Judith Grimes

Judith Grimes is a major character and survivor of the outbreak in AMC's The Walking Dead series. She is the daughter of Lori Grimes and Shane Walsh and the half-sister of Carl Grimes. Despite not being her biological father, Rick Grimes adopted her and cared for her until he went missing.
Six years later, Judith is now under the guardianship of Michonne Grimes, residing with her and her adoptive brother, R.J. Grimes, in the Alexandria Safe-Zone. She also forms a strong bond with Negan Smith. After Michonne's departure in search of Rick, Daryl Dixon assumes the role of her guardian.
Following the conflict with the Whisperers and the downfall of Alexandria, Judith, along with R.J. and Daryl, moves to the Commonwealth. She remains there with her brother even a year after the defeat of the Milton regime and Daryl's departure to search for her biological parents.
==Biography==
===Birth to Infancy===
Judith Grimes is the second child of Lori Grimes and is notably the first infant born during the post-apocalyptic setting. Her parents express a desire for her to grow up without the constant fear they face and hope she adapts to the new world without comparing it to the past.
Lori's pregnancy with Judith sparks questions about her biological father, as she had an affair with Shane, Rick's close friend, before learning of Rick's survival. Despite knowing Judith isn't his biological child, Rick loves and protects her unconditionally. Born on June 20, 2011, at the West Georgia Correctional Facility, Judith's name is decided a few days after her birth, with 'Judith' being chosen, inspired by Carl's former teacher. Carl also suggests Sophia's name. Among the group, she is playfully referred to as 'Lil' Ass Kicker' by Daryl Dixon.
From Season 3 to Season 8, Judith undergoes a remarkable journey that underscores the complexities of life in a post-apocalyptic world. Born amidst the chaos and uncertainty of a world overrun by walkers, Judith's arrival is bittersweet. Her mother, Lori Grimes, tragically dies during childbirth, leaving her older brother, Carl, to assist in the delivery. This event marks a pivotal moment in the group's survival narrative, as they must now navigate the challenges of raising an infant in a world defined by danger and uncertainty.
As Judith grows, she becomes a beacon of hope and resilience for the group. Her very existence symbolizes the possibility of a future beyond the apocalypse, a world where children can grow up without the constant threat of walkers and violence. While her presence is a source of inspiration, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Various group members take on the role of caregivers for Judith, reflecting the collective responsibility of the group to protect and nurture her. Throughout the seasons, Judith's journey is punctuated by moments of separation and reunion. Following the fall of the prison, she is temporarily separated from the group, her whereabouts shrouded in uncertainty. Her eventual return to the group, under the care of Carol, brings a sense of relief and renewed purpose. In a world where survival often takes precedence over compassion, Judith's safety remains a top priority for the group, leading them to take extraordinary measures to shield her from threats such as the tyrannical rule of Negan and the Saviors.
As the conflict with the Saviors escalates, Judith's presence continues to serve as a powerful symbol of resistance and unity. Her resilience in the face of danger becomes emblematic of the group's unwavering determination to create a better future. Judith's growth, from a vulnerable infant to a resilient child, is a testament to the human capacity for love, sacrifice, and hope even in the darkest of times.
=== Seasons 9 and 10 ===
In Season 9, after the time jump, Judith is now portrayed as a young child, and her personality begins to shine through. She maintains a close relationship with her adoptive mother, Michonne, as well as her brother, R.J. Grimes. Judith's resourcefulness and courage become evident as she navigates the complexities of life in the new world. She is often seen patrolling the community and carrying her father Rick's iconic hat, symbolizing her connection to her family's legacy. Throughout Seasons 9 and 10, Judith actively contributes to the group's survival by participating in various missions and activities. She assists in the search for supplies, contributes to the defense of their communities, and engages in decision-making discussions. Judith's interactions with other characters, both children and adults, demonstrate her ability to bridge gaps and foster connections, highlighting her importance as a unifying figure.
In Season 10, Judith's role expands even further as she becomes an important ally in the conflict against the Whisperers. Her keen observations and understanding of the enemy's tactics provide valuable insights to the group. Judith's bravery and determination are showcased in her involvement in the intense battles against the Whisperers, reflecting her growth from a vulnerable infant to a formidable and capable individual. As the group faces new threats and challenges, Judith's resilience and leadership potential continue to evolve. Her journey throughout Seasons 9 and 10 reinforces the theme of generational change and the hope that the younger generation will shape a better future in a world ravaged by the undead. Judith's character remains a testament to the enduring spirit of survival and the indomitable will to preserve humanity in the face of adversity.
=== Season 11 ===
Judith warmly greets Daryl's return to Alexandria. Later, Judith plays cards with her friends, discusses fears and apocalypse with Hershel, and shares horsemeat. She leads a sword training session for the kids, confronts bullies, and deals with a keepsake destruction. Rosita comforts her, and they respond to a radio message. During a storm, Judith comforts her brother R.J. and interacts with Gracie. She teaches Gracie to channel fear into strength and becomes proud of her progress in swordplay. Virgil praises her, and she faces walkers during the storm, saving Gracie. The situation becomes dire, and they're trapped in the basement. Judith and Gracie are trapped by walkers in the flooded basement. They defend themselves, Rosita and the group work to rescue them. Eventually, they're saved by Aaron and Lydia, reuniting with the group after the storm.
Judith and Gracie fend off walkers in the flooded basement. Aaron comes to their rescue, and they escape through a window. Judith reunites with Daryl and R.J. upon Maggie's group's return. Judith, R.J., and Daryl explore a haunted house at the Commonwealth. Judith comforts her brother and interacts with a fellow resident named Mei. Judith's nickname "Jude" is mentioned. Judith and her friend Mei browse records outside a store in the Commonwealth. Mei suggests a Motörhead album, and Judith mentions not having money. Princess arrives, and Mei buys Judith the album. Later, Judith shows the album to Daryl, and they discuss allowances and staying in the Commonwealth.
Three days later, Judith and Daryl prepare to leave the Commonwealth. They receive new outfits and a record player. They listen to a Motörhead song together. In various episodes, Judith is seen interacting with others, attending school, and participating in community activities. Judith confronts her feelings about the past, family losses, and the future. She debates the importance of helping others and convinces Daryl to let her join their mission.
During an intense mission to infiltrate the Commonwealth, Judith takes on responsibilities and makes decisions. She saves Maggie from being shot by Pamela and is wounded in the process. The group faces gunfire, a walker ambush, and a herd. Daryl carries the injured Judith to safety while facing various challenges.
Judith's life hangs in the balance as Daryl rushes her to the Commonwealth Hospital, desperately seeking help for her severe injuries. Chaos reigns around them as the hospital teems with activity, and Judith's consciousness wavers as she observes the flurry of movement. Her vision blurs as she's laid down on a stretcher, Daryl's urgent pleas for aid echoing in her ears. Alone and dazed in a room, Judith's instincts kick in. She spots the approaching walkers through the glass doors and pushes herself to her feet, summoning the last reserves of her strength. Her determination drives her to barricade the doors with a desk, fighting against the relentless onslaught of the undead. Exhausted and battered, Judith collapses on the floor beside Daryl, her body giving in to unconsciousness.
Time passes, and Judith awakens in a bed, her senses gradually returning. Daryl and Carol stand by her side, their concerned faces offering a reassuring sight. Magna's group, still recovering from their own ordeal, works tirelessly nearby. Luke, grievously injured, fights for his life, and the tension in the room is palpable. The scene is one of both hope and sorrow as the group's camaraderie and determination shine through in the face of adversity. As Judith's awareness sharpens, her thoughts turn to a profound realization. She shares with Daryl and Carol the truth she had withheld: that Rick is alive, that Michonne had known and never returned, and that fear had compelled her to keep this secret. Daryl's and Carol's expressions mirror the shock and disbelief that wash over them as they process this revelation. Despite the weight of the truth, they offer her solace and assure her of their unwavering support.
Outside, turmoil rages as walkers breach the hospital's defenses. The group's valiant efforts to hold back the relentless tide of the dead reflect the resilience that has defined their journey. They fight side by side, driven by a shared purpose, the bonds forged through countless trials evident in their unyielding resolve. Amid the chaos, Daryl and Carol stand vigilant, their focus centered on Judith's well-being. Judith's condition stabilizes, and a sense of urgency prevails. The group's plan to draw the walkers away and save the Commonwealth takes shape, a testament to their resourcefulness and determination. The hospital's halls become a battleground, a microcosm of the struggles they've faced and the unity that sustains them. Mercer's leadership shines as they execute their dangerous gambit, revealing the complex web of loyalties and allegiances that shape the Commonwealth's fate.
Their audacious plan succeeds, and the thunderous roar of destruction signals the end of the walkers and the Estates, a symbolic turning point in their fight. The Commonwealth is given a chance to rebuild, its future rewritten through collective effort and sacrifice. In the aftermath, a sense of celebration and renewal permeates Alexandria, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Amid the festivities, Judith's connection with her friends remains strong. Her interactions with Lydia and Elijah reveal the bonds that have sustained them through trials and triumphs. A poignant reunion with Negan, accompanied by a heartfelt gesture, serves as a reminder of the unexpected connections that have been woven into their shared history.
A year later, a sense of optimism prevails as communities thrive and evolve. The vision of a united front against adversity manifests in the combined efforts of survivors. Judith's encounters with familiar faces reflect the growth and interconnectedness that have defined their journey. The past serves as a foundation, and the promise of the future beckons with newfound possibilities. In the serene landscape of the Commonwealth, Daryl and Carol share a poignant moment. Their unspoken bond speaks volumes, a testament to the enduring relationships that have sustained them. As Daryl embarks on a new journey, the echoes of their shared history linger in the air, a reminder of the resilience that defines them.
Through the lens of hope and renewal, the story draws to a close. Judith's resolute gaze symbolizes the unwavering spirit that has guided them through darkness and into the light. The path ahead is uncertain, but the bonds they've forged and the lessons they've learned remain a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Looking out over the fields of the Commonwealth, Judith tells her brother that "we get to start over. We're the ones who live."
== Quotes ==
== Trivia ==
* The paternity of Judith has led to speculation, with Robert Kirkman suggesting it's more likely to be Shane's baby.
* In a 2018 interview, Andrew Lincoln mentioned that Judith isn't Rick's biological daughter, but he considers her his own.
* Rick's dream confirms this, as Shane refers to her as "my little baby girl."
* Following Carl's death, she has no known surviving blood relatives.
* Among eleven children born during the apocalypse in the TV Series, Judith is the first.
* The youngest character to indirectly cause a death, she led to Lori Grimes' death shortly after birth.
* Judith is the first recurring female character to survive multiple seasons without becoming a main cast member.
* Her first word was "Mama," spoken in "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life."
* She is now the owner of Rick's hat and his Colt Python revolver..
* Viewing members of Rick's group as family, she refers to some as her "aunts" and "uncles."
* One of five main characters to outlive her comic book counterpart.
* Sharing similarities with Clementine from The Telltale Series, including their age and trauma.
* Judith speaks Spanish, one of thirteen characters to do so.
* Her codename, "Shoto," means short sword in Japanese.
* Holding the longest lifespan of any child in the TV Series, spanning 155 episodes over nine seasons.
* Her final scene in the series matches the age her brother Carl was in his first scene.
* In Season 11, Judith is one of four main characters to appear in all eight episodes of part three.
== External Links ==
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