Rick Grimes, the linchpin of The Walking Dead since its inception, departed in Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After.” While the episode appeared to mark the definitive end of Rick’s narrative arc within the main series, subsequent developments revealed it wasn’t quite goodbye forever. This article delves into the circumstances of his departure, the reasons behind it, and the lasting impact it had on the show and its fanbase.
The Dramatic Exit: “What Comes After” Explained
“What Comes After” is a watershed moment in The Walking Dead history. Severely injured after being thrown from his horse and impaled on rebar, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) heroically leads a massive herd of walkers away from Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside. Hallucinating visions of past characters like Shane Walsh, Hershel Greene, and Sasha Williams, he rediscovers his inner strength and the unwavering desire to protect his family and communities.
The climax sees Rick blowing up the bridge he led the walkers across, seemingly sacrificing himself to save everyone. While believed dead by his community, the episode ends with Jadis/Anne (Pollyanna McIntosh) rescuing a critically injured Rick, communicating via walkie-talkie with a mysterious group she refers to as the “Civic Republic Military” (CRM), and stating that she has a “B” – a healthy survivor, implying a higher trading value. Rick is then flown away in a CRM helicopter, setting the stage for his eventual return in the upcoming The Walking Dead spin-off series.
Why Did Andrew Lincoln Leave?
Andrew Lincoln’s departure stemmed from a desire to spend more time with his family, who resided in the UK. The demanding filming schedule, primarily based in Georgia, made it challenging for him to be present for his wife and children. Lincoln initially intended to leave after Season 8 but was persuaded to stay for a shortened Season 9 to give Rick Grimes a proper send-off, albeit one with a twist that allowed for future appearances.
Leaving the Door Open: The CRM Connection
While viewers grieved Rick’s apparent death, the ending of “What Comes After” strategically left the door open for his return. The introduction of the CRM, a powerful and enigmatic military organization, planted the seeds for a new narrative thread centered around Rick’s fate. This allowed AMC to pursue future Walking Dead projects featuring Rick Grimes, expanding the universe and continuing his story beyond the original series.
The Immediate Impact on The Walking Dead
Rick’s absence dramatically altered the dynamic of The Walking Dead. Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) stepped into more prominent leadership roles, filling the void left by Rick. The show also jumped forward in time, introducing new characters and exploring a changed world shaped by the absence of its central figure.
The narrative shifted, focusing on new threats like the Whisperers and exploring the evolving relationships between the established communities. While Rick’s presence was missed by many, his departure allowed for new storylines and character development, refreshing the series and allowing it to explore different facets of its post-apocalyptic world. Michonne’s eventual search for Rick further emphasized his enduring influence on the narrative and underscored the importance of his return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rick Grimes’ Departure
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Rick Grimes’ exit from The Walking Dead, designed to provide clarity and comprehensive insights:
1. Was Rick Grimes Really Supposed to Die?
Originally, yes. The plan was for Rick to die when he blew up the bridge. However, AMC recognized the potential for future storytelling and negotiated with Andrew Lincoln to allow for a more open-ended departure, setting up his involvement in the spin-off movies, now series.
2. What is the CRM?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a highly organized and technologically advanced military force with a significant presence in the Walking Dead universe. They are secretive and ruthless, with a complex political structure and unclear motives. They play a major role in the World Beyond series and will be central to Rick Grimes’ spin-off.
3. Did Rick Grimes Return to The Walking Dead Finale?
While Andrew Lincoln did return for the series finale of The Walking Dead, it was only in a cameo appearance. He appeared briefly alongside Michonne in the very last scene, teasing the upcoming spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. He was not actively involved in the finale’s storyline.
4. Why Did Michonne Leave The Walking Dead?
Michonne’s departure was primarily driven by Danai Gurira’s desire to explore other acting opportunities and creative endeavors. However, her exit was also narratively linked to Rick’s disappearance. Michonne discovered evidence suggesting Rick survived the bridge explosion, leading her to embark on a quest to find him, effectively bridging the gap to his spin-off story.
5. What Happened to Rick Grimes After the Helicopter Took Him?
The specifics of what happened to Rick after the CRM rescued him are largely unknown, although The Walking Dead: World Beyond offers some clues. He likely spent time recovering from his injuries and potentially working for the CRM in some capacity. His experiences with the CRM are expected to be a central focus of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
6. What is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live About?
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is the official title of the spin-off series starring Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) and Danai Gurira (Michonne). The series is expected to explore Rick and Michonne’s individual journeys following their departures from the main series and their eventual reunion amidst the complexities of the CRM.
7. Where Was Rick Grimes During the Time Jumps in The Walking Dead?
During the time jumps in the main series, Rick Grimes was likely held or working for the CRM. The organization operates in secrecy, and his whereabouts were deliberately obscured to maintain suspense and build anticipation for his return.
8. Why Didn’t Rick Grimes Try to Contact His Family?
This is a major unanswered question. The CRM’s influence and control likely play a significant role. It’s possible he was prevented from contacting his family or believed doing so would put them in danger. This is a core conflict that will likely be addressed in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
9. Will Other Walking Dead Characters Appear in The Ones Who Live?
While there’s been no official confirmation regarding specific characters, it’s possible other familiar faces from The Walking Dead universe could appear in The Ones Who Live. The series will likely tie up loose ends and further explore the connections between the various communities and storylines.
10. How Long Was Rick Grimes Missing For?
Rick Grimes was missing for approximately six years in the Walking Dead timeline, spanning from his departure in Season 9 to the events of the series finale.
11. Was Carl Grimes Aware of Rick’s Fate?
No. Carl Grimes died in Season 8, long before Rick’s departure. He was unaware of the circumstances surrounding his father’s disappearance and believed him to be alive and well within the communities.
12. What is the Significance of the “A” and “B” Designation in the CRM Context?
The “A” and “B” designation used by Jadis/Anne represents a classification system used by the CRM to categorize individuals. “A’s” are generally considered leaders or potential threats, while “B’s” are seen as more compliant or valuable for labor. The exact criteria for these designations are still somewhat unclear, but they indicate a hierarchical structure and the CRM’s selective approach to recruitment and resource management. Rick being a “B” suggests he possessed valuable skills or qualities that the CRM desired.
The Legacy of Rick Grimes
Even in his absence, Rick Grimes remains a central figure in The Walking Dead universe. His impact on the communities he led, his unwavering sense of justice, and his dedication to his family continue to resonate throughout the series. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live promises to shed light on his experiences during his time away and finally answer the burning questions surrounding his fate, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic characters in television history. The upcoming series promises to further cement Rick’s position as not just a survivor, but a symbol of hope and resilience in a world overrun by the dead.