Rick Grimes, the stalwart sheriff and central figure of AMC’s The Walking Dead, makes his final appearance in Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After.” This episode marks the end of Andrew Lincoln’s tenure as Rick Grimes, though the character’s story continues in the upcoming The Walking Dead movie trilogy.
The Significance of “What Comes After”
“What Comes After” is more than just an episode; it’s a turning point in the narrative of The Walking Dead. It forces the remaining survivors to grapple with the loss of their leader and navigate a new world, altered by the passage of time and the increasing threat of new adversaries. This episode is particularly poignant as it weaves together Rick’s heroic efforts, his emotional connection to his loved ones, and the beginning of a new chapter for the series.
A Heroic Sacrifice
The episode centers around Rick’s desperate attempt to divert a massive horde of walkers away from Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside. Severely injured from a fall from his horse onto rebar, Rick’s condition worsens throughout the episode. Hallucinations of past friends and foes – Shane, Hershel, and Sasha – provide both emotional depth and a look back at his journey. Ultimately, Rick detonates a bridge he believes will collapse, sacrificing himself to save his community.
A New Direction for the Series
The episode concludes with the revelation that Rick survives the explosion. He is rescued by Jadis/Anne and flown away in a helicopter, marking his exit from the main series but opening the door for future appearances in spin-offs and films. Following Rick’s presumed death, the series leaps forward in time, introducing older versions of Judith Grimes and other characters, signifying a significant shift in the overall storyline.
Unveiling Rick Grimes’s Journey: Frequently Asked Questions
To further clarify Rick Grimes’s departure and its implications for The Walking Dead, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Why did Andrew Lincoln leave The Walking Dead?
Andrew Lincoln decided to leave The Walking Dead to spend more time with his family, who reside in England. The rigorous filming schedule and long periods away from home made it challenging for him to balance his career with his personal life. He wanted to be more present for his children as they grew up.
2. Was Rick Grimes’s death permanent in Season 9, Episode 5?
While initially presented as a heroic sacrifice, the episode’s ending reveals that Rick survives the explosion. He is rescued by Jadis/Anne, who negotiates his passage to an unknown location in exchange for being taken in the mysterious helicopter. Therefore, Rick’s “death” in the series was not permanent.
3. What happened to Rick after he was taken away in the helicopter?
The details of Rick’s whereabouts after his departure in the helicopter were intentionally kept vague in the series. However, it was confirmed that he was taken to a civilization associated with the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a powerful and advanced group within The Walking Dead universe. His storyline is set to continue in a series of upcoming movies centered around Rick Grimes.
4. Will Rick Grimes ever return to The Walking Dead series?
While Andrew Lincoln expressed interest in potentially returning for the series finale, this did not occur. Therefore, Rick did not return to the main The Walking Dead series. However, his story continues within The Walking Dead universe through spin-offs and movies.
5. What are the Rick Grimes movies about?
The Rick Grimes movies, originally planned as a trilogy, are expected to explore Rick’s journey with the CRM, delving into the complexities of this new civilization and the challenges he faces integrating into their society. They will shed light on what he has been doing since his disappearance and provide closure to his storyline.
6. How did Rick Grimes influence the other characters on The Walking Dead?
Rick Grimes was the moral compass and leader of the group for many seasons. He instilled a sense of hope and resilience in the survivors. His leadership style evolved throughout the series, shifting from a strict lawman to a more pragmatic and compassionate leader. His absence deeply affected the remaining characters, forcing them to mature and take on greater responsibilities.
7. What role did Jadis/Anne play in Rick Grimes’s departure?
Jadis/Anne played a crucial role in Rick’s exit. She was responsible for saving him from the explosion and using her connection with the CRM to secure his passage in the helicopter. Her willingness to trade information and people with the CRM showcases the morally ambiguous nature of survival in the post-apocalyptic world.
8. How did the time jump affect the story after Rick left?
The time jump of several years after Rick’s disappearance significantly altered the dynamics of the series. It allowed the showrunners to introduce new characters, explore new storylines, and age up existing characters like Judith Grimes. The time jump also introduced the Whisperers, a formidable new threat that challenged the survivors in unexpected ways.
9. Who became the new leader after Rick Grimes left?
After Rick’s departure, the leadership vacuum was gradually filled by several characters, including Daryl Dixon, Michonne, and Carol Peletier. Each character brought their unique skills and perspectives to the role, contributing to the overall survival and growth of the communities. There wasn’t one singular replacement for Rick, but a collective effort.
10. What are some of the lasting impacts of Rick Grimes’s character on the show?
Rick Grimes’s character had a profound and lasting impact on The Walking Dead. He established the core values of community, resilience, and hope, which continued to guide the survivors even after his departure. His moral dilemmas and leadership struggles provided a compelling narrative arc that resonated with audiences for many seasons. His absence served as a reminder of the sacrifices required for survival in a brutal world.
11. What were some of the theories about Rick’s fate after Season 9?
Many fan theories circulated about Rick’s fate after Season 9. Some speculated that he was being held captive by the CRM, while others believed he was working with them to rebuild civilization. The ambiguous ending fueled speculation and anticipation for the upcoming movies, where his story would finally be revealed.
12. How does Rick Grimes’s exit compare to other major character departures in The Walking Dead?
Rick’s departure was unique compared to other major character deaths in The Walking Dead because it was not a permanent end. While other characters like Glenn, Abraham, and Carl met definitive ends, Rick’s story was left open-ended, allowing for future appearances in spin-offs and movies. This created a sense of hope and anticipation among fans, who eagerly awaited the continuation of his journey. Unlike definitive deaths, Rick’s “disappearance” left a lasting impact that resonated more powerfully with viewers, as he could always potentially return.