Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, actor Andrew Lincoln revealed that his character Rick Grimes will undergo a few changes in the upcoming sixth season of "The Walking Dead." Season 5 ended with Rick killing Pete (Corey Brill) after the latter murdered Reg (Steve Coulter), proving Rick's point that there was a need for violent measures.
Despite proving his point, promotional material for season 6 indicates that not everyone is ready to follow Rick's violent leadership. According to Lincoln, these circumstances will lead to Rick changing in a way that he won't be the dictator, pacifisit, or "Officer Friendly" he was throughout the show's run.
"It is about our responsibility to educate these people, and whether or not Rick is as committed to them at this point in the journey," Lincoln explained. "We'll find out if he softens a little bit. He's not taking any s-- from anybody. But not in a kind of I-want-to-take-the-place way, just in a very kind of I-know-what-needs-to-be-done, and let's f--ing get it done."
As stated in a report from Cinema Blend, the trailers and promotional images indicate that while many will side with Rick's way of doing things, Morgan (Lennie James) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) may not, leading to a conflict of interest within Alexandria.
However, Lincoln also pointed out that the new Rick will not be forcing himself as Alexandria's new leader and that the people behind him, as well as those originally from Alexandria, will realize this. Lincoln explained that the others recognize they have a voice to be heard as well. Rick will be pointing people toward a certain goal but he won't be their dictator.
One area where Rick Grimes may soften up a bit is in regard to Jessie (Alexandra Breckenridge), Pete's wife. Now that Pete's gone, Lincoln hinted that she and Rick might get together soon and this relationship may affect Rick's character.
"The Walking Dead" season 6 premieres this Oct. 11.
