Michonne, the katana-wielding warrior, bids farewell to the core group in Season 10, Episode 13, titled “What We Become.” This episode marks the end of Danai Gurira’s tenure as a series regular, setting the stage for Michonne’s independent journey and potential future appearances within the Walking Dead universe.
Michonne’s Exit: A Deep Dive into “What We Become”
The episode “What We Become” isn’t just a send-off; it’s a character study, a reflection on Michonne’s past, and a springboard for her future. The narrative centers around Michonne’s trip to Bloodsworth Island, Maryland, with Virgil, the man who offered her weapons for Alexandria. What begins as a simple exchange quickly spirals into a hallucinatory journey fueled by drugged tea and fragmented memories.
Instead of solely focusing on Michonne’s present motivations, the episode cleverly uses altered realities to explore what could have been. We see glimpses of Michonne joining Negan’s Saviors, highlighting the potential for her to fall prey to darkness and violence. This internal conflict is a powerful reminder of the trauma she’s endured and the strength she possesses to consistently choose the path of good.
The pivotal moment arrives when Michonne discovers evidence that Rick Grimes survived the bridge explosion years earlier. She finds his boots and a crudely drawn portrait of herself and Judith on a Japanese cargo ship. This discovery reignites her hope and fuels her decision to leave the community in search of him.
While “What We Become” offers closure for Michonne’s character arc within the main series, it strategically leaves her storyline open-ended. The closing scenes depict her encountering a large group of survivors moving north, hinting at future adventures and potential reunions.
Why Did Danai Gurira Leave The Walking Dead?
The decision for Danai Gurira to leave The Walking Dead stemmed from her desire to pursue other acting opportunities and explore different aspects of her career. Gurira, an accomplished playwright and actress, had gained significant recognition for her role as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Balancing her commitment to The Walking Dead with these burgeoning opportunities became increasingly challenging.
Negotiations with AMC were reportedly lengthy and complex. While the showrunners were keen on retaining Gurira, they ultimately respected her decision to pursue other avenues. Her departure was handled with careful consideration, ensuring a respectful and meaningful exit for her beloved character.
Michonne’s Legacy on The Walking Dead
Michonne’s impact on The Walking Dead is undeniable. From her iconic entrance as a mysterious, katana-wielding figure to her evolution into a leader, a lover, and a mother, she embodies resilience, strength, and compassion. Her relationship with Rick Grimes, particularly their adoption of Carl and Judith, became a cornerstone of the show’s emotional core.
Her strategic thinking, combat prowess, and unwavering loyalty made her an invaluable asset to the group. Beyond her physical capabilities, Michonne’s moral compass and her ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas shaped the community’s values and guided them through countless crises.
Michonne’s absence is deeply felt by both the characters within the show and the audience watching it. Her influence, however, remains a powerful force, shaping the decisions and motivations of those she left behind. The hope for her return, fueled by the hints of Rick’s survival, continues to resonate within the Walking Dead universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Michonne’s Departure
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Michonne’s exit from The Walking Dead, providing further clarity and insight into her character’s journey.
H3 Is Michonne really leaving The Walking Dead for good?
While Michonne has departed from the main The Walking Dead series, her storyline is intentionally left open. The discovery of Rick’s potential survival suggests that she could reappear in future Walking Dead projects, such as the upcoming Rick and Michonne spin-off. Therefore, while her time on the main series is over, her story is not necessarily finished.
H3 What was the significance of the hallucination sequence in “What We Become”?
The hallucination sequence served as a crucial character exploration tool. It allowed viewers to witness a darker version of Michonne, revealing the potential for her to embrace violence and succumb to despair. This highlights the constant internal battle she faces and the strength it takes to consistently choose the path of good. It also reinforces the importance of her relationship with Rick and the community in keeping her grounded.
H3 How did Michonne react to the news of Rick’s potential survival?
Finding Rick’s belongings sparked a renewed sense of hope and purpose in Michonne. It reignited her love for him and fueled her determination to find him, no matter the cost. This revelation was the catalyst for her decision to leave the community and embark on a dangerous quest to reunite with the man she loves.
H3 What happened to Virgil after Michonne left Bloodsworth Island?
Virgil remained on Bloodsworth Island. While he initially misled Michonne, he ultimately regretted his actions and helped her discover the evidence of Rick’s survival. His fate after Michonne’s departure is unknown, but he played a significant role in setting her new journey in motion.
H3 What was the meaning of the children Michonne encountered at the end of the episode?
The children represent the future of the Walking Dead world. Their call for help suggests that there are other communities struggling and in need of assistance. Michonne’s decision to help them reinforces her commitment to protecting innocent lives and building a better future, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. This also hints at larger conflicts and alliances yet to be explored.
H3 Will Danai Gurira return to The Walking Dead franchise in the future?
While nothing is confirmed, the upcoming Rick and Michonne spin-off series makes a return highly likely. The narrative explicitly focuses on their reunion and subsequent adventures, meaning Danai Gurira is expected to reprise her role as Michonne alongside Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes.
H3 Why was Michonne searching for weapons for Alexandria?
Alexandria was facing increased threats from walkers and other communities. Michonne’s mission to Bloodsworth Island was to secure weapons and supplies to strengthen the community’s defenses and ensure its survival. This reflects her ongoing commitment to protecting her loved ones and maintaining Alexandria’s stability.
H3 How did Michonne’s departure affect Judith and RJ?
Michonne’s decision to leave had a profound impact on Judith and RJ. Judith, having already lost her father, understood the importance of finding him and supported Michonne’s quest. RJ, being younger, struggled more with her absence. Michonne promised to return, but the uncertainty of the situation undoubtedly weighed heavily on both children.
H3 What were the key items Michonne found that suggested Rick was alive?
The key items were Rick’s boots, which she recognized immediately, and a crudely drawn portrait of herself and Judith etched onto a cell phone cover. These items, found on a Japanese cargo ship, provided irrefutable evidence that Rick had survived the bridge explosion and had likely been taken far from Virginia.
H3 Did Michonne tell anyone else about her plan to look for Rick?
Michonne informed Judith about her plans, as Judith deserved to know the truth about her father’s potential survival. She likely also confided in a few trusted allies within Alexandria, although the show doesn’t explicitly depict these conversations.
H3 How has Michonne’s character evolved throughout The Walking Dead?
Michonne’s character arc is one of the most compelling in The Walking Dead. She started as a hardened survivor, distrustful of others and focused solely on self-preservation. Over time, through her relationships with Rick, Carl, and Judith, she learned to trust, love, and embrace her humanity. She became a leader, a protector, and a symbol of hope.
H3 What is the overall impact of Michonne’s departure on the show’s narrative?
Michonne’s departure significantly shifted the dynamic of the remaining characters. Her absence created a void in leadership and emotional support. However, it also opened up new narrative possibilities, particularly concerning the search for Rick and the exploration of new communities and threats within the Walking Dead universe. Her departure ultimately paved the way for new storylines and character developments, ensuring the show’s continued evolution.