Happy Father’s Day to Rick Grimes of The Walking Dead!

When talking about the great fathers of the zombie apocalypse, Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead is likely the first individual you would think of.

There are many strong father figures in the television show The Walking Dead. To name them all here would be a long list and this is not one of those list articles.. you know the ones… “The top 10 Walking Dead dads … number three will shock you…” (Note to self, write top 10 dads piece next year)

My pick for number one dad from The Walking Dead is Rick Grimes. Shocked? No, I doubt you aren’t. The story of Rick the father for me is the main thing that drew me into the story of the show in season one. He woke from his coma and his only thoughts were to find his family and that feeling, that search, got me straight away.

As a father myself that impulse jumped out at me and the reunion scene where young Carl runs into Rick’s arms. That bond was amazing. The show then took us on one almighty journey from that camp outside Atlanta, to the CDC, then Hershel’s farm (another amazing father figure in the show), the prison and ending in Alexandria.

Rick was a teacher, a role model, a leader and most of all a strong father figure from start to finish. Did he have moments where we questioned that? I am not sure I ever questioned his love for his son…however, I am sure at times I was debating his decisions BUT who knows how any of us would react in that world.

We all remember the famous scene where Rick tore out a man’s throat with his teeth to save Carl. That is probably one of the most iconic scenes and should win some Dad of the Year prizes for sure! … assuming they are voted for by different people than the Emmy awards!

The main reason I am picking Rick as the ultimate Dad in the Walking Dead is not his relationship with Carl (albeit amazing) but actually his relationship with Judith.

You see any idiot can father a child but it takes a real man to be a father to a child, especially one he knows is not his. We all joked/knew that Shane was Judith’s biological father but it was not until Rick told Michonne he knew that it really hit me.

The term “blended family” is a modern term, but it fits perfectly with the Grimes clang. Sadly, in the show, we lost Carl (don’t get me started on that) but Rick kept going, for Judith. Learning the lessons of his past and building a future for his daughter.

Sadly, Rick Grimes is now gone from The Walking Dead…. but his legacy continues with Judith, who is living up to her little ass kicker name despite no blood relation, and also his biological son RJ.

If I can have one wish before this show ends it would be for a scene to include Rick and RJ together, father and son.

Happy Fathers Day everyone! And to Rick Grimes, wherever you may be: Thank you for being a great dad!