getting killed by Rick. Aaron tries telling Rick that his trust issues are exaggerated, but Rick remains stubborn and makes it clear that he is a man who doesn't take chances anymore, and forces Aaron to eat the applesauce to prove that it's safe and still threatens to kill him. In the end, Aaron and Gabriel (for the most part) prove that they are not threats."

"After arriving in the Alexandria Safe-Zone, Rick cautiously allows himself to relax in the comfort of the community, although it is evident that he still does not trust the inhabitants. He becomes actively involved in the community after Deanna Monroe, the safe-zone's leader appoints him and Michonne as constables. While he appreciates the job, Rick and his group view the Alexandrians as being weak and unfit to survive and he declares that they will take the community for themselves, showing how his mentality has become one of survival for himself and his group. He is willing to kill members of the community if it means the majority will learn to survive, and tries to make them understand what it takes to live in the new world. When his confrontation with the alcoholic and abusive Pete turns violent, he launches a tirade at the shocked Alexandrians in the street, which nearly seals his exile from the community at the hands of Deanna. He is saved by the intervention of Michonne, who knocks him unconscious."

"When Walkers manage to get into the community, displaying their defensive vulnerabilities, Rick tells them that they will have to change if they are to survive. When Reg is killed by an enraged Pete, Rick executes him at Deanna's command. In the days following this incident, Rick takes a greater leadership role in the community as Deanna mourns and deals with her overwhelming grief. Although there is distension, Deanna approves of Rick's plans and gives him her support. The two grow closer, and she tries to get Rick to realize that the Alexandrians are all his people now, just as his original group is."

"Following a massive invasion of walkers into the safe-zone, which leads to the death of Deanna, Rick becomes the leader of the safe-zone, and his faith in the abilities of the safe-zone's residents improves dramatically as together they all boldly face the herd and kill every walker, effectively reclaiming the safe-zone. Rick reveals to his injured son Carl afterwards that he is ready to show him the new world. Following this he seems to have cooled down a bit in his desire to kill human threats as he spares the life of Paul Rovia after the latter attempts to steal a van of supplies claimed by Daryl and Rick which leads them to finding the Hilltop Colony. His relationship with Michonne has also caused him to show his lighter side more often, as he is seen relaxed and happier than he was before they started their relationship."

"Over the course of Season 6, Rick's confidence grows with every successful outcome and threat survived. He believes that not only are his people capable of dealing with any threat, but that the Alexandrians themselves now know what it takes to survive. Rick has shown that he has not lost his ruthlessness, as shown by his desire to exact revenge on the Saviors for threatening Daryl, Abraham and Sasha and kill them all in order to obtain much-needed supplies from the Hilltop Colony, and protect Alexandria, even though the Saviors have technically caused no harm to them. Rick now has a desire to destroy any potential threats before they even happen, showing that he will do just about anything to protect his people from danger (very similar to The Governor in the first half of Season 3, but on a more heroic scale). Rick has demonstrated that he is now indeed a cold-blooded killer as shown during their attack on the Savior outpost and his killing of Primo and Jiro. He also nearly kills an innocent survivor from the Kingdom, believing him to be a Savior hunting Carol, though Morgan stops him to his visible anger and claims regardless of who he was, he no longer takes chances, showing that he is willing to kill completely innocent survivors."

"However, his overconfidence and eagerness to destroy the Saviors brings about serious consequences; while on a frantic journey to get a sick Maggie to the Hilltop, he and his group are tricked and ambushed by the Saviors and for the first time in the series, Rick shows extreme fear as he is confronted with an impossible situation over which he has no control. At the sight of his new enemy, Negan, Rick visibly trembles and appears to be almost numb with terror and is helpless as Negan personally selects a member of the group at random and beats them to death with a baseball bat in revenge for Rick's actions."

"It is revealed that Negan had selected Abraham and preceded to beat him viciously to death with his baseball bat; Rick watches on in horror. Glenn is later killed as punishment for Daryl assaulting Negan moments after Abraham's execution. Rick, with Abraham's blood on his face, quietly threatens to kill Negan. Negan inquires to as to what Rick said and Rick is petrified to look at him but gains the courage to repeat his threat while looking him in the eye. Negan then takes Rick on a "trip" where he continuously mocks Rick for thinking of a prosperous future with his group whilst physically assaulting him. Unsatisfied Rick hasn't submitted to him, Negan returns Rick to his group and threatens that if he doesn't severe Carl's left arm his remaining group members will be executed. This pushes Rick to his absolute breaking point as he wails, cries, has mucus run out of his nose and even suggest he suffer the amputation. Just as Rick is about to cut off his son's arm, Negan becomes satisfied claiming the terror on Rick's face was the "exact look" he desired. Having been the first man to devolve Rick into a complete loss of power and control, Negan has revealed the extremity of Rick's emotions/actions of absolute fear and subjugation as he becomes horrified for the safety of his remaining group should he provoke Negan again. This fear was later subsided after the deaths of Spencer and Olivia, and finally regains his courage to fight Negan and the Saviors."

"Relying on his former police skills and survival tactics, Rick has become a battle-hardened survivor who will protect his family and group without question. In many ways, Rick has become like Shane, ready to kill without a moment's hesitation, not trusting anyone except for his group, and knowing that with the world the way it is now, there are very few good people left and if you don't fight for your survival, then you will die. In addition to acting like Shane, Rick shows similarities to other primary antagonists that he has encountered and killed (or who other members of his group have killed) in the past, particularly the Governor, Joe, and Gareth. However, unlike Shane, the Governor, Joe, and Gareth, Rick retains some of his humanity and honor for the sake of his family and friends, and looks to his friends for guidance in making sure that he doesn't completely lose his sanity. This is in direct contrast to these other antagonists, who have almost completely sacrificed their humanity in favor of personal survival by any means necessary, and who exert unchallenged power and control over other survivors and give into their worst inclinations for their own benefit."

FUN FACTS ABOUT RICK GRIMES:

- The name Rick originates from "Richard," which is derived from German, French, and English meaning "powerful leader".

- According to Robert Kirkman, regarding his inspiration behind the character, he stated "Rick Grimes is really just a bunch of made up stuff that I thought would work. Every writer kind of writes themselves to a certain extent so all the sadistic stuff in Rick Grimes is totally me! Not really. It's just a character I'm pretending exists in my head and then writing the stories down on paper as you do." [9]

- 100 actors auditioned for the role of Rick Grimes, most notably Jamie Bamber, Stuart Townsend, Ethan Embry, Mark Pellegrino and Thomas Jane, eventually Andrew Lincoln was officially cast in April 2010 due to Robert Kirkman labeling him as 'an amazing find'.[10]

- In preparation for the role, Andrew Lincoln stated that he sought inspiration from Gary Cooper from his work in the American western film High Noon (1959), whom Lincoln cited as an influence to his character: "He's a divided man between his responsibilities and his marriage. He's not like the Clint Eastwood figure, the loner. It's more complicated than that. He's got a softer heart, so that was definitely an inspiration for me as well."[11]

- Andrew Lincoln also noted that he took inspiration from the novel The Road, most notably from "the man" portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, who shares several similarities to Rick. Both survivors have are southern American and appear to be in their 40s. They both lost their wives during the apocalypse and travel with their sons in search of a safe haven.

- Rick was awarded the 2014 People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Anti-Hero.

- Rick has appeared in the most episodes over any other character, followed by Daryl.

- Rick is one of three characters (the others being Morgan Jones and Carl Grimes) who appeared physically in the pilot and are still alive.

- Rick does not appear to have any form of religious beliefs, and is most possibly atheist - this has been supported several times throughout the series.
- In "Days Gone Bye" he reluctantly agrees to say grace during a meal with Morgan and Duane.
- In "What Lies Ahead," upon entering a church he claims to have been "never much of a believer."
- In "Cherokee Rose," when discussing the theme of religion alongside Hershel Greene, Rick firmly stated "Last time I asked God for a favor my son got shot. I try not to mix it up with the almighty anymore, best we stay out of each others way." Rick also reveals that he sees no divine intervention whatsoever in his waking up from his coma and finding his family in the midst of the apocalypse or Carl's survival from being shot and simply claims that God has a strange sense of humor.
- In "Strangers," through his interactions with Father Gabriel, Rick dryly remarks, "You only tell your sins to God."
- In "Heads Up," Rick coldly tears down Gabriel's prayer service notes; however, this could also stem from Rick's hatred specifically toward Gabriel at the time.

- Rick owns a silver Kenneth Cole Watch, which he keeps as a personal memento of his father. [12]

- Rick's blood type is A+.[13]

- Through a deep conversation with Hershel after recalling his encounter with Clara, Rick stated that he nearly became close to her fate implying that Rick may have contemplated suicide after Lori's death.

- According to Greg Nicotero, Andrew Lincoln carries the exact bullet which Carl used to kill Lori inside of his pocket. [14]

- Although Rick has primarily shown to be right-handed, he has been shown several times throughout the show to use weapons with his left hand. It is possible that Rick is ambidextrous: This is hinted at in "Indifference" when Sam questions if Rick is "righty or lefty," to which Rick does not reply.[15]

- As shown in his house, Rick owned an American flag painting, indicating that he was patriotic.
Interstingly, his grandfather was a World War 2 veteran.

- Rick appears to be a fan of Georgian music including Ronnie Dawson "Action Packed" as well as Old 97's "If my heart was a car." of which he keeps on a personal CD.[5]

- Rick's clothes from the third season premiere can be purchased as an Xbox 360 Avatar outfit.

- Rick is the first character in the television series to directly kill a living person (notably Dave) after the apocalypse. Although Shane was the first character, overall, who caused the death of a living character (Otis).

- Rick has killed the second largest amount of living characters on the TV Series, with a list of at least 40 victims, only behind the Governor's figure of over 50.

- Rick has killed the most primary antagonists in the series, with a total of four: Shane Walsh, Joe, Gareth and Pete Anderson.

- Rick bears several scars including one located on his left shoulder (after being stabbed by Morgan), aswell as gunshot wound on his left leg during the second prison attack. Additionaly he later bears one located across his nose alongside another scar located underneath his left eye. (which he sustained after his fight against Pete.)

- Unlike his comic book counterpart, Rick has not lost his right hand. Robert Kirkman mentioned one of the reasons why this has not happened yet is that the comic is made of stills, whereas one would have to watch Rick doing all the things one-handed, thus much more slowly, on the show. Kirkman also stated it would add a huge complication to the TV series, and probably a lot more money, especially since Rick is the main character and is involved in many action scenes.

Tagging people I tagged in my top 10:

astone929
blujay112
manson
eliortiz1234
brayden_
leahbel
gigi10
tarag
peace123
kob3sm1th
totaldramalover1234
blahblahblahblah
screamfan0061
woeisme
jetsrock12
baza76
aronjx
edison
jarrett
carsonl
Kaseyhope101
Temponeptune
Icarus_Mark

Comments

I'll plus him. Why not?

Sent by Icarus_Mark,Mar 20, 2017

Plussed

Sent by Steven999,Mar 20, 2017

Love rick!

Sent by TaraG,Mar 20, 2017

Legend

Sent by woeisme,Mar 20, 2017

DAD

Sent by Jarrett,Mar 20, 2017

YES my all time fave

Sent by Notsae,Mar 20, 2017

negged

Sent by hwest14,Mar 20, 2017

Ricks gone through some bad phases, but overall he's great

Sent by Kob3Sm1th,Mar 20, 2017

Eww neg

Sent by DevinB,Mar 20, 2017

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Rick Grimes (+/-) The Walking Dead S1

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