A Key Scene In Tһe Wаlkіng Deаd Seаѕon 2 Mаpped Out Rіck Grіmeѕ' Future For Tһe Next 12 Yeаrѕ

The protagonist showed he was capable of taking lives as early as season 2, and his first kills were among Rick Grimes' best Walking Dead moments. Whereas some characters severely struggled to pull the trigger for the first time on another human, Rick's first two kills were almost instinctive, setting up his future in the franchise. Not only did this iconic scene highlight that the show's central character had a more violent side, but it also showcased that he was willing to make the tough call when it mattered, which was a sign of things to come for Rick's story.

Rick Grimes' First Human Kills Proved He Was Perfect Leadership Material

The Protagonist Didn't Hesitate To Draw His Gun In The Face Of Danger

His comment ultimately caused the duo to lose their cool, but Rick was ready for them, shooting Dave in the head as he reached for his gun before turning and shooting Tony twice. While his police training undoubtedly contributed to him being quick on the trigger, there was no evidence Rick had ever taken a human life before season 2. Still, Rick aimed to kill, even delivering a fatal shot to Tony after landing his first bullet, suggesting he was swift to sense the danger and was willing to make hard decisions early in the apocalypse.

The bar scene highlighted many of the protagonist's characteristics, but above all else, it showed Rick was a natural-born leader in The Walking Dead, and this was destined to continue. Trying to defuse the situation and ultimately being the one to kill two strangers confirms that Rick has always known how to look out for his people, which has remained a core trait throughout his entire journey.

The Walking Dead Season 2's Bar Scene Was Also A Sign Of How Ruthless Rick Would Become

His Instinctive Kills Were An Early Indicator That Rick Was Willing To Get His Hands Dirty To Protect His Loved Ones

He did try to negotiate with Dave and Tony, clearly giving them opportunities to walk away, but when backed into a corner, Rick was willing to do whatever it took to survive. His decision to aim for the head and ensure the duo were dead foreshadowed his 'murder beard' era, where he rarely gave anyone a second chance. Rick's time in CRM captivity did briefly bring back some of these darker tendencies, but while he is calmer and more forgiving now than he was at his worst, Rick always possessed a mean streak, which season 2 helped uncover.

Why Rick Grimes Remains The Walking Dead's Best Leader

He Is Fair But Often Ruthless, Making Him The Perfect Candidate To Lead In Tough Circumstances

Even after everything he has been through, Rick remains The Walking Dead's best leader due to his experience and good nature. There have undoubtedly been times when he wasn't the most fit to lead, as his trauma and anger often consumed him, making the protagonist act recklessly. However, Rick has managed to use his negative experience and harness his emotions to become a better man, making him the ideal candidate to oversee peaceful communities. He is fair and forgiving, as evidenced by imprisoning Negan rather than killing him and giving the Saviors a chance to integrate into other settlements.

While both these decisions came with challenges, they ultimately proved to be the right moves overall. He's also not above seeking advice from others, particularly regarding difficult decisions, and usually makes the right call in the end. Even though many of his groups have fallen, people still look to Rick for hope, and he has turned into one of the most influential figures in the franchise. Not only did he help several communities stand up to the Saviors' oppressive ways, but he also overcame losing years of his life to the CRM and stopped their evil regime.

Rick Could Still Return As Leader Of Alexandria Or Take Over The Commonwealth

The question about whether we will see Rick lead again in The Walking Dead comes down to a few main factors. Firstly, it's unclear whether Andrew Lincoln's return in 2024 was a way to round off his character's story or a permanent comeback for Rick Grimes. It seems unlikely he would return for a single spinoff only to exit the franchise once more, especially since some major reunions didn't happen. Still, there has been no confirmation that Lincoln will play Rick in any upcoming projects, leaving the protagonist's future unknown for the time being.

Gabriel is currently in charge, but he's well aware Rick is more of a leader than him and would probably encourage the protagonist to take over alongside Michonne. While he may take some time to step back from any responsibility and simply enjoy being with his family, Rick having some sort of leadership role seems inevitable in The Walking Dead's future if he heads back to Alexandria, making it all the more exciting to see what lies in store for the franchise's lead character.