Hershel is kind, and more than willing to save Carl's life, but seems hesitant to let Rick and his team stay at his farm any longer. Hershel also believes that mankind will prevail and this zombie plague will somehow "pass" - like other diseases that humanity has faced. Hershel also doesn't seem to like the way that Rick and his team dispose of walkers.
It is revealed that Hershel is keeping a dozen or so walkers locked in his barn and that he doesn't want to kill them because he thinks they're still human and curable.
As an extremely religious man and teetotaler, Hershel tries to remain as pure as possible in this increasingly stained new-age. However, he is seen through the actions of Shane killing the walkers to be severely affected. In his depression he goes to the local bar and proceeds to get intoxicated.
Hershel reveals that he can shoot but prefers not to. When Randall is injured, Hershel considers that they should simply shoot him to put him out of his misery, but then agrees to amputate his leg. They end up having to just take him with them when zombies start coming. Hershel yells at Shane to shut his mouth and tells him that it’s not his farm. However, even Hershel has decided that he wants nothing to do with it, that he’s leaving it up to Rick and the others. Hershel gives Glenn a pocket watch that has sentimental value, giving Glenn his blessing to be with Maggie. He leaves the decision of what to do with Randall up to Rick. After Dale is killed, Hershel agrees to let the rest of the group stay in the house.
When the zombies attack the farm, Hershel refuses to leave, and instead takes out as many as possible. He almost gets himself killed but Rick saves him and he’s able to escape with both Rick and Carl. He trusts Hershel and tells Maggie that they can’t risk leaving.
Season 3
After the prison yard is secured, Hershel immediately talks about growing crops as a sustainable food source. Hershel tries to comfort Lori over her concerns about the baby, either thinking the baby will be born dead or that she’ll die during childbirth. Once inside the prison, he’s bitten by a zombie and must have part of his leg amputated. It doesn’t take long before Hershel is up and walking around on crutches.
Hershel talks to Rick when Rick starts hearing voices over a phone that isn’t plugged in. Although he knows Rick isn’t actually hearing anything, he allows him to think it if it helps, and offers to sit with him. Hershel tends to Michonne’s wound. He doesn’t want to let Carl go down to check out the sounds that are coming from there, but understands why he has to. He tends to Tyreese’s group as needed. Hershel tells them not to get too comfortable, not knowing what Rick will have to say about them.
Hershel helps with Glenn with his injuries, thanks him for looking after Maggie, and tells him he’s relieved that nothing worse happened to either of them. Hershel tells Maggie that she’s got both her mother’s spirit and stubbornness. He then tells Rick he’s gotta give people a chance, in this instance meaning Tyreese’s group, and becomes concerned when Rick starts acting insane.
Hershel argues with Glenn, saying that they should leave the prison if they really think the Governor is going to attack. He also tells Glenn that what happened to Maggie wasn’t his fault. Hershel then goes to talk to Rick, trying to get him to come back to them, both physically and mentally. After the initial attack by the Governor, Hershel yells at Rick that he has to be a real leader. He also reaches out to Merle.
Hershel goes to the meeting between Rick and the Governor and tries to make sure there’s no fighting outside between Martinez and Daryl. He also talks to Milton, who’s interested in Hershel’s amputation. When Andrea asks Hershel what happened to Maggie. Hershel responds by saying he’s a sick man. He tries to convince her to come back with them.
When he hears about the deal, Hershel tells Rick that Michonne has earned her place, although he stays silent when Rick asks if he’d sacrifice his daughters for Michonne. Hershel prays with Maggie and Beth, clearly not comfortable with what’s about to happen, but then Rick says he can’t do it. Hershel gives his blessing for Glenn to marry Maggie. Hershel is concerned about Carl killing a kid from Woodbury and tells Rick that there was no reason for Carl to shoot him.
