'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' Ending Explained: Rick Grimes and Michonne fight CRM in epic showdown

'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' finale episode aired on March 31, 2024, offering a nail-biting conclusion to Rick Grimes and Michonne's journey
PUBLISHED APR 1, 2024
Rick Grimes and Michonne fight for humanity's survival in the gripping climax of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)
Rick Grimes and Michonne fight for humanity's survival in the gripping climax of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)

Contains spoilers for 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The thrilling conclusion of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' sees Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) wrapping up their adventures with the CRM.

The spin-off series focuses on Rick's quest to return home, with Michonne serving as his unwavering pillar of support through moments of doubt.

Halfway through the series, Rick and Michonne seize an opportunity to head back to Alexandria and start their journey homeward.

However, unforeseen circumstances arise along the way, leading them to the realization that they must return to the CRM and destroy the organization to ensure the safety and future of their children and community.

Rick Grimes and Michonne exterminate CRM in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' finale

Lesley-Ann Brandt as Pearl Thorne in a still from 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)
Lesley-Ann Brandt as Pearl Thorne in a still from 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)

In Episode 6 of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live', Rick and Michonne make their way back to the CRM.

While Michonne takes on the mission of destroying Jadis Stokes' (Pollyanna McIntosh) file, which contains crucial information about them and their community, Rick meets with Major General Beale (Terry O'Quinn) for the Echelon Briefing.

Rick's anger flares upon discovering Beale's sinister plans to eliminate all communities worldwide, leading to a violent confrontation where Rick kills him.

With time running short, Michonne and Rick collaborate to create a complex trap that triggers the release of chlorine gas, the CRM's planned weapon for Portland.

As they prepare to flee, Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) confronts them at gunpoint, demanding they undo their betrayal.

However, it's too late as a massive explosion occurs that wipes out the entire CRM army. Pearl survives due to her mask, but Michonne ends her life and gives her mask to Rick.

Rick Grimes and Michonne reunite with their children in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'

A still from 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)
A still from 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC+)

Following the liberation from the CRM's atrocities, Rick and Michonne begin their journey back home. Arriving in Alexandria via the CRM's helicopter, they are reunited with their children after years of separation.

Judith (Cailey Fleming) and RJ (Antony Azor) hug Michonne, followed by a heartfelt moment with Rick.

The series concludes on a happy note as not only does the world survive CRM's horrors, but the family that was torn apart by time and circumstances finally comes together again.

It marks Rick meeting his son for the first time, making it one of the most emotional moments in the franchise.

'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' is available to stream on AMC+

RELATED TOPICS THE WALKING DEAD

GET THE BIGGEST CELEBRITY & ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The 11-episode season premieres January 21, 2026 and can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+
6 minutes ago
McDermitt will be part of a storyline surrounding a new recurring cast member, Alona Tal.
3 hours ago
The Academy Award winner has been missing from the small screen since his 'Yellowstone' exit
5 hours ago
'Heated Rivalry' Episode 3 brings a new romance to the ice and a secret that could shake everything in the show
5 hours ago
HBO's new series, 'Heated Rivalry', follows two rival hockey players who end up falling in love
5 hours ago
On the lawless frontier, two unstoppable women clash over land, love, and survival and no one will emerge unscathed.
7 hours ago
A flyer to the musical, 'Oklahoma!', in a 'Stranger Things' Season 5 episode may be connected to Venca's origin story
9 hours ago
A desperate rescue plan collides with a dangerous cartel uprising and Kingstown may not survive the fallout.
10 hours ago
LEGO dropped a highly detailed 2,593-piece Creel House from ‘Stranger Things’, and while collectors love the design, the price has everyone talking
10 hours ago
Regé-Jean Page wooed hearts worldwide with his captivating portrayal of the Duke of Hastings on 'Bridgerton'
11 hours ago