Rick Grimes, the stalwart leader of The Walking Dead, does not die in the television series. While his departure in Season 9’s Episode 5, titled “What Comes After,” leads viewers to believe he has succumbed to his injuries, the episode reveals a more nuanced ending that sets the stage for his eventual return in a spin-off series.
“What Comes After”: A Deep Dive into Rick’s Fate
“What Comes After” is a watershed moment in The Walking Dead history. It marks the departure of the show’s central character, Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln. The episode is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, interweaving action, suspense, and poignant flashbacks. We see Rick struggling against overwhelming odds, his body severely wounded, leading a horde of walkers away from his friends and the burgeoning community they are building.
His hallucinations of past characters like Shane, Hershel, and Sasha serve as both a comforting reminder of his journey and a stark acknowledgment of the sacrifices he has made. These visions push him forward, fueling his determination to protect his family and his people. Ultimately, he sacrifices himself, or so it seems, by blowing up a bridge teeming with walkers, seemingly ensuring their demise and securing the safety of Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside.
However, in the final moments, we witness Jadis (Anne) rescuing Rick via helicopter, revealing that he is alive and will be taken away to a new, unknown location. This twist sets up the potential for future storylines and ultimately leads to the development of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, a spin-off series focused on Rick and Michonne’s journey to find each other. The episode strategically misleads the audience into believing Rick’s death, making his eventual return all the more impactful. Rick Grimes’ perceived death is a pivotal plot device, designed to shake up the narrative and open new avenues for storytelling within The Walking Dead universe.
Unpacking the Spin-Off: The Ones Who Live
The spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, directly addresses Rick’s fate after his departure in Season 9. It explores his time with the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a powerful and enigmatic organization that plays a significant role in the Walking Dead universe. The series details Rick’s struggles to escape the CRM and his eventual reunion with Michonne. It fills in the gaps left by his disappearance and offers a deeper understanding of the world beyond the familiar communities.
This spin-off confirms definitively that Rick survives the events of “What Comes After.” It reveals that he spent years as a conscript of the CRM, constantly plotting his escape. The series not only showcases his physical and mental resilience but also offers closure to the long-unanswered questions surrounding his disappearance. Therefore, while Rick is absent from the main series after Season 9, he is very much alive and his story continues in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rick Grimes’s Departure
1. Why Did Andrew Lincoln Leave The Walking Dead?
Andrew Lincoln’s decision to leave The Walking Dead was primarily driven by a desire to be closer to his family, who resided in the United Kingdom. Filming the series required him to spend extended periods in the United States, making it difficult to maintain a consistent presence in his children’s lives. His family commitments were the primary reason for his departure.
2. Did Andrew Lincoln Want Rick Grimes to be Killed Off?
While the possibility of killing off Rick Grimes was discussed, Andrew Lincoln expressed a desire for the character to have an open-ended conclusion that would allow for potential future appearances. He was ultimately involved in shaping the narrative of his departure, working with the showrunners to create a storyline that honored the character’s legacy while leaving the door open for his return. Lincoln had input into Rick’s departure storyline and preferred a non-fatal exit.
3. What is the CRM and Why Did They Take Rick?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a highly organized and technologically advanced military force within the Walking Dead universe. They are associated with the Civic Republic (CR), a vast and secretive community with advanced infrastructure and resources. Jadis, having previously traded people to the CRM, saw Rick as a valuable asset to be bartered with. She likely perceived him as a strong leader who could benefit their organization. The CRM likely took him for his perceived potential and to be a soldier, potentially brainwashing them into the ranks.
4. Will Rick Grimes Ever Return to the Main Walking Dead Series?
Rick Grimes does not return to the main Walking Dead series after his departure in Season 9. His story is continued in the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. While the main series does feature callbacks and references to Rick’s legacy, he does not physically reappear. His story is confined to the spin-off series.
5. Is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live a Direct Sequel to Rick’s Departure?
Yes, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live directly picks up after Rick’s departure in Season 9. It fills in the gaps and explores his experiences with the CRM, as well as Michonne’s journey to find him. It provides a crucial continuation of his storyline and provides closure to his arc. The spin-off directly follows and expands upon Rick’s story after his presumed death.
6. Who Rescued Rick Grimes in the Helicopter?
Jadis (Anne), a character previously associated with the Scavengers, rescued Rick Grimes in the helicopter. She was in contact with the CRM and traded people for supplies. Seeing Rick severely wounded, she bartered him to the CRM, saving his life but also thrusting him into an entirely new and dangerous situation. Jadis saved Rick and traded him to the CRM.
7. How Does Rick Escape the CRM?
The specifics of Rick’s escape from the CRM are explored in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The series details his various attempts to leave, the obstacles he faces, and the alliances he forms along the way. It is a complex and protracted process involving strategic planning, physical endurance, and emotional resilience. Rick’s escape is a central plot point of The Ones Who Live.
8. What are the Implications of Rick’s Survival on the Walking Dead Universe?
Rick’s survival significantly expands the scope of the Walking Dead universe. It introduces new factions, advanced technology, and complex geopolitical dynamics. It also provides opportunities for future crossovers and collaborations between different Walking Dead series. The existence of the CRM suggests a much larger and more structured world beyond the familiar communities. Rick’s survival broadens the scope of the Walking Dead universe.
9. How Long Was Rick With the CRM?
The exact duration of Rick’s time with the CRM is revealed in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. While it is not explicitly stated, it is implied that he spent several years with the organization, enduring rigorous training and facing constant challenges to his loyalty and his desire to escape. It is implied that he was within the CRM for up to a decade.
10. Will Rick Grimes and Michonne Stay Together After The Ones Who Live?
The ending of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live implies that Rick and Michonne will finally remain together, returning to their family and friends after years of separation and struggle. While future storylines are always a possibility, the series provides a sense of closure to their individual journeys and their relationship.
11. How Does Rick’s “Death” Affect Other Characters in The Walking Dead?
Rick’s perceived death has a profound impact on the other characters in The Walking Dead. It forces them to confront their own mortality, step up as leaders, and continue building a future in a world that remains dangerous and unpredictable. His absence motivates them to honor his legacy and maintain the values he instilled in them. Rick’s death is a catalyst for character development and community growth.
12. Is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Worth Watching If I Liked Rick Grimes?
Absolutely. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is essential viewing for fans of Rick Grimes. It provides crucial closure to his story, reveals his experiences with the CRM, and showcases his reunion with Michonne. It is a satisfying and emotional conclusion to his long and arduous journey. It offers a deeper understanding of his character and confirms the long awaited fate that fans deserve.