That's just *stupid*.
Isn't that the theme of the show? People doing stupid things and than have 2-3 episodes of drama about it?
I missed or forgotten something since last year something - why isn't bearded vet man (Herschel?) on crutches any more? Has he got an artificial leg now?
I don't know that it was meant to be a surprise so much as it was meant to be sad. Rick himself didn't seem entirely surprised.I really saw the crazy lady's husband being a zombie from a mile away.