'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' Episode 1 Takeaway: Rick Grimes struggles to reunite with Michonne Hawthorne
Contains spoilers for 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' made its debut on AMC on Sunday, February 25. It is the sixth spin-off series of the original 'The Walking Dead' series that concluded in 2022 with 11 successful seasons.
Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), the lead character of the franchise, was presumed dead in Season 9 when he destroyed the bridge to prevent an invasion of walkers. The next two seasons ran without his presence and fans wondered the fate of the franchise.
Rick Grimes is found alive in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'
Rick Grimes, who was assumed to be dead in a bridge explosion in the final two seasons of the original 'The Walking Dead' series, returns in the spin-off.
In Episode 1 of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,' we learn that Rick woke up in a military-run hospital after a near-death experience. However, his survival doesn't bring relief; instead, it plunges him into a world of pain and trauma.
He finds himself trapped in a hidden city that works on "security and secrecy above all" which means that no one can ever leave.
Individuals like Rick, who are rescued by the army, are compelled to serve as "consignees" on the outskirts of the city for a maximum of six years. During this period, they must demonstrate their worth through tasks such as eliminating walkers or contributing to food production.
Unlike the other consignees who have resigned themselves to their fate, Rick doesn't find peace and yearns to reunite with his wife, Michonne (Danai Gurira). Despite four unsuccessful escape attempts, Rick remains resolute even though he is put on a leash as punishment.
Why does Rick Grimes try to kill himself?
During one of his shifts patrolling the city's border and combating the jungle walkers, he seizes another opportunity to escape. He tries to break free by chopping off his hand. However, his escape is thwarted once again, and he is brought back into custody.
Lieutenant Colonel Donald Okafor (Craig Tate), who earlier prevented Rick from being punished for his earlier escape attempt, persuades him to join the Civic Republic Military (CRM). Initially resistant, Rick eventually sees it as an opportunity to escape.
During a mission to extract resources at an abandoned chemical plant, Rick attempts another break-out but is stopped by his colleague Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt). It's then revealed to him that Okafor is aware of Michonne and their daughter, and if Rick ever manages to escape, they will be in danger.
With broken hopes, he sits in his room, watching footage of what appears to be a city in turmoil, he takes a piece of glass and tries to kill himself. A moment after he begins to slit his throat, he backs down.
Resigned to the likelihood of never seeing his family again, he discards the mementos and drawings he made of them, fully immersing himself in his role as a soldier of the city.
The episode concludes with an intriguing moment as Rick Grimes encounters Michonne during a sudden attack. How will these star-crossed lovers find a way to reunite when they inhabit separate worlds?
Episode 2 of 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' will air on AMC on March 3, 2024.
