It may seem blasphemous to suggest that the main character of a popular TV show should be offed before the series finale, but if Game of Thrones has taught us anything, its that if the show is popular enough, it will survive on its own, regardless of who gets the top billing. The Walking Dead is one of those shows. People arent watching in droves because of Rick Grimes. Theyre watching because people are killing zombies. It doesnt really matter who is doing the killing. As a character, Rick Grimes has been put through the wringer. From learning that his wife had a relationship with his best friend (and may be carrying his child), to killing said best friend, to turning the group into a Rick-tatorship, to learning that his wife was dead, to hearing imaginary telephone calls, to giving up his Ricktator role, its time for the character to get the Old Yeller treatment. Rick isnt even the most popular character on the show. There are no If Rick Dies We Riot t-shirts for sale. The show can carry on with Daryl taking over the leadership role, zombies will still be slaughtered by the hundreds, and fans wont miss Rick. You cant have The Sopranos without Tony. You cant have Breaking Bad without Walter White. You cant have Mad Men without Don Draper. But you can certainly have The Walking Dead without Rick Grimes. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @PocketSeagull!
