The struggle for power and leadership of the group was an interesting dynamic during the first season, it quickly started become stale during the sophomore season. Everyone was trying to become the leader: Dale, Shane, Rick, heck, Im pretty sure T-Dogg may have been in the running for a few episodes. It became ridiculous. The worst offender was Shane. There is only so many times an episode I could see Rick make a decision, only to have Shane rub his shaved head and say You sure thats best for the group, Rick? Every time that would happen, you knew the episode was going to reach a stand-still as Rick and Shane worked out whatever beef they happened to have that episode. When Shane finally reached his end, you knew change was on the horizon. The end of the season finally had Rick declare that Fine, but get one thing straight, you stay, this isnt a democracy anymore. Fans may have been a bit skeptical if a true "Ricktatorship" was really coming to fruition, but that skepticism faded away after Rick buried a machete in the head of prison inmate, Tomas. Old Rick may have tried to talk things out with Tomas, but new Rick has embraced his inner-Han Solo by having no reservations about shooting or stabbing first. While the group may not agree with all of Ricks decision, they are forced to respect it. Getting rid of the struggle for power allows everyone to work together (whether they like it or not) and actually accomplish something without spending a needless time arguing. It was a very welcome change to the series.