2. It's Going To Really Affect His Psyche
You could argue that Rick has been on something of a downward spiral since the very first episode. Yes, there have been a few moments of respite but, for the most part, he has had to endure some horrific tragedies that would cause even the most level-headed individual to seek therapy. He has shot his best friend, lost his wife, almost lost his son and of course there is the lingering threat that the Governor may return to slaughter his merry band of survivors. It's understandable that he is starting to fray at the edges. So how is this decision going to affect him? Let's not forget, this is really the first time that he has put someone in danger when he is not in danger himself. As he pointed out, Shane was going to kill him so he can justify his actions in that instance. Will he be able to do the same here, though? We have seen that he is a man who will constantly wrestle with a guilty conscience, so why should it be any different here? He seemed fairly comfortable with the notion that Carol will be able to defend herself but this seemed to be a way of reassuring himself rather than a belief with any real conviction. I can see this taking a bigger toll on Rick than he expected by forcing a fellow survivor out of the group into the unknown, he has turned a corner he may not be able to come back from. Looking back at season 2, the biggest source of conflict was Rick's refusal to accept Shane's every-man-for-himself attitude and it led to their fatal confrontation. Looking at Rick now, he is making decisions Shane wanted to make and, as a result, may find himself turning into the monster he has always wanted to avoid.