Michonne’s last appearance on The Walking Dead was in Season 10, Episode 13, titled “What We Become,” which aired on March 22, 2020. In this pivotal episode, she embarks on a crucial journey fueled by the hope of finding Rick Grimes, ultimately charting a new course separate from her community.
Decoding “What We Become”: Michonne’s Exit Strategy
“What We Become” is more than just a final episode; it’s a carefully crafted narrative that sets the stage for Michonne’s (Danai Gurira) exit from the main series while simultaneously opening doors to potential future storylines, particularly concerning Rick Grimes’s fate. The episode finds Michonne on Bloodsworth Island with Virgil, the troubled character she encounters while searching for weapons for the ongoing war against the Whisperers.
The Illusion of Choice: A Vision of the Past
The episode’s central conflict revolves around Michonne’s accidental exposure to hallucinogenic drugs, creating vivid and unsettling visions of an alternate reality. These visions offer a glimpse into a life where Michonne never encountered Rick’s group, showcasing the dark path she could have taken. This segment highlights the profound impact Rick and the community had on shaping Michonne’s character, emphasizing her growth from a hardened survivor to a compassionate leader. We see scenarios where she is responsible for Andrea’s death and a Savior, painting a stark contrast to the Michonne we know.
Discovering Rick’s Clues: Rekindling Hope
The most crucial element of “What We Become” is the discovery of evidence suggesting Rick’s survival. Michonne stumbles upon an old military-style boot with a drawing of herself and Judith etched onto it, along with other personal items belonging to Rick. This discovery shatters her belief that he died in the bridge explosion and reignites a powerful hope of reuniting with him. This realization is the catalyst for her departure.
A Journey of Hope and Uncertainty: Setting Sail
Inspired by Rick’s potential survival, Michonne decides to leave the group and venture north in search of him. She believes this is the best chance to finally reunite her family. As she travels, she encounters a large group of survivors heading in the same direction, offering a glimmer of hope for a stronger future. The episode ends with Michonne joining forces with this group, setting her on a path towards an unknown destination, hinting at the potential for future appearances in the franchise. This allows the writers to leave the door open for her return in the Rick and Michonne spin-off.
Understanding Michonne’s Significance: A Character Retrospective
Michonne is one of the most beloved and impactful characters in The Walking Dead franchise. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty made her a fan favorite. Her journey from a traumatized survivor to a trusted leader and devoted mother resonated deeply with viewers.
Impact on Alexandria and Beyond
Michonne’s leadership in Alexandria was instrumental in its survival. She consistently put the needs of the community above her own, making difficult decisions to ensure its safety and prosperity. Her relationship with Rick, particularly her role as a mother figure to Judith, was a cornerstone of the series’ emotional core.
A Legacy of Hope and Determination
Michonne’s departure, although bittersweet, reinforces the theme of hope and determination that permeates The Walking Dead. Her decision to search for Rick, despite the slim odds, embodies the series’ enduring message that even in the face of unimaginable loss and adversity, hope can prevail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Michonne’s Departure
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Michonne’s exit from The Walking Dead, addressing common inquiries and providing further insights.
FAQ 1: Why did Danai Gurira leave The Walking Dead?
Danai Gurira’s decision to leave The Walking Dead was primarily driven by her burgeoning career in film and theater. She sought opportunities to explore different roles and projects, including her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Okoye in Black Panther and Avengers films.
FAQ 2: Was Michonne’s exit planned from the beginning of Season 10?
Yes, Michonne’s exit was planned well in advance of Season 10. The writers and producers collaborated with Danai Gurira to create a fitting send-off for her character that would honor her legacy while also allowing for potential future appearances.
FAQ 3: Did Michonne’s exit affect the show’s overall narrative?
Yes, Michonne’s exit significantly impacted the show’s narrative, particularly the dynamics within Alexandria and the overall leadership structure. Her absence created a void that other characters had to step up to fill, leading to new storylines and character development.
FAQ 4: What clues led Michonne to believe Rick was still alive?
The key clue was the old military-style boot with a drawing of Michonne and Judith, along with other personal belongings of Rick, found on Bloodsworth Island. These items strongly suggested that Rick had survived the bridge explosion and was possibly being held captive or had simply moved on.
FAQ 5: How did Virgil influence Michonne’s decision to leave?
Virgil played a crucial, albeit unintentional, role in Michonne’s departure. By leading her to Bloodsworth Island, he inadvertently placed her in a position to discover the evidence of Rick’s survival, setting in motion her decision to leave and search for him.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of Michonne’s hallucinations in “What We Become”?
The hallucinations in “What We Become” served to highlight Michonne’s growth and transformation throughout the series. They showcased the dark path she could have taken had she not encountered Rick and his group, emphasizing the positive influence they had on her life.
FAQ 7: What happened to Michonne after she left the group?
The episode concludes with Michonne joining a large group of survivors heading north, presumably in search of Rick. This sets the stage for her potential involvement in future storylines, particularly in the Rick and Michonne spin-off. The details of her journey remain largely unknown until this spin-off.
FAQ 8: Will Michonne and Rick reunite in the future of The Walking Dead franchise?
This is the central question that fuels the excitement surrounding the upcoming Rick and Michonne spin-off. The series is expected to explore their individual journeys and ultimately lead to their long-awaited reunion.
FAQ 9: How did the other characters react to Michonne’s departure?
The other characters in Alexandria were supportive of Michonne’s decision to search for Rick, despite the sadness of her leaving. They understood the importance of her mission and wished her well on her journey. They understood she was compelled to find her love.
FAQ 10: How did Michonne’s departure impact Judith and RJ?
Michonne’s departure deeply affected Judith, who had grown to see her as a mother figure. RJ, being younger, may not have fully grasped the situation, but her absence was felt nonetheless. Michonne’s decision underscores her commitment to reuniting their family.
FAQ 11: Was Michonne’s exit a permanent one for the main series?
Yes, “What We Become” marked Michonne’s official exit from the main Walking Dead series. While her presence was missed, the writers crafted a satisfying conclusion to her arc while leaving the door open for future appearances in other Walking Dead projects.
FAQ 12: Where can fans see Michonne again in The Walking Dead universe?
Fans can anticipate seeing Michonne again in the upcoming Rick and Michonne spin-off, officially titled “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” where she and Rick will finally reunite and their individual storylines will converge. This highly anticipated series will explore their lives post-separation and the challenges they face in a new and dangerous world.