That is really cold. And yet it's like Rakshas is almost having mercy on Rickert. Giving words of comfort before taking his life. He truly is frighteningly powerful.
Yeah, it's like he's graciously menacing, like Death really, and I doubt his tone or the feeling he evokes is comforting.
Personally my first thought was that I don't see it coming from Griffith, but... Who knows really. It's been so long since we've really known what he thought that it's become near impossible to tell.
I didn't think so either, considering the contrast in reactions between Griff and Locus, and Silat seeing that and pondering loudly whether Locus is actually behind it. It also doesn't strike me as that big a reveal for Griff to be willing to kill former comrades at this juncture, "I'm starting to think he's really not a nice guy.

" Of course, it could be it's being telegraphed that way to misdirect us for some finer point about Griffith, but Miura is usually pretty clear in his intentions and plainly laying the foundation for them.
Gotta respect a guy who loves his job. 
So, do you think this is it and we're treated to a full transformation next episode, or does he simply T-1000 out from under there and say, "You missed me."

Yep, the simple imagery of him on a headless statue is already super cool without needing any additional crazy theory.
My favorite part is that for a moment it resembled Medusa before you realize what's really afoot. Also, though he's obviously always been scary, it's been more for his lack of shape, whereas he cut quite a physically imposing figure there.