The Ultimate Guide: Rick Grimes' Most Epic Mistakes in The Walking Dead

Summary

Rick's cunning strategies often led his group to safety, but he still had some massive fails that caused problems for his group.

Some of Rick's failures cannot be solely attributed to him, as certain plans were thwarted by unforeseen circumstances or the incompetence of others.

Despite his years of survival, Rick's failures serve as a reminder that even the most fearless and intelligent survivors are prone to making mistakes.

Throughout The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes consistently led his group to safety with his strategic thinking; however, he also faced notable failures. He was initially hailed as one of the bravest and most intelligent survivors in the entire franchise. Over time, Rick became increasingly ruthless and tactical, supported by numerous quotes that demonstrated his position as The Walking Dead's best leader. Nevertheless, he still experienced several failures throughout the series, sometimes due to his emotional thinking or plans being disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. This protagonist exemplified that even after years of surviving, humans are still prone to making mistakes.

Not all of Rick's failures were solely his fault. Many times, his plans would have succeeded if it weren't for someone else's incompetence, yet he ended up bearing the consequences. While he cannot be held accountable for all these failures, Rick Grimes did make unwise decisions that often caused significant problems for his group, whether immediately or in the long run. Considering the immense responsibility he carried, it comes as no surprise that Rick encountered his fair share of failures. Regardless of whether the mistakes were his own or not, Rick frequently found himself taking the blame. Let's explore the worst instances where he faltered.

10 Rick's "No Way Out Escape" Plan

Ron holding a gun in The Walking Dead No Way Out

9 Leading A Horde Away On His Own In Walking Dead Season 9

Rick's "No Way Out" plan, despite its high-risk nature, stands out as one of the most remarkable strategies in the series. In the past, Rick's group successfully employed the tactic of camouflaging themselves in walker guts to navigate through hordes of zombies. However, this time brought forth unique challenges. Sam, overwhelmed by fear, succumbs to a breakdown amidst the horde, resulting in both his and Jessie's demise. Ron, consumed by grief from witnessing the deaths of his mother and brother, holds Rick at gunpoint, holding him accountable for his actions, including the killing of Ron's father. In a fateful turn of events, Michonne impales Ron with her katana just as he is about to fire his weapon. Unfortunately, the shot intended for Rick instead hits Carl, leaving no doubt that this plan has ultimately failed.

In a tense confrontation with Daryl that puts their lives in jeopardy, Rick takes it upon himself to divert a horde of walkers away from the remaining survivors. Disregarding Daryl's counsel to lure them towards a bridge that is likely to collapse, thus preventing the walkers from reaching the group, Rick opts for his own approach. Unfortunately, this strategy proves disastrous, resulting in Rick being impaled and leading the walkers away while he fights to stay conscious. Ultimately, he is compelled to lure the horde to the bridge, which he then detonates, jeopardizing his own life in the process. It is only through the intervention of Jadis, who trades Rick to The Walking Dead's CRM, that he is saved.

8 Leaving Sophia Behind To Deal With The Walkers

In theory, Rick had a commendable idea to divert the attention of the walkers from Sophia, allowing her to escape. However, in reality, the outcome was disastrous. At that time, Rick was still inexperienced in combatting walkers and lacked a weapon to effectively protect Sophia. Amidst the limited time for decision-making, Rick skillfully steered the walkers away from Sophia and instructed her to make her way back to the highway. Although Rick succeeded in drawing the walkers away, Sophia tragically never managed to reunite with the group and fell victim to a walker bite instead. This failed plan was further compounded by the heart-wrenching sight of Sophia emerging as a walker from Hershel's barn.

7 Leading The Group To The Walking Dead's CDC Facility

In The Walking Dead season 1, the CDC facility appeared to be the group's best chance at surviving the apocalypse. Consequently, Rick leads the group there, successfully gaining entry and encountering Edwin Jenner. Initially, the CDC proves to be a promising location, offering the group the opportunity to shower and shave. However, they soon discover Jenner's intention to trap them inside and destroy the facility, as he believes life in the apocalypse is meaningless. Rick and the other survivors narrowly escape, while Jacqui remains behind, sharing Jenner's perspective. This ill-conceived plan nearly cost the entire group their lives.

6 Herding The Walkers Away From Alexandria

This is yet another instance of a well-devised Rick strategy that ultimately failed due to the interference of others. In close proximity to Alexandria, a massive horde of zombies had taken residence in a quarry, a situation that Rick aimed to resolve by herding them away from the settlement. However, an unexpected rock collapse prematurely forced Rick to put his plan into action. Despite successfully eliminating Pete, one of Rick Grimes' most formidable adversaries, his authority was called into question by the Alexandrians, especially Carter. Tragically, Carter lost his life while attempting to carry out Rick's plan, which was on the brink of success. Unfortunately, an assault by the wolves resulted in a horn being sounded, inadvertently attracting a portion of the walkers directly towards Alexandria.

5 Leaving Andrew To The Walkers

Despite being a seemingly minor character, Andrew's role in The Walking Dead is significant. In season 3's "Killer Within," he sets off a chain of events that lead to walkers infiltrating the prison. Although Andrew gets killed later in the episode, this entire situation could have been avoided if Rick had taken him out earlier in the season. After aligning himself with Tomas in "Sick," Andrew becomes a target for Rick, resulting in a chase into the courtyard. Instead of finishing him off then and there, Rick leaves Andrew to face the walkers. Surprisingly, Andrew manages to escape, and his survival subsequently leads to the deaths of T-Dog and indirectly causes the demise of Rick's wife, Lori.

4 Attempting To Hold The Saviors In Sanctuary

During the All Out War arc, Rick and the survivors finally appeared to gain the upper hand as the Saviors found themselves trapped in Sanctuary, the place where they had hoarded resources from other communities to bolster their ranks under Negan's leadership. However, their hopes were shattered when an immense horde of walkers blocked the Saviors' escape route. Rick implemented a strategy by stationing snipers outside Sanctuary to keep them contained. Regrettably, his plan failed to garner support from his closest allies, resulting in Daryl recklessly crashing a truck through Sanctuary's walls. This unexpected breached allowed the horde of walkers to flood in. Although the Saviors managed to subdue the walkers and make their way out, Rick was left perplexed, questioning how everything had unfolded.

3 Trusting The Scavengers (Twice)

The Scavengers' first betrayal took everyone by surprise, including Rick. He had hoped to enlist their support in the fight against the Saviors, only to discover that they had struck a more favorable deal elsewhere. It was all the more astonishing when Rick made another attempt to win over this untrustworthy group, despite knowing better. Unfortunately, the Scavengers once again turned against Rick and the survivors, pointing their guns at them during the decisive battle of All Out War. This decision proved to be one of Rick's most disastrous moments in the entire series, emphasizing that even after all this time in the apocalyptic world, he was still prone to colossal failures.

2 Attempting To Negotiate With The Governor

When The Governor murdered Hershel in Season 4 of The Walking Dead, it served as a chilling reminder that no character was untouchable. This unforgettable moment not only highlighted the vulnerability of everyone involved but also showcased Rick's innocence during the show's earlier episodes. After a long and intense conflict spanning almost two seasons, tensions reached an apex when The Governor arrived at the prison with a tank, holding Hershel captive. In an attempt to broker peace, Rick delivered a powerful speech, suggesting that they could coexist peacefully in this unforgiving world without shedding any more blood. However, Rick's misguided attempt to appeal to The Governor's sense of humanity backfired horrifically when The Governor branded him a liar and ruthlessly executed Hershel, igniting a full-blown war.

1 Attacking The Saviors Outpost In Walking Dead Season 6

Little did Rick know, the consequences of his attack on a satellite outpost held by the Saviors would be devastating. In their desperate bid to beat the Saviors to the punch, the group initiates a ruthless assault, initially triumphant, but ultimately leading to their discovery by the enemy. Falling into a treacherous trap, the group encounters Negan for the first time, a merciless encounter resulting in the brutal demise of two of the series' most pivotal characters. This colossal failure, born out of ignorance towards the true extent of their adversary's power, plunges Rick and his allies into a formidable war with one of the most dangerous factions in The Walking Dead universe.