Walking Dead: Where have you been Rick Grimes?
By Renee Hansen
Rick Grimes was first featured in The Walking Dead comic created by Robert Kirkman. When it was decided to adapt the comic story into a series, the casting of Rick was vital to the success of the story.
When Andrew Lincoln was cast for this role, Kirkman had this to say:
"“Andrew Lincoln, wow — what an amazing find this guy is. Writing Rick Grimes month after month in the comic series, I had no idea he was an actual living, breathing human being, and yet, here he is. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how this show is coming together.”"
That is high praise coming from the one who created Rick, a Sheriff Deputy of King County, Georgia, who is shot in the line of duty and awakens from a coma to find the world has gone to hell. He immediately sets out to find his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and son Carl (Chandler Riggs) and discovers the world is overrun by the undead.
Rick’s fate in the comics is much different than in the series, as he dies in the comic. He is alive and well in the series world, but Lincoln left the main series during season 9 to spend time with his family. Fans have longed for the return of Rick and will finally get their wish.
Rick Grimes returns to The Walking Dead universe in February 2024 in a spinoff, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Where did Rick Grimes go?
The Walking Dead season 9, episode 5, “What Comes After,” would be Rick’s final episode of the series. Directed by Greg Nicotero, the episode features Rick in a heroic attempt to keep his family and friends safe, blowing up a bridge. Onlookers believe he died, but viewers are given another look.
Jadis/Anne (Pollyanna McIntosh), who will also reprise her role in The Ones Who Live, rescues Rick with the aid of the CRM (Civic Republic Military) helicopter. His wife Michonne (Danai Gurira) won’t discover information about his survival until season 10 when she sets out in search of him.
The teaser above features Rick as he insures everyone that he tried to escape and return to his family.
It would be revealed in scenes after The Walking Dead series finale that Rick has been at the CRM and made at least one escape attempt but was recaptured. Viewers knew something significant had to have happened to keep him away from Michonne and Judith (Cailey Fleming). Rick is unaware that he and Michonne have a son, R.J. (Antony Azure).
These scenes also show that Michonne has continued her search, never giving up hope that she will be reunited with her true love.
The Ones Who Live will premiere on AMC and AMC+ on February 25, 2024. This series will continue the epic love story of Rick and Michonne.
Next. How does The Walking Dead rank in Netflix’s recent viewership report?. dark
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