He wasn't pretending to consider the offer. He is considering it. That's why he told Hershel. He straight up said he wanted Hershel to talk him out of it. He said he didn't tell the group because he wanted them frightened enough that they'd be okay with giving up Michonne.

At least that's how I interpreted it.

Me too.

I interpreted it as he wants the group frightened enough that they'll be ready to fight, kill, and go to war.

I felt he didn't tell them because he didn't want them to all jump on the possibility and mob mentality toss Michonne out as the easy way out (which I think they'd do, because none of them are close to her). He doesn't want them to see an option besides fighting because he wants them to have their backs against the wall.

And you're right that he is considering it... alone... without any sort of democratic vote or desire for feedback from the group (other than saying he wants Hershel to talk him out of it). I see him as the isolated leader, assuming the burden of leadership which sometimes means dishonestly manipulating your followers for their own good.

Rick was clear on why he didn't tell the group. The previous episode, which ended with Carl telling Rick she was "one of us" was a setup to 1) humanize the Michonne character and 2) give a reason why the group wouldn't immediately turn on her. That was all leading to the conflict with Rick at the end last night. The most poignant question was when he asked Hershel if he'd give up his daughters for Michonne. That showed exactly where his thinking lies.

The other facet of the conflict is whether or not he believes the Governor will hold up his end of the bargain. We the audience know he will not, but Rick doesn't, although he suspects it. I think if he doesn't turn over Michonne, that's why. Because he doesn't trust the Governor. Not out of loyalty to her.

Which is actually something else established in the crazy Morgan episode. We know what kind of guy Rick is. Remember the hiker shouting for help. All that guy was worth was whatever was in his bag after they found him torn to shreds. They weren't going to help him. That's how Rick sees outsiders, and it was further emphasized with his exchange with Tyreese's group. Rick (to this point) has barely seen Michonne as part of the group. He wanted her gone as soon as she was healed. He made pains telling his son how she was just temporary help on their trip home. He'd only barely started turning the corner on her, the bit letting her drive. It's not like they're bosom buddies, any more than Merle.

And Rick is not a solitary leader. He's a broken man who sees his dead wife everywhere. And he's been offered an easy out.

Rick is a ****ing idiot if he thinks the Gov will let them go.

My guess is that Andrea finds out and finally flips back to helping the group (and hopefully dies in a zombie horde in the process - she's never going to die, you know). The group is warned, turns the tables on the governor. But merle is the wild card. Maybe he finds out about the offer and takes Michonne himself. Finally finishes turning his brother against him. Milton could have a role of some kind too, bonding with Hershel, and then his reaction to the plan.

I like that they've muddied the waters enough that a variety of things can conceivably happen.

Some people are going to die, whatever it is.

Merle is the inside guy for the Gov.

He was trying to draw Michonne to the meeting so that they could get her.

(All speculation, of course)

What's everyone's thoughts on who offs the Governor?

Andrea?

Michonne?

Rick?

Maggie?

Milton?

Carl?

Walker(s)?

The entire group gets killed because the governor attacks while maggie and glenn are on a **** break when they're supposed to be on watch. Season 4 is from the PoV of Morgan's zombie son.

:hmmm:

As long as Morgan's son doesn't fall in love with a girl and slowly un-zombifies.

I think not-maggie daughter bites it. And maybe Carol. Merle does something that gets her killed, and Daryl goes apeshit. The governor I think has to die because of his own hubris, not killed by any of the group.

I like it. Although I think part of Season 4 should be Glenn and Maggie working through their survivor's guilt. Lots of silence punctuated by awkward conversations.

THIS WEEK ON "TALKING DEAD": Bobcat Goldwaith and Kristin Chenowith discuss whether Glenn fetching water for Maggie indicates a thaw in their relationship.

that's right, my bad it's been a couple of years

Speaking of talking dead, lauren cohan is really hot when she's not moused up in maggie dress or talking in faux southern drawl. She was giving me pants-raising reminders of Bela Talbot last night.

Yes, speaking of "Talking Dead," was I the only one who thought Hardwick went way out of his way last night to proclaim how much he LOVED Andrea (the character)? I was wondering if he did that intentionally to offset so much of the online HATE for her this season.