When it comes to TV shows that are based on other source material, there's bound to be some changes. Some you might love, some you might hate, and some will completely blow your mind in ways you never saw coming. The Walking Dead is based on the hit comic series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, but the show isn’t afraid to shake things up.
While the overall core story remains the same, the show takes creative liberties with character arcs, deaths, and relationships. There are even characters who weren't in the comics at all that are in the show. Remember fan-favorite character Daryl or sacrificial hero Sasha? Yeah, these two beloved characters were not in The Walking Dead comics. However, we couldn't imagine the series without them.
But there's one major change the television series adaptation made that really surprised fans initially, but didn't take long at all for them to embrace. It's the relationship between Rick and Michonne. Oh, you didn't know? While both Rick and Michonne are in the comic book series, they were never together in the same way the show depicts.
Rick and Michonne were not a couple in The Walking Dead comics
Rick and Michonne were merely allies and comrades in the comics, fighting side by side to survive, but the show gave them a romantic connection that would go on to be the focus of a spinoff series. In fact, Rick was in a relationship with a completely different character in the comics.
After the death of his wife Lori, Rick eventually gets together with Andrea. Yes, this is the same Andrea in the show who briefly gets together with The Governor. In the comics, Andrea eventually forms a relationship with Dale and adopts two boys, but after their deaths, she later falls for Rick and takes on a motherly role in Carl’s life.
The series adaptation decided to rewrite Rick’s romantic storyline, pairing him with Michonne instead of Andrea, a move that caught fans by surprise but ultimately paid off. Rick and Michonne are easily the best couple in the zombie series. They’re both tough, fiercely independent survivors, but the show beautifully reveals their vulnerable, human sides when they’re together.
Rick’s determined leadership and unyielding hope complement Michonne’s calm strength and keen instincts, and the way they lift each other up, challenge one another, and offer protection feels completely authentic. AMC knew it couldn't just end their story with the original series. Fans needed to see these two characters finally make their way back to each other after being apart for so long, and AMC gave us that by ordering the spinoff series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Now, we just need that last big reunion with all of our favorite survivors. Who wouldn't want to see Rick, Michonne, Carol, Daryl, and the rest of the gang back together one last time? It would be the best way to wrap up what has surely been an amazing franchise!
The Walking Dead can be streamed on Netflix right now.