Rick Grimes, the iconic protagonist of The Walking Dead, exits the series in season 9, episode 5, titled “What Comes After.” His departure marks a pivotal moment in the show, fundamentally altering its narrative trajectory and leaving a lasting impact on the remaining characters and the overall storyline.
Understanding Rick’s Final Episode: “What Comes After”
The circumstances surrounding Rick Grimes’s departure are complex and emotionally charged. He is critically wounded while preventing a massive herd of walkers from reaching Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside. Over the course of the episode, his friends and family believe him to be dead, sacrificing himself to save their communities. However, in a shocking reveal, Rick is secretly rescued by Jadis (Anne), who uses her CRM (Civic Republic Military) helicopter connection to transport him to an unknown location.
This isn’t a simple death scene; it’s a planned exit to facilitate Andrew Lincoln’s personal desire to spend more time with his family. The narrative is intentionally left open-ended, teasing Rick’s survival and potential future adventures within The Walking Dead universe. The episode masterfully blends action, suspense, and emotional farewells, making it a truly unforgettable chapter in the series. It expertly uses Rick’s hallucinations of past characters like Shane, Hershel, and Sasha to explore his guilt, motivations, and ultimately, his unwavering dedication to protecting his family and building a better world.
Exploring the Significance of Rick’s Departure
Rick’s absence fundamentally reshaped The Walking Dead. It necessitated a shift in focus to other characters, particularly Daryl, Michonne, and Carol, who assumed leadership roles in his stead. The narrative became more ensemble-driven, allowing previously supporting characters to develop more fully and take on greater responsibilities. The time jump following Rick’s disappearance further contributed to this change, introducing new conflicts, communities, and power dynamics within the post-apocalyptic landscape.
The impact of Rick’s presumed death on his loved ones, especially Michonne and Judith, was profound. Michonne, grappling with grief and the challenges of raising Judith, became even more protective and hardened. Judith, having only known Rick as her adoptive father, carried his values and unwavering spirit, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience in a world consumed by darkness.
FAQs About Rick’s Departure from The Walking Dead
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of Rick Grimes’s departure:
H3 Q1: Why did Andrew Lincoln leave The Walking Dead?
Andrew Lincoln’s primary reason for leaving The Walking Dead was to spend more time with his family, who resided in England while the show filmed in the United States. The demanding production schedule and prolonged absence from his family ultimately led to his decision to step away from the series as a regular cast member. He felt it was important to reconnect with his wife and children after dedicating so much time and energy to the show for nearly a decade.
H3 Q2: Is Rick Grimes really dead in The Walking Dead?
No, Rick Grimes is not dead. While the characters in the show believe him to be dead after the bridge explosion in “What Comes After,” the episode’s ending reveals that he was rescued by Jadis and taken away in a CRM helicopter. This sets the stage for his future appearances in the Walking Dead universe.
H3 Q3: What is the CRM?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a powerful and secretive organization within The Walking Dead universe. They possess advanced technology and resources, including helicopters and a highly organized military force. Their goals and motivations are not entirely clear, but they are known to collect survivors, potentially for scientific research or labor purposes. They represent a significant threat due to their unknown agenda and advanced capabilities.
H3 Q4: What Walking Dead projects will Rick Grimes be in?
Andrew Lincoln is confirmed to be returning as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, a limited series alongside Michonne (Danai Gurira). The series will explore what happened to Rick after he was taken by the CRM and his eventual reunion with Michonne. The series is a direct continuation of the events surrounding his abduction.
H3 Q5: How did Jadis save Rick?
Jadis, also known as Anne, had a pre-existing arrangement with the CRM. She could trade people for supplies or access to their community. She labeled Rick as a “B,” signifying that he could potentially be a useful asset to the CRM. This designation allowed her to call in the CRM helicopter to rescue him from the bridge explosion.
H3 Q6: What season and episode does Michonne leave to find Rick?
Michonne leaves to find Rick in season 10, episode 13, titled “What We Become.” During her journey, she discovers evidence suggesting Rick survived the bridge explosion and was transported elsewhere. This discovery motivates her to embark on a quest to find him, leaving Alexandria behind.
H3 Q7: How does Judith know about Rick?
Judith was adopted by Rick after Lori’s death. While she was very young when he disappeared, she retains memories of him. Michonne also frequently shares stories about Rick, ensuring his legacy and values are passed down to Judith. Judith holds Rick in high regard and strives to emulate his character.
H3 Q8: Will other Walking Dead characters appear in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live?
While the primary focus of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is on Rick and Michonne, there is speculation and hope that other familiar faces from The Walking Dead may make appearances. The CRM’s reach and influence throughout the post-apocalyptic landscape mean that the possibility of encountering other characters is definitely present.
H3 Q9: What happened to Rick’s group after he left?
Following Rick’s presumed death, the communities of Alexandria, Hilltop, and Oceanside experienced a period of grief and adjustment. Daryl, Carol, and Michonne stepped up to fill the leadership void, facing new threats and challenges. A time jump of several years occurred, introducing new conflicts and altering the power dynamics of the region, including the rise of the Whisperers.
H3 Q10: Why did they pretend Rick was dead on the show?
The narrative choice to initially portray Rick’s departure as a death served several purposes. It provided a dramatic and emotional conclusion to Andrew Lincoln’s run as a regular cast member. It also allowed the show to explore the impact of grief and loss on the remaining characters. Finally, it created a significant plot twist that could be revisited later, paving the way for his eventual return to the Walking Dead universe.
H3 Q11: Where exactly was Rick taken by the CRM?
The exact location where Rick was taken by the CRM has remained shrouded in mystery. Trailers and previews for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live hint at a heavily fortified community within the Civic Republic, suggesting that he might have been taken to a major CRM base. Further details will be revealed as the series unfolds.
H3 Q12: Will Rick ever return to Alexandria?
Whether Rick will ever return to Alexandria remains to be seen. The events of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will undoubtedly shape his future trajectory and determine whether he will ultimately reunite with his family and friends in Alexandria. The series will likely explore his desire to return home and the obstacles that stand in his way. The CRM undoubtedly will play a pivotal role in whether he can even attempt that return.