It was really unclear... Hershel sure didn't seem very excited about it all... I think he was just humouring Rick, but I guess we'll have to assume one way or another unless they come out and tell us.

 

im sure he knows Rick is batshit crazy but he knew how fragile Ricks psyche is. plus people who are losing their grip on reality are dangerous no matter what the cause

 

Of course Hershel knows! He gave that super long nod when Rick told him not to wait. Like "yep, you're off the reservation."

 

I'm with Bass on this 100%

 

I'll just agree with this since it's what I was going to say.

 

I felt like Hershel knew what was going on. I think that's why he offered to stay with Rick; he knew he needed help.

 

Of course he knew... from a man who has lost his wife and been around the block a few times... why do you think his dialogue with Rick was about Lori?

 

Hershell is a great surprise this season.
I hated him last season, and I absolutely love his character now.

BAD-ASS look and pontytail!

 

Listen to the sound during his time on the phone. There's no dial tone... it's static... just as a phone would if the phone is not connected. Hershel heard static of course meaning he knew what was up. That's why he asked if he could sit there with him...in case he took another call. Rick denied his request because deep down he knew it was all a part of his mind. Same reason why he shot down Glenns request to help him clear out bodies.

 

I think Hershel knew it was Rick's way of dealing with enormous trauma. Rick has fought through so much not so much for the group as for his family and he lost one of the most important people in his life just when they found a safe place.. without getting to say goodbye, without letting her know he had forgiven her, without anything of the sort... That's rough. And Hershel understood. And I respect the character a lot for it.

 

I just watched the episode with headphones at pretty high volume, and I can tell you that the phone made a background noise/static sound when he picked it up. Just like what you'd hear if you turned on a phone that had no connection. Hershel heard this, and I think immediately knew Rick's brain had just dove off a cliff.

 

If you have ever had a lucid dream you would know that you are dreaming and experiencing the "REAL" world at the same time. Same thing Rick was experiencing. The static was the there but at the same time heard voices.

 

You never tell someone that they are hearing things because they will get worse and resent the people that don't believe them . Psych 101...

 

yep. exactly.