Episode 5 of “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” titled ‘Become,’ delivers a devastating blow, showcasing the brutal reality of the CRM while forcing Rick and Michonne to confront their conflicting desires for freedom and family. Rick’s attempts to manipulate the CRM system crumble as he witnesses horrifying betrayals, ultimately leading to a pivotal choice between loyalty to Michonne and the perceived safety of Alexandria.
The Heartbreak of Hope and the Brutality of the CRM
The episode opens with the fallout from Rick and Michonne’s attempted escape in the previous episode. While they initially succeed in outmaneuvering the CRM soldiers, the consequences are swift and brutal. The discovery of Nat’s sacrifice and the sheer desperation of their situation immediately sets a somber tone.
Rick and Michonne are apprehended and brought back to the CRM base, where they face harsh interrogation. It’s during this period that we see the true depths of Okafor’s twisted ideology and the ruthlessness of Major General Beale. Beale lays bare the horrifying logic behind the CRM’s “security” measures: preemptive strikes against perceived threats, including entire communities.
Okafor’s Legacy: A Toxic Seed Planted
The most impactful revelation is Okafor’s manipulation of Rick. Okafor’s “plan” was never about a better future; it was a twisted experiment to see if exceptional people like Rick could be molded to fit the CRM’s agenda. Okafor believed Rick could “become” the kind of leader the CRM needed – a leader willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good, regardless of the human cost. The episode reinforces the understanding that Okafor’s vision was a dangerous blend of pragmatism and moral bankruptcy.
The Weight of Beale’s Words: A Glimpse into CRM’s Soul
Major General Beale serves as the ultimate embodiment of the CRM’s ideology. His stoic demeanor and chilling rationale for their actions illustrate the organization’s commitment to preserving itself at all costs. He justifies the destruction of Omaha and the Campus Colony as necessary evils, preventative measures against potential zombie hordes and the inevitable resource scarcity. This scene reveals the CRM’s core belief: humanity must be sacrificed to save humanity, a chilling paradox that underscores the show’s exploration of moral gray areas. The sheer scale of their deception and violence is genuinely shocking.
Rick and Michonne: Torn Between Worlds
The central conflict of the episode revolves around Rick and Michonne’s differing perspectives. Rick, scarred by his experiences, is desperate to protect Alexandria, even if it means compromising his principles and playing the CRM’s game. Michonne, on the other hand, refuses to succumb to the CRM’s control. She sees the humanity within Rick, even as he attempts to bury it, and she fights to remind him of who he is.
Rick’s Calculated Surrender: A Desperate Gambit
Rick’s decision to seemingly embrace the CRM is a calculated maneuver, born out of a desire to protect Alexandria. He believes that by ascending within the ranks, he can influence the CRM from within and prevent them from targeting his home. This is a stark contrast to the Rick we knew from earlier seasons; a Rick willing to compromise his own identity to safeguard the people he loves. The audience grapples with the ambiguity of his actions, questioning whether he is truly succumbing to the CRM or playing a dangerous long game. Rick’s internal struggle is a defining characteristic of his arc in this episode.
Michonne’s Unwavering Belief: A Beacon of Hope
Michonne represents the antithesis of the CRM’s ideology. She embodies hope, resilience, and unwavering belief in humanity. Her refusal to accept the CRM’s lies and her determination to break through Rick’s hardened exterior are the driving forces behind the episode’s climax. She reminds Rick of his past, his values, and the family he’s fighting for. Michonne’s unwavering faith in Rick is the key to his eventual awakening.
The Climax: A Choice Between Two Evils
The climax of the episode is a tense standoff between Rick, Michonne, and Major General Beale. Rick is forced to prove his loyalty to the CRM by eliminating Michonne, a test designed to break his spirit completely. This scene is agonizing to watch, as Rick appears to betray everything he stands for.
However, in a sudden turn of events, Rick turns the tables on Beale, killing him and initiating a desperate escape with Michonne. This act signifies Rick’s ultimate rejection of the CRM’s ideology and his commitment to his family and values. The escape is fraught with peril, underscoring the immense power and resources of the CRM.
The final moments of the episode solidify Rick and Michonne’s bond and their renewed commitment to fighting for a better future, even against insurmountable odds. They understand that escaping the CRM is just the beginning, and that the real battle is yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly is the CRM, and what are their goals?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a highly organized and technologically advanced military force operating out of the Civic Republic, a massive, hidden city. Their stated goal is to ensure the survival of humanity by maintaining order and security, often through ruthless and preemptive measures. They believe in eliminating any perceived threat to their existence, even if it means sacrificing other communities.
Q2: Why did Okafor want Rick and Michonne in the CRM?
Okafor believed that individuals with exceptional leadership qualities, like Rick and Michonne, could be molded into valuable assets for the CRM. He saw them as potential instruments to implement his twisted vision of a “better future,” where difficult choices are made for the greater good, regardless of the ethical implications. In reality, he was conducting a dangerous experiment in control and manipulation.
Q3: What was the significance of Nat’s sacrifice?
Nat’s sacrifice highlights the desperation and the lengths people are willing to go to for those they care about. It also underscores the CRM’s reach and their ability to manipulate situations to their advantage. It serves as a catalyst for Rick and Michonne’s renewed determination to escape and fight back.
Q4: Why did Rick initially pretend to be loyal to the CRM?
Rick’s apparent loyalty was a calculated strategy to protect Alexandria. He believed that by ascending within the CRM ranks, he could influence the organization from within and prevent them from targeting his home. It was a desperate gamble based on a flawed understanding of the CRM’s true nature.
Q5: What does “Echelon Beyond” mean in the context of the CRM?
“Echelon Beyond” refers to highly classified operations and knowledge within the CRM that are reserved for only the highest-ranking officials. It represents a level of control and secrecy that allows the CRM to operate with impunity, making it difficult for outsiders to understand their true agenda.
Q6: How does the CRM acquire resources and maintain its infrastructure?
The CRM likely relies on a combination of scavenging, resource management within the Civic Republic, and potentially, exploitation of other communities. The scale of their operation suggests a complex and efficient system for acquiring and distributing resources. The details of this system are deliberately kept hidden, adding to the mystery surrounding the CRM.
Q7: What motivates Major General Beale?
Beale is motivated by a fanatical belief in the CRM’s ideology and the necessity of their actions. He sees himself as a protector of humanity, even if it requires sacrificing others in the process. His unwavering commitment to this twisted vision makes him a dangerous and formidable antagonist. Beale exemplifies the dangers of unchecked power and unwavering belief in one’s own righteousness.
Q8: Is there any hope for reforming the CRM from within?
While Okafor believed he could mold individuals to fit the CRM’s agenda, the episode implies that true reform from within is unlikely. The organization’s deep-seated corruption and rigid hierarchy make it resistant to change. The sheer scale of the CRM’s power and resources makes it extremely difficult to influence from within.
Q9: What is the relationship between the CRM and the Civic Republic?
The CRM acts as the military force protecting the Civic Republic, but it is heavily implied that they hold significant power within the overall structure of the Civic Republic itself. The exact power dynamics are complex and not fully explored, but it’s clear that the CRM wields considerable influence and control.
Q10: What is Alexandria’s current state, and is it truly under threat from the CRM?
Alexandria’s current state is unknown, but Rick’s primary motivation throughout the episode stems from his belief that the CRM poses a direct threat to its safety. Given the CRM’s track record of eliminating perceived threats, this concern is not unfounded. Rick’s fear of the CRM targeting Alexandria fuels his actions and drives the narrative.
Q11: What are the implications of Beale’s death for the CRM’s future operations?
While Beale’s death is a significant blow to the CRM, it is unlikely to cripple the organization entirely. The CRM is a massive and deeply entrenched force with numerous high-ranking officers. However, Beale’s absence may create opportunities for internal power struggles and potentially weaken the CRM’s overall effectiveness.
Q12: What’s next for Rick and Michonne after escaping the CRM?
Rick and Michonne’s immediate goal is likely to regroup, gather allies, and potentially expose the CRM’s true nature to the wider world. They will need to overcome the CRM’s vast resources and influence to protect themselves and the communities they care about. Their future will undoubtedly involve a protracted and dangerous struggle against the CRM. Their escape marks the beginning of a new chapter in their fight for freedom and a better future.