Mercy and Authority in 'The Walking Dead' - Rick vs. Negan

The series finale of The Walking Dead left many fans questioning the character arcs of its main protagonists, Rick Grimes and Negan. In a world where survival often hinges on ruthless decisions, the question arises: who is the more merciful leader? This article delves into the actions and motivations of both characters to determine which demonstrates more mercy in adversity.

Understanding Rick Grimes as a Leader

It may come as a surprise, but the portrayal of Rick Grimes throughout the series indicates a leader who is more about survival and protection, rather than mercy. The narrative of The Walking Dead tracks Rick's evolution from a nice, compassionate person to a hardened, decisive leader who prioritizes the well-being of his group.

A series of actions by Rick highlight his less merciful side:

Bitten through the jugular of a man who tried to harm his son. Threatened to kill a man, Gareth, when his friends were about to be slaughtered. Killed Gareth with a machete because he wanted to save bullets. Took on Alexandria to the detriment of his group, believing they didn't see the threat of the walkers. Told members of his group that Alexandria were not his people. Killed Saviors in their sleep when they posed a threat. Refused to save a man about to be killed by the Saviors because the group needed the bullets.

Negan's Method of Leadership

Negan presents a stark contrast. His followers are in awe of him, and his word is law. Unlike Rick, Negan follows through with his commands immediately, demonstrating a strong sense of authority and decisiveness. Negan's actions suggest a different kind of mercy, one that is more unwavering and absolute.

Negan explains to Rick that he has "killed more than he is comfortable with," indicating that he is willing to uphold his beliefs even if it means taking lives. Negan enforces his rules with extreme cruelty, like the murder of Glen, to emphasize that dissent has no place in his world. His actions show a consistent and non-negotiable form of mercy where failure to follow the rules results in severe punishment.

Do Mercy and Rationality Differ?

When choosing between the two leaders, the question of who is more merciful must be re-evaluated. While Rick has become increasingly rational and focused on survival, his actions often align with a strict sense of justice and retribution. Both Rick and Negan have crossed the line from necessity to preference in their decision-making, showing a disregard for alternatives that could potentially lead to better outcomes.

The key difference lies in their approach and emotional investment. Rick will often heed the advice of his group and shows emotional attachments, treating his members like family. In contrast, Negan’s actions are more calculated and devoid of any love or compassion. There is a certain cruelty in Negan that is not present in Rick. Despite this, Rick’s actions reflect a willingness to take lives to protect his group, leading to death being a non-negotiable punishment for those who fail to comply.

Ultimately, the grey areas of both characters highlight a shared humanity that goes beyond superficial assessments of mercy. Both leaders operate within a realistic framework where survival is paramount, and mercy is often a luxury they cannot afford.

Conclusion

In the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, both Rick Grimes and Negan represent complex characters whose actions reflect the harsh realities of survival in a dangerous world. Whether Rick's mercy is more rational and relatable, or Negan's is more unwavering and effective, is a matter of personal opinion. The interplay between authority and mercy in their leadership styles reveals the intricate nature of survival in a world where compassion and cruelty coexist.

While Rick's mercy is often rational and family-oriented, Negan's is unwavering and calculated. Both leaders have demonstrated the same level of grey when it comes to mercy, suggesting that in the face of adversity, the line between the two characters can be blurred.

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