Great article and I do agree with you on almost every point. I'm sure you are aware of my pop culture geekyness and I would like to go on record as saying these are just my observations about this show. This does not in ANY way reflect how I feel about women, their rights, abilities with firearms or the capacities to cook venison. NOW- I have noticed that despite how the comic is written, the producers have played out certain "Roles" for the series, despite what the comic was lacking or already had. Daryl and Merle aren't even in the book but you and I know Rednecks kill Zombies dead. So I have to say that while I don't think it was wise to take Andreas' gun away I can understand that Dale wanted that "Role" of the father/husband she mentioned earlier because when the world was going to hell I think he needed something to hold on to and he holds sway with the group. Therefore Shane took his words for wisdom and kept her gun. Dale had selfish reasons for wanting her to keep from harming herself initially but I think he was still holding onto that. In a real situation like this all people will have to arm and become proficient. It is not a question. It is a statement.