4. Rick Watches Out For The Group, Not Just His Group
Despite Ricks suggestion that Sam and Ana rest, Carol immediately enlists their help to scavenge for supplies. To Carol, Sam and Ana are tools to use for survival. In fact, Anas death and Sams disappearance culminates in Carol lamenting over the nice watch Rick had given them. Simply put, the watch was a greater tool to the group than Sam and Ana. By contrast, Rick recognizes the individuals, not tools or pieces, which make up the group. He recognizes the pain Sam and Ana are going through before considering their usefulness to the group. While searching for supplies, Rick asks Carol if he did the right thing by taking Sam and Ana into the group. Carol suggests it was the humane thing to do, but continues to say that its only right 'if they help us survive.' Obviously, Sam and Ana are not included in 'us,' and she demonstrates no concern for their well being. Carol is quickly drawing lines between those who deserve to survive and those who are only tools to survive, and its only a matter of time before 'us' will be reduced to 'me.' Rick is right to exile her before that time comes while hes concerned with watching out for others in the group, Carol is just concerned with the watch.