Despite starting the show as friends, Rick and Shane's relationship deteriorated over the course of UndeadThe first two seasons, and a subtle insult from Shane about the protagonist has aged terribly. Although Rick is still alive over a decade into the apocalypse and has led many communities during his journey, he hasn't always been so competent. The protagonist has undoubtedly learned from his mistakes, leading to some of Rick's best mistakes. Undead moments, but he was much more naive and optimistic in the early days of the outbreak, something Shane was happy to point out in an almost dismissive way.
When talking to Lori in episode 7 of season 2, Shane states: “See Rick, he wasn't made for this world.” Both men believed they were fit to lead the group and had their own ideas about how to survive, but Shane clearly didn't think his former friend was meant to live among the undead based on some of Rick's past decisions.. However, given Shane's condition Undead death came less than half a season later, he was the one who failed to adapt to the new world, and Rick's story since then has made his partner's words age poorly.
Rick surviving the CRM and reuniting with his family proves Shane wrong about being built for the new world
Although Rick has proven Shane wrong about his comments on numerous occasions, his survival in the CRM and reunion with his family is the best example that the protagonist is cut out for the apocalypse. Given that Rick ended up killing Shane to keep the group safe, it was already obvious that he was willing to make difficult choices, but surviving years in CRM captivity and still finding a way to escape shows just how well adapted he has become. Rick continued to resist military rule for years, and although he showed some signs of weakness, he eventually found his freedom.
Michonne's help may have been needed, but her mental toughness to challenge one of the UndeadThe most powerful villains for so long is something few other characters would be able to do. Shane's insult suggested that Rick would crumble in the face of adversity and struggle to do whatever was necessary to survive.but the opposite is true. Rick emerged victorious in many confrontations and was clearly willing to do whatever it took to see his family as his CRM battle was shown, confirming that Shane's opinion in season two couldn't be more wrong.
Rick is arguably the most well-adjusted survivor in the entire franchise
He Maintained His Humanity Despite Suffering Extreme Losses
Undead There is no shortage of strong survivors, but few have managed to prove themselves as capable as Rick Grimes. In addition to being able to unite polarizing personalities and lead entire communities, Rick has overcome some of the most challenging obstacles a person can face in the apocalypse. Despite losing several loved ones – including his wife and son – Rick managed to maintain his sanitydespite going through some dark arcs. It would have been difficult to get back to his killer beard phase for most of the other survivors, but Rick made peace with his demons and even spared his greatest enemy.
Even after everything he's been through, Rick still possesses traits of the family man he was before the outbreak, while also developing the attributes necessary to survive and protect his loved ones.
He may have killed a lot of people and made some incredibly difficult decisions, but Rick maintained his humanity, proving how strongly he has adjusted to the new world. The protagonist is still one of the most dangerous characters in Undead universe and is a force to be reckoned with, but he also has visions of building something meaningful and uses his skills for good. Even after everything he's been through, Rick still possesses traits of the family man he was before the outbreak, while also developing the attributes necessary to survive and protect his loved ones.
Shane's speech about Rick sums up the protagonist's Walking Dead journey
Rick managed to beat the odds and prove people wrong from the start of the outbreak
Shane's speech in season 2 about Rick is a strong reflection of the protagonist's journey throughout the series, as he is always proving people wrong. In addition to Shane, characters like The Governor, Gareth, Joe, Negan and even Major General Beale underestimated Rick and his desire to make the world a better place. They thought they would be able to take Rick down or get him to join the cause, but instead, the main character continued to fight against all odds. Despite circumstances constantly being against Rick and his group, he never backed down or gave up for good.
At times, his confidence was low and he lacked belief, but he always found a way to rise up and influence those around him. As a result, he became one of the most iconic Undead characters and is idolized by his allies, who still think about him years after his disappearance. Shane's claim that he wasn't meant for this world seems symbolic of Rick's overall character, as no matter how many people question his leadership or survival qualities, he always proves them wrong in the end, which is why he is such an important part of the franchise.