Michonne discovers Rick’s iconic boots, a potent symbol of hope amidst devastating loss, in Season 9, Episode 14, titled “Scars.” This discovery, coupled with other remnants of Rick’s presumed demise, profoundly impacts Michonne and shapes her actions in subsequent episodes and seasons.
The Discovery: Unraveling “Scars”
“Scars” is a particularly heavy episode, dealing with Michonne’s dark past and the introduction of Jocelyn, a friend from her pre-apocalyptic life who now leads a group of feral children. While the episode primarily focuses on Michonne’s struggle with trust and her brutal decision to protect Alexandria, the closing scene unveils the heart-wrenching moment when she finds Rick Grimes’ boots washed ashore on a beach.
The scene is brief but incredibly powerful. Michonne, ever vigilant, is patrolling the coastline with Daryl and others. It’s a bleak landscape, mirroring the grief and uncertainty that has gripped the community since Rick’s apparent sacrifice. The camera focuses on the familiar outline of the boots nestled amongst the debris. The shock and devastation are palpable on Michonne’s face, confirming the worst fears she’s secretly harbored. She also discovers a small piece of a walkie-talkie, further cementing the belief that Rick is truly gone.
This discovery isn’t just about finding a pair of boots; it’s about confronting the finality of Rick’s absence. It’s the extinguishing of a flame of hope that Michonne had desperately clung to. It directly leads to Michonne’s isolationist policies regarding new settlements, fearing another betrayal or loss like the one she experienced with Jocelyn and, seemingly, with Rick.
The Impact: Shaping Michonne’s Decisions
The find in “Scars” acts as a major turning point for Michonne. It solidifies her resolve to protect Judith and RJ at all costs, even if it means closing Alexandria off to outsiders. She becomes fiercely protective, bordering on paranoid. This protective instinct, born from grief and the trauma of loss, significantly influences her leadership style and her interactions with other communities.
The boots also serve as a constant reminder of Rick, influencing her decisions in subtle, yet profound ways. She carries his memory with her, striving to uphold the values he instilled in her and the other survivors. Though she outwardly accepts his death, the discovery plants a seed of doubt, which eventually blossoms into a renewed search for him years later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rick’s Boots and Michonne’s Journey
Here are some commonly asked questions about the discovery of Rick’s boots and its broader implications:
What specific items besides the boots did Michonne find?
Besides Rick’s boots, Michonne also finds a piece of a walkie-talkie. This seemingly insignificant piece of equipment plays a crucial role, as it suggests Rick survived the bridge explosion and was potentially trying to communicate.
Why was the discovery of the boots so significant for Michonne?
The boots served as tangible evidence of Rick’s fate, confirming her worst fears and highlighting the immense loss she had suffered. While she hadn’t given up hope entirely, seeing his boots felt like a definitive end to his story for a long period.
Did anyone else find anything belonging to Rick at the same time?
Yes, Daryl was present with Michonne during the coastline search, but it was Michonne who first spotted the boots. He shared in her grief and understood the significance of the discovery.
How did the other characters react to Michonne’s discovery?
The reactions of other characters were not explicitly shown on-screen in that specific scene. However, it’s implied that they understood the importance of the find. Later, Judith inheriting Rick’s deputy hat further underscored the family’s enduring connection to Rick’s memory.
What happened to the boots after Michonne found them?
The fate of the actual boots is not explicitly shown on screen. It’s likely that Michonne kept them as a memento, a constant reminder of Rick and the sacrifices he made.
Did the discovery of the boots change Michonne’s relationship with Daryl?
Yes, in a way. It deepened their bond through shared grief. Both had lost someone they deeply cared for and this discovery solidified their understanding of each other’s pain, even though Daryl continued his search while Michonne tried to move on.
How does this discovery tie into Michonne leaving Alexandria?
Years later, Michonne finds evidence suggesting Rick might be alive, rekindling the hope that had been dormant since finding the boots. This prompts her to leave Alexandria and embark on a perilous journey to find him, leaving Judith and RJ in the care of others.
What evidence led Michonne to believe Rick was still alive despite finding his boots?
Michonne encounters evidence suggesting Rick was transported somewhere else after the bridge explosion. This evidence is found on a boat and includes drawings that Judith recognizes. This discovery overrides the previous assumptions based on the boots and the walkie-talkie fragment.
What season and episode does Michonne leave Alexandria to search for Rick?
Michonne departs on her mission to find Rick in Season 10, Episode 13, titled “What We Become.” This episode is pivotal, revealing more about Michonne’s past and solidifying her determination to find Rick.
How did Rick supposedly survive the bridge explosion?
The circumstances of Rick’s survival are not fully detailed within the main The Walking Dead series at the time of this article’s writing. However, it’s revealed that Jadis/Anne saved Rick after the explosion and transported him to a CRM (Civic Republic Military) helicopter. His rescue is related to her prior dealings with the CRM, a powerful organization that features heavily in The Walking Dead: World Beyond and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
What is the CRM and their significance in Rick’s survival?
The CRM (Civic Republic Military) is a highly organized and powerful military force associated with the Civic Republic, a sprawling and technologically advanced community hidden from the rest of the world. Jadis traded people to the CRM in exchange for resources and their involvement is the key to Rick’s rescue and subsequent captivity. The CRM plays a significant role in Rick’s storyline after his disappearance from the main series.
How does “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” series relate to Michonne’s search for Rick?
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live directly addresses Michonne’s search and Rick’s experiences within the CRM. It details their individual journeys and the challenges they face in trying to reunite, providing answers and expanding upon the mysteries surrounding Rick’s disappearance and the CRM’s overarching influence. The boots found in “Scars” are a catalyst for the events that eventually lead to this reunion.