In Beside The Dying Fire (S2 E13), Hershel makes one last stand to defend his farm. The barn is burning down, but the real fire is in Hershels eyes he vows to go down fighting for the farm. To do so, Hershel pulls out a shotgun to start blasting through some walkers with apparently infinite shells. Heads start exploding and limbs start flying, proving this weapon is just as badass as a sword or a crossbow. Like the captain of a ship, Hershel is willing to sink with his farm; he just happens to be sinking in the blood of walkers, not just water. This vicious last stand marks the end of an era for Hershel after losing the farm, hes no longer the primary authority. He can no longer be the Machiavellian Prince. However, after Rick pulls him away from the farm, Hershels badass attitude continues to evolve. After all, Hershel and Daryl are the only two members of the group to accept Ricks dictatorship following the loss of the farm. They both fit the position of badass enforcers; right-hand men to Ricks new authority. Once again, Hershel adapts to the situations hes placed in hes always ready to be the badass the group needs.