The Walking Dead universe persists beyond the conclusion of its primary series, with three fresh spin-offs receiving positive responses from viewers. Among these, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a one-season spin-off, was specifically crafted to provide the concluding chapters for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira). It’s widely considered as the standout among them.
As a devoted fan, I must admit that revisiting “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” on Netflix has stirred up some mixed feelings. While it’s gripping to see the story unfold on screen, I can’t help but feel a sense of disconnect when compared to Rick’s fate in the comics. For many of us who have journeyed with him through the apocalypse, this departure from the original narrative seems somewhat disappointing.
How Does ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ End For Rick?
In “The Walking Dead,” Rick goes on a mission to safeguard his team and destroys a bridge to keep the undead from crossing it. His companions think he perishes in the process, but miraculously, he survives, though barely. Jadis (Pollyanna McIntosh) rescues him and transports him to the Civic Republic Military (CRM). She feels indebted to him for this favor. As he recovers, Rick spends his days performing mundane tasks, longing to return home but unable to leave. Desperate to escape, he resorts to an extreme measure: amputating his own hand in a failed bid for freedom. This scene, where Rick loses his hand, was a highly anticipated moment from the comic books.
In the following years, after having doubts about Rick potentially still being alive, his significant other Michonne embarks on a quest to trace clues in search of him. Eventually successful, they both devise an escape plan to reunite with their loved ones. However, Rick is no longer the man he once was; he’s lost and it takes some effort for Michonne to bring back the “old Rick.”
In their efforts, they successfully overthrow the military forces led by Major General Jonathan Beale (Terry O’Quinn) and reform the CRM for the better. They orchestrate a major transformation, granting residents freedom to come and go as they please. The duo then depart on a helicopter bound for The Commonwealth.
Rick has been away from The Commonwealth since he left the series and parted ways with his friends before they discovered this place. In a vast open area, where they’ve landed, Judith (Cailey Fleming) and RJ (Antony Azor), whom Rick had just learned about, rush towards them upon exiting the helicopter. RJ shares with his father that he had always hoped “The Brave Man,” whom he had heard so much about, would return, and indeed, Rick has.
How Does the Story End for Rick in the Comics?
In the comic books, Rick doesn’t make it past his encounter with Sebastian, Pamela Milton’s son. Nevertheless, his fame exceeds his screen presence within the community, as his legacy continues through his son, Carl.
In a later phase of life, Carl is depicted as an older man, married to Sophia and blessed with a child named Andrea, in tribute to the beloved character who was once romantically involved with his father. One unusual day, a walker mysteriously shows up on his front yard. It’s worth noting that this walker seems to have originated from Hershel’s carnival sideshow, a novelty he has introduced into town.
In this new world where walkers are scarce and valuable, it’s Rick’s esteemed reputation that often helps clear Carl of trouble after an encounter like the one with the walker he killed. Even Lydia, despite time passing, continues to wear Rick’s old hat as a treasured keepsake from the past, symbolizing his enduring respect and influence.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be awestruck by the fact that there are books written about a character like Rick. Just last night, I heard Carl reading one of them to Andrea before bedtime, a tale that delved into Rick’s life, his struggles, and his relentless pursuit to create a better world amidst such unimaginable tragedy. It’s due to Rick’s courage and resilience that many in the group not only survive but thrive, even characters who didn’t make it on the show, such as Jesus and, naturally, Sophia.
Is the Ending of the Show Really Disappointing?
Opinions vary among fans regarding whether the ending of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, one of the top TWD spin-offs, falls short or not, largely due to individual perspectives. While some might find it disappointing that Rick Grimes, a character long thought dead, is still alive, others may appreciate this twist as it mirrors his comic book fate in a way that keeps his legend alive. Moreover, the fact that Judith, who barely remembers him, and RJ, who has never met him, have an alive Rick, might come as a pleasant surprise to some viewers.
Some viewers might think this decision weakened the narrative, but it also provided a satisfying conclusion by bringing the story back to where it began – with Rick. The primary reason for Rick’s departure from the series in season nine was that the actor preferred to go back to his native England and spend more quality time with his family. If circumstances had been different, Rick’s journey on the show might have mirrored the comic books more closely.
It’s fine it didn’t happen:
– Firstly, spectators were rewarded with Rick not just surviving but thriving.
– They received the contentedly resolved finale they had yearned for over the series.
– Most importantly, Rick was finally attaining a modicum of tranquility, having lived alone for years amidst his loved ones.
– Fans were disheartened when Carl (Chandler Riggs) was written off in season eight, marking one of the most startling deaths on the show.
– However, this departure left no other option but to deviate from the comic book ending.
– Since a significant character had been eliminated, Rick had to step up and fill the void.
– Consequently, the narrative needed to conclude in a fulfilling manner, which couldn’t be achieved by replicating the comics’ storyline.
In essence, although “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” deviated from the comic book storyline and didn’t meet the expectations of purists who desired a faithful adaptation, this divergence became inevitable once Carl met his fate. With Rick alive and well, now raising two more children, he provided a new source of hope, even if it wasn’t the hope fans initially envisioned.
Stream The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on Netflix.
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2025-01-27 00:04