Rick Grimes’s final episode on The Walking Dead was Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After,” which aired on November 4, 2018. While this marked Andrew Lincoln’s departure from the main series, it wasn’t the end of Rick’s story within the Walking Dead universe.
The End of an Era: Rick Grimes’s Departure
Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes was undeniably the heart and soul of The Walking Dead for its first nine seasons. His evolution from a wounded sheriff’s deputy to a hardened leader navigating a post-apocalyptic world resonated deeply with audiences. The news of his exit sent shockwaves through the fandom, leaving many wondering about the circumstances and the future of the show. “What Comes After” provided a fitting, albeit bittersweet, sendoff for the character, though crucially, it left the door open for his return in spin-off movies.
The episode itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Rick, severely injured, fights against overwhelming odds, hallucinating past characters like Shane and Sasha, who offer him different perspectives on his journey. His struggle to protect his family and community ultimately leads him to seemingly sacrifice himself to save them from a horde of walkers. However, in the episode’s final moments, it is revealed that Rick survives the explosion and is rescued by Jadis, who calls in a helicopter to take him to an unknown location. This ambiguous ending deliberately set up the planned Rick Grimes movies, expanding the Walking Dead universe beyond the confines of the main series.
Unraveling the Mystery: Frequently Asked Questions
To further understand Rick Grimes’s exit and its implications, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
What were the reasons behind Andrew Lincoln’s departure from The Walking Dead?
Lincoln’s primary reason for leaving the show was to spend more time with his family in the United Kingdom. Filming The Walking Dead in Georgia required him to be away from his wife and children for extended periods. He also expressed a desire to pursue other acting opportunities and explore different creative avenues. The intense demands of portraying Rick Grimes for nearly a decade had taken a toll, and he felt it was time for a change. While the decision was difficult, it ultimately came down to prioritizing his personal life.
How did the showrunners handle Rick Grimes’s exit?
The showrunners, led by then-showrunner Angela Kang, carefully crafted a narrative that allowed Rick to exit the series without being killed off. Recognizing the significance of the character, they opted for an ambiguous ending that preserved the possibility of future appearances. The introduction of the helicopter and the Civic Republic Military (CRM) provided a plausible explanation for Rick’s disappearance and set the stage for the planned spin-off movies. This approach allowed the show to move forward without permanently closing the door on Rick’s story.
What is the Civic Republic Military (CRM) and its role in Rick’s disappearance?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a highly secretive and powerful organization introduced in The Walking Dead universe. They represent a sophisticated civilization with advanced technology and resources. Jadis, having established a relationship with the CRM, uses their helicopter to rescue Rick. The CRM’s motives and overall goals remain largely shrouded in mystery throughout the main series, but they play a crucial role in Rick’s survival and his subsequent involvement in the spin-off world.
Did other main characters leave The Walking Dead around the same time?
Yes, several other long-standing characters either left or had reduced roles around the same time as Rick’s departure. Lauren Cohan, who played Maggie Greene, also temporarily left the show, returning later for the final season. This period marked a significant transition for The Walking Dead, as it navigated the departure of key cast members and introduced new storylines. The show underwent a creative shift, focusing on new character dynamics and exploring different facets of the post-apocalyptic world.
What are the Rick Grimes movies and what is their current status?
The plan for the Rick Grimes movies, initially announced shortly after his departure from the series, was to explore Rick’s journey after being taken by the CRM. These movies were intended to be cinematic in scope and delve deeper into the CRM’s operations and Rick’s role within their organization. However, the movie plans were later replaced by a Rick & Michonne spin-off series called “The Ones Who Live.”
What is “The Ones Who Live” about and when did it premiere?
“The Ones Who Live” is a six-episode spin-off series that premiered in February 2024. It tells the story of Rick and Michonne as they navigate the challenges of being separated and their desperate search to find their way back to each other. The series focuses on the Civic Republic Military (CRM) and explores the secrets and complexities of their society. It provides answers to many of the questions left unanswered by Rick’s departure from the main series and offers a satisfying conclusion to his and Michonne’s arc.
How does “The Ones Who Live” explain Rick’s absence and his activities during that time?
“The Ones Who Live” reveals that Rick spent years trying to escape the CRM. He initially worked for them as a consignee, tasked with clearing walkers, but he repeatedly attempted to flee. These attempts were met with resistance, and Rick was eventually forced to cooperate to protect his family and his own life. The series portrays Rick as a prisoner of the CRM, grappling with moral dilemmas and fighting to maintain his hope of reuniting with Michonne and his children.
Will we see other familiar faces in “The Ones Who Live” or future Walking Dead spin-offs?
While the primary focus of “The Ones Who Live” is on Rick and Michonne, the Walking Dead universe is known for its interconnected storylines. Jadis Stokes (formerly Anne), played by Pollyanna McIntosh, is a key character in “The Ones Who Live,” further exploring her relationship with the CRM and her past interactions with Rick. While specific future appearances are always subject to change, the possibility of other familiar faces popping up in future spin-offs remains a constant source of speculation and excitement among fans.
What does Rick’s return to the Walking Dead universe mean for the future of the franchise?
Rick’s return, even in a spin-off format, reinvigorated the Walking Dead franchise. It demonstrated the enduring appeal of the character and the willingness of AMC to invest in high-quality storytelling that expands upon the existing universe. His story brings back the heart and soul of the original series to a growing franchise that is now looking into new, dynamic and refreshing ways to continue the series.
Is there a possibility of more Rick Grimes spin-offs or appearances in other Walking Dead projects?
The success of “The Ones Who Live” has undoubtedly opened the door for further explorations of Rick Grimes’s story. While there are no concrete plans for additional spin-offs specifically focused on Rick at this time, the character’s continued presence in the Walking Dead universe remains a distinct possibility. His experiences with the CRM and his enduring impact on the other characters provide ample opportunities for future cameos or guest appearances in other projects.
How did the fans react to Rick Grimes’s exit and his return in “The Ones Who Live”?
The initial reaction to Rick Grimes’s exit was a mixture of sadness, disappointment, and anticipation. Fans were heartbroken to see their beloved leader depart the main series but remained hopeful that the planned movies would provide closure to his story. The announcement and subsequent release of “The Ones Who Live” were met with overwhelming excitement and positive reception. The series was praised for its compelling storyline, strong performances, and satisfying resolution to Rick and Michonne’s arc.
Did Andrew Lincoln ever consider returning to the main The Walking Dead series before its conclusion?
While there were discussions about potential cameos or guest appearances in the final season of The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln ultimately did not return to the main series before its conclusion. He felt that “The Ones Who Live” provided a more fitting and substantial opportunity to explore Rick’s story and give the character the send-off he deserved. While a brief cameo might have been appreciated by fans, it wouldn’t have allowed for the same level of depth and exploration as the spin-off series.
The Legacy of Rick Grimes
Rick Grimes’s character left an indelible mark on The Walking Dead. His leadership, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his constant struggle to maintain his humanity in a brutal world resonated deeply with audiences. “The Ones Who Live” solidified his legacy, providing a satisfying resolution to his story and reaffirming his place as one of the most iconic characters in television history. While his journey may have taken him away from the main series for a time, his impact on the Walking Dead universe remains undeniable, ensuring that his character will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans for years to come. The ending of “The Ones Who Live” does leave the possibility of more appearances open for the future as well.