The Walking Dead Why Shane Really Died In Season 2

Shane Walsh's death came at the hands of Rick Grimes ahead of The Walking Dead season 2 finale. Here's why the decision was deemed "necessary."

Shane Walsh was killed off right before The Walking Dead season 2 finale, and the decision was rooted in the long-term plan for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). Despite only being on the AMC series for two seasons, Bernthal remains one of the most beloved actors to come out of TV adaptation based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series. In fact, Shane still stands as one of the most memorable Walking Dead villains, and arguably the best in the show's history.

Shane may have met his death early in the eyes of viewers but he lasted far longer than his comic book arc. Like the TV series, Shane was Rick's partner at a local sheriff's department. When Rick was left in a coma in the midst of the zombie apocalypse, Shane looked after Rick's wife, Lori, and the pair's son, Carl. Over time, Shane started to have romantic feelings for Lori but their affair came to an abrupt end when Rick miraculously found the group and reunited with his family. Shane's rage and jealously started to take over to the point that he attempted to murder Rick. During the sixth issue, Carl found the men fighting and ended up shooting Shane in the neck, killing him. He later turned into a walker, forcing Rick to kill his friend a second time.

Shane's arc was expanded in the AMC series, but the tension among him and Rick was still a major focus. While staying at Hershel Greene's farm, the two began arguing over how to lead the group of survivors. There was also an underlying conflict regarding Lori and the fact she was pregnant. Shane had plans to kill Rick in The Walking Dead season 2 episode "Better Angels". Rick was well aware of the plan and countered by stabbing Shane in the chest. Carl then appeared, shooting Shane in the head after the man reanimated. According to showrunner Glen Mazzara in 2012 (via MTV), it wasn't always the plan to kill off Shane, but it made sense for the story direction.

Rick Had To Take Over As Leader For The Future Of The Series

Mazzara claimed that Shane's death was "necessary" based on the bigger picture. Shane emerged as a threat to the group and Rick realized that something needed to be done. In order to effectively lead the survivors, Shane needed to be removed. Rick could only assume the leadership role if Shane was no longer around. The idea to kill off Shane was rooted in the plans for Rick to become the group's main leader, before they headed to the prison and came into contact with the Governor. Furthermore, if Shane was still around, he would hinder their chances of survival based on his unhinged behavior.

It was also important for Rick to be the one to kill Shane, as Mazzara wanted Rick to feel a sense of loss considering Shane was his friend. Instead of using a gun, Rick used a knife, thereby making it a more personal kill. The trauma transformed Rick, changing his demeanor from that point onward - evidenced by how he treated the group after the farm burned down. Though Shane was a compelling character in The Walking Dead, he was always just an element of Rick's story and a problem that needed to be fixed.