10 Times The Walking Dead Traumatised Fans

Season 4 Episode 16: "A."

We've reached the end of the list, and easily the most disturbing and shocking moment in The Walking Dead. Some honorable mentions include Rick's slaughter of the Terminus Cannibals, Lori's death during childbirth, and Dale's emotional goodbye. Yet nothing quite compares to Rick's brutal act of murder in the season 4 finale.

Following the destruction of the prison, the group are separated and headed towards the false safe haven known as Terminus. Along the way, Rick, Carl, Michonne and Daryl cross paths with the degenerate group known as the Claimers, led by Joe.

Joe holds an unarmed Rick, Michonne and Daryl at gunpoint as the other men of the group harass and threaten to kill Carl. In a fit of pure rage, Rick breaks free and tussles with Joe. Unarmed and defenseless, Joe mocks Rick and asks what he plans to do now. Rick then proceeds to bite Joe and rip out his throat.

Why is this traumatising? Because it's a brutally disgusting shock. It's more uncomfortable to watch than a walker biting a human as that's what we expect. Seeing our protagonist acting like the dead is unnerving, and it's an act of violence that is, frankly, over the top. The line between the living and the dead is blurred and it sets in motion a Rick Grimes that has gone too far.