An updated theory of how Rick Grimes can leave The Walking Dead alive

The helicopter and the community that it’s from might still play a role in the way that Rick Grimes leaves The Walking Dead.

After The Walking Dead episode 903 I wrote about my theory that the helicopter and Jadis/Anne will be responsible for Rick Grimes leaving the storyline of The Walking Dead. And now that episode 904 has finally dropped I still think it’s a good theory. I don’t think that Rick Grimes will die, and I definitely don’t think he would die alone without the chance to say goodbye to Michonne, Judith, or any of the other people that he loves.

I think that Rick’s potentially life ending injury won’t be the way that Andrew Lincoln leaves the series. While the moment does have some good symmetry to Rick waking up injured and alone in the hospital after the apocalypse I don’t think it’s an appropriate end for the character. When Carl Grimes was killed off an entire episode was devoted to giving him the chance to say goodbye to those he loves. It doesn’t make sense that they wouldn’t give Rick the same opportunity.

Right now Rick is critically injured, bleeding out, alone, and starting to hallucinate. Either because of pain or blood loss or both he will see Shane, Hershel, Sasha, and possible others from the past. He may even see Lori, or Carl. Yes, the injury itself is very serious even if blood loss wasn’t a factor. But that doesn’t mean that he can’t be saved. Time is of the essence, but it’s still possible that he could live.

Based on past evidence there is a big possibility that this is a “dumper death” moment and the powers that be on The Walking Dead are just messing with us. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that Jadis/Anne and the helicopter will arrive just in time, scoop up Rick to the helicopter which would have medical supplies on board, and take him to the other community.

Jadis Finding Rick

Remember that early in the episode Jadis/Anne decided she couldn’t give up Father Gabriel to get into the new community, which must mean that whatever happens to the people who get traded isn’t good. She took off, on her own.

So it’s conceivable that she went off to try and find another “A” to deliver to the helicopter community to get into that community. She could come across injured Rick and save him, to use as her ticket into the other community. If she already made a rendezvous with the helicopter it’s still possible that Rick could live and be taken to the other community.

Other Possibilities

There are lots of other possibilities as well. It’s still possible that Maggie and Diane could find Rick on their way to Alexandria. Or that Daryl would go back looking for Rick and find him. It’s even possible that someone that hasn’t been officially introduced yet could find him. So while The Walking Dead “The Obliged” was a shocking episode don’t assume just yet that Rick Grimes is going to die. He could still survive and at least give fans a little hope that someday the iconic sheriff will ride back into The Walking Dead.