The Walking Dead: The most important people in Rick Grimes’ life

Hershel Greene

The angel on Rick’s shoulder, Hershel shaped Rick into the leader he is today. Season 2 saw the introduction of the farmer and a tumultuous relationship emerged. Hershel saved Carl, and then wanted Rick’s people to leave, but they were linked forever. Following the destruction of the Farm, there was a level of mutual respect between the two men. Rick was able to confide in Hershel about the hardships he and the group were facing. Although they may not have always seen eye-to-eye on every single issue, Rick took a page out of Hershel’s book and offered peace to The Governor on that dark day of battle. Hershel supported the Grimes family even when Rick couldn’t; providing emotional support to Lori during her pregnancy, tending to Judith, and holding Carl accountable for his actions were just a few ways the Greene patriarch was a column of strength for Rick.

Judith Grimes

When Lori found out she was pregnant in season 2, Rick immediately stepped up to the plate and decided that the baby would be his to raise. Even though it is pretty clear now that Judith is Shane’s biological daughter, there’s no denying the fact that Rick is her father. Both Carl and Judith are the primary driving forces of Rick in his journey through the apocalypse. As he notes in episode 704, Rick had to accept the fact that Judith isn’t biologically his in order to keep her alive. Judith represents a new hope for Rick in wake of Carl’s death. This new world that he is building is for her. He may have lost Carl, but he is making it his mission to assure a safe and thriving world for Judith to grow old in.