“Using S*x to Secure Safety Is a Valid Option”: ‘The Walking Dead’ Fans Need to Admit They Unfairly Hated 1 Character for Years

For over a decade, The Walking Dead has delivered gripping storylines about survival, morality, and the lengths people will go to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Yet, throughout the show’s run, certain characters faced harsh backlash from fans for their choices—sometimes unfairly.

One of the most controversial examples is the enduring hate toward Lori Grimes, who was condemned for actions that, in the brutal reality of the zombie apocalypse, were not only understandable but also necessary.

The Unforgiving Judgment of Lori Grimes

From the very beginning, Lori Grimes (played by Sarah Wayne Callies) was positioned as a divisive figure among fans.

As the wife of Rick Grimes and the mother of Carl, she carried immense emotional weight in the early seasons.

However, her relationship with Shane Walsh, Rick’s best friend, became the focal point of fan resentment.

After believing her husband was dead, Lori sought comfort and protection in Shane.

When Rick miraculously returned, the revelation of her relationship with Shane created one of the show’s first major conflicts.

Many fans labeled Lori as unfaithful and manipulative, but was the criticism truly fair given the context?

Survival in the Apocalypse: No Easy Choices

In a world where danger lurked around every corner, securing safety and protection wasn’t just a luxury—it was a necessity.

Unlike other male characters who were praised for their tactical thinking and leadership skills, Lori’s decisions were scrutinized through an unfairly moralistic lens.

One of the most overlooked realities of The Walking Dead universe is that power dynamics play a critical role in survival.

Aligning oneself with a strong, capable protector wasn’t about romance—it was about ensuring safety, especially for a woman with a child.

The idea of using intimacy to secure protection is uncomfortable for some viewers to accept, but in a world where society has collapsed, such choices become valid survival tactics.

The Double Standards of The Walking Dead Fandom

Lori wasn’t the only character to form relationships for survival, but she faced the most vitriol.

Male characters like Negan, The Governor, and even Daryl Dixon have had moments where they used manipulation, intimidation, or charm to gain the upper hand.

Yet, these figures were often celebrated for their strategic minds rather than condemned for their moral ambiguity.

Meanwhile, other female characters, such as Andrea or even Rosita, also faced backlash for their relationships, proving that The Walking Dead fandom often judged women more harshly than their male counterparts when it came to survival-based decisions.

Why It’s Time to Reevaluate Lori’s Legacy

Hate for Lori persisted long after her death, but as the years passed, fans have begun reassessing her character.

In hindsight, it’s clear that she wasn’t the villain many made her out to be—she was a flawed human trying to navigate impossible circumstances.

Lori made difficult choices, but she was never malicious.

She cared deeply for her son, tried to reconcile the tension between Rick and Shane, and ultimately played a crucial role in shaping the early survival of the group.

Her death in season 3 was tragic, and rather than being remembered for her courage, she was often reduced to the label of “cheater” or “manipulator.”

As fans continue to reflect on The Walking Dead‘s legacy, it’s important to recognize the unfair biases that shaped the perception of certain characters.

Lori Grimes was a survivor in a world that demanded impossible decisions, and she deserves to be remembered as such.

It’s time to let go of the misplaced resentment and acknowledge that in the brutal reality of a zombie apocalypse, using every available option—including intimacy for protection—is not a betrayal, but a valid means of survival.

Lori Grimes was never the villain fans made her out to be—she was simply a woman trying to endure the end of the world.