Walking Dead: What happened to Rick Grimes after the helicopter?

Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) has always been the main hero of The Walking Dead universe since his appearance in the pilot episode. He departed the series during season 9 and briefly appeared in the final episode of The Walking Dead in November 2022. What happened to Rick after the helicopter ride?

When Rick Grimes first appeared on the screens of viewers tuning into the pilot episode of the new ‘zombie’ series The Walking Dead, fans knew this as the start of something big. “Days Gone Bye” premiered on Oct. 31, 2010, and this episode set the tone for what was to come.

Viewers watched as Rick, looking for gas during his first venture outside of town after waking from his coma, came upon a child he discovers is a walker. The pain in his eyes was felt by all as Rick and viewers knew what his next move must be.

Throughout his time in the series, Rick was forced to make difficult decisions to keep his family, both blood and found, safe. One such decision would prove disastrous for him.

What happens to Rick in The Walking Dead?

In season 9, Rick blows up a bridge to keep a horde of walkers from attacking his community. His family and friends watched in shock as they believed he, too, was blown up by the blast. Viewers were privy to the fact that while he was severely injured, he was still alive.

Jadis (Pollyanna McIntosh), going by the name of Anne at this time, would discover his body along the river and rescue him with the aid of a CRM (Civic Republic Military) helicopter. He was taken away, and no word of him would be revealed until The Walking Dead: World Beyond spinoff.

World Beyond is a coming-of-age spinoff that features a familiar face. Jadis would introduce herself as Warrant Officer Jadis Stokes, interestingly taking Father Gabriel’s (Seth Gilliam) name. She would be the first to refer to Rick, albeit not by name. She reveals that she used someone of importance as her ticket in the CRM. This would confirm that after the helicopter ride, Rick would become a resident of the Civic Republic.

In the finale episode of The Walking Dead, “Rest in Peace,” viewers would see Rick on their screens for the first time in years. His scene occurred sometime after that helicopter ride, but before Michonne (Danai Gurira) found out he survived.

Rick was seen wearing a CRM jacket and holding a weapon used in their culling facilities. Barefoot, he stood on the banks of a river as the sound of a helicopter approached was heard. This was the CRM recapturing Rick after he tried to escape. Interestingly, Rick must be vital to this organization as they generally do not hesitate to shoot anyone who opposes them.

The Walking Dead universe has experienced significant growth due to the numerous spinoff series. Rick’s story will continue in the Rick and Michonne spinoff, which will shed light on their time apart. During that time, Rick has been trying to return to his family, while Michonne has never given up hope of relocating her true love.

The Rick and Michonne spinoff will premiere in 2024 on AMC and AMC+.

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