Meet my sixth character critique, Rick. Currently, television is airing the second part of the third season, but for this analysis, let’s take a look at season two’s version of Rick. His story takes place during a zombie apocalypse in which everybody must survive from not only the undead, but against other survivors, hunger, and the seasons. Before this outbreak occurred, Rick was a sheriff deputy until a shootout left him injured and with a coma. Waking up days later, he finds himself alone in his desolate and practically abandoned hometown.
He sets off to Atlanta from King County in hopes to find help at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but unfortunately he finds the city overrun. Through sheer luck, great skills, and a strong will, Rick escapes Atlanta and is reunited with his wife, young son, and best friend. Realizing that there won’t be any help from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and that their outdoor encampment is unsafe from the new dangers, Rick and his group of survivors learn to continue surviving as nomads through various homes and environments—each with new challenges and obstacles.
Rick Grimes
Basic Information
Name: Rick Grimes
Series: The Walking Dead (TV)
Age: 35 (approx)
Height: 5’10” (177 cm)
Occupation: King County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Deputy (formerly)
Personality
A natural leader, Rick is usually calm, smart, just, and he’s also a good friend and father. However, he will often stubbornly cling to his personal strong moral code, and because of this, Rick has unfortunately made some bad calls and caused extra stress for his group. His biggest problem might be that he puts a lot of responsibility on himself and he tends to set impossible goals for himself. However, Rick is extremely protective of his group and their well-being, and as a result of his skills, many members of his group have looked up to him for guidance.
One Good Quote
“There’s us and the dead. We survive this by pulling together—not apart.”
Due to the popularity of this television show and the massive amounts of copyright infringements one could easily make, it was a bit difficult to find some videos to depict Rick’s actions. (This next scene contains spoilers for those who’ve yet to see season two.) Building up in season two are the different leadership styles between Rick and his best friend, Shane. While Rick is trying to follow the rules of a farm owner, Shane is causing trouble by insisting that the zombies barricaded in one of the barns need to be disposed of. Distraught, the farmer’s family looks on as Rick’s group take care of the pack. However, the last one to leave is a member of their own group, and although everyone is shocked, Rick steps forwards and takes responsibility for his group member.
This next clip shows the beginnings of a change in Rick at the end of the second season. (There may be some spoilers in this clip.) After escaping the farmland which has been overrun by the undead, the group is terrified for their safety as they had been living on the farm for a bit of time. They look to Rick to see what the next course of action, but he makes it clear that from now on only he will choose what affects the group instead of the egalitarianism they had before.
Why Follow Rick (What I Can Take Away)
- Rick takes responsibility for the group members’ safety, and he takes that responsibility seriously by making decisions for everyone and ensuring that everyone is taught ways to defend themselves.
- As a leader, Rick is willing to do anything to protect his group, including taking on the dirty or emotionally difficult jobs.
- Rick is genuinely honorable and helpful, as he provides information or equipment to survivor groups closer the earlier episodes.
Blocks of Leadership 