Rick Grimes, the unwavering moral compass of The Walking Dead, seemingly met his demise in Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After.” While it appeared Rick perished in a heroic act of self-sacrifice, the truth is more nuanced, and his story extends far beyond that fateful episode.
The Apparent End: A Heroic Sacrifice
“What Comes After” is a visually stunning and emotionally charged episode. We see a severely wounded Rick, impaled and losing blood rapidly, fighting against all odds to prevent a massive horde of walkers from reaching Alexandria and the communities. He hallucinates, revisiting pivotal moments in his past, a classic storytelling device signifying an end is near. Ultimately, Rick lures the walkers onto a bridge and detonates explosives, seemingly sacrificing himself to save his loved ones. The episode concludes with his fellow survivors mourning his loss, believing him to be dead.
The Reality: Not Really Dead, Just… Gone
However, the mid-credit scene reveals a crucial piece of information that reframes Rick’s apparent death. Anne (formerly Jadis) is seen contacting someone via walkie-talkie, stating she has a “B.” A helicopter arrives and takes her and a wounded, but very much alive, Rick Grimes away. This scene established that Rick wasn’t dead, but rather rescued by a mysterious group known as the Civic Republic Military (CRM), setting the stage for his eventual return in a spin-off series. Therefore, while Rick “dies” in the minds of his community, he is, in actuality, transported to a new location and narrative arc.
FAQs: Unpacking the Truth Behind Rick’s “Death”
1. Did Andrew Lincoln Want to Leave The Walking Dead?
Yes, Andrew Lincoln, who portrayed Rick Grimes, desired to spend more time with his family, who resided in England. The demanding filming schedule of The Walking Dead, primarily based in Georgia, made it difficult for him to be with them regularly. This contributed significantly to his decision to leave the main series.
2. Why Did They Stage Rick’s “Death” Instead of Killing Him Off Completely?
The decision to write Rick Grimes out of the show without truly killing him was a strategic one. It allowed the producers to keep the door open for future appearances and spin-off projects, knowing that Rick’s character remained incredibly popular and valuable to the franchise. It served as a clever way to satisfy Lincoln’s desire to leave while preserving the potential for future stories.
3. What is the Civic Republic Military (CRM)?
The CRM is a highly secretive and powerful organization with advanced technology and resources. They are a significant faction within The Walking Dead universe, representing a more structured and potentially dangerous form of civilization. Their motives are complex and often shrouded in mystery, making them a compelling force. They rescued Rick Grimes and transported him to one of their secret locations.
4. Where Was Rick Taken After Being Rescued?
Rick was taken to a CRM settlement, likely one of their advanced facilities. The exact location remains initially vague but is later revealed to be Philadelphia in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The CRM operates in multiple locations, but Philadelphia serves as a central hub for their operations.
5. Will Rick Ever Return to The Walking Dead (The Original Series)?
No, Rick Grimes will not return to The Walking Dead (the original series). The series has concluded. His story is continued in the spin-off, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which focuses solely on Rick and Michonne’s journey to reunite.
6. What Happens to Michonne After Rick’s “Death?”
Michonne, devastated by Rick’s presumed death, eventually discovers clues that indicate he might still be alive. This leads her on a personal journey to find him, leaving behind her responsibilities in Alexandria. Her search is a major plot point that ultimately leads her to the CRM and Rick.
7. How Does Rick’s “Death” Affect the Other Characters in The Walking Dead?
Rick’s “death” has a profound impact on all the surviving characters. Daryl takes on a more solitary existence, constantly searching for Rick. Judith, Rick’s adopted daughter, grows up idolizing him and internalizing his values. The communities struggle to maintain unity and face new threats without his leadership. His absence casts a long shadow over the entire narrative.
8. Is There a Rick Grimes Movie or Another Spin-Off in Development?
There were initially plans for a trilogy of Rick Grimes movies, but these plans evolved into the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. This series acts as the continuation of Rick’s story that the movies were intended to provide.
9. What is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live About?
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live centers on Rick and Michonne’s separate journeys to find each other. It explores their struggles to survive within the CRM, the challenges they face in escaping, and the lengths they are willing to go to reunite with their family and loved ones. The series delves into the complex morality of the CRM and the sacrifices required to maintain hope in a brutal world.
10. How Does Rick Change After Joining the CRM?
Rick’s experiences within the CRM profoundly affect him. He becomes hardened and more pragmatic, forced to make difficult choices to survive. He grapples with the CRM’s ideologies and the ethical dilemmas they present. He also struggles with the desire to escape and return to his family while navigating the complex political landscape of the CRM.
11. Why Doesn’t Rick Just Escape from the CRM?
Escaping the CRM is incredibly difficult due to their advanced security measures and pervasive surveillance. Rick initially attempts to escape but realizes that doing so could endanger the communities he left behind. He strategically chooses to remain within the CRM to learn more about their operations and find a way to neutralize them from the inside. His priorities shift over time as he assesses the risks and potential rewards of different courses of action.
12. Is Rick Grimes a Hero or Something Else Entirely?
Rick Grimes is a deeply complex and flawed character. While he embodies heroic qualities such as selflessness, courage, and a strong moral code, he also makes mistakes and exhibits moments of weakness and brutality. His journey is one of constant evolution, forcing him to adapt and make difficult choices in a world where morality is often ambiguous. He is not simply a hero, but a nuanced representation of humanity struggling to survive in the face of unimaginable adversity. Ultimately, his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good solidifies his status as a complex and compelling leader.