The Walking Dead has become a television phenomenon since it first aired in 2010. Based on the comic series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, it depicts a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, known as “walkers.” But it’s not just a story about zombies. It’s about survival, community, and human relationships amid chaos.
One of the key characters, Rick Grimes (portrayed by Andrew Lincoln), has been at the heart of the show since its inception. His journey is a central narrative thread in the series. But after Rick’s departure from the show in Season 9, fans were left wondering if he would ever return. The question of whether Rick Grimes would make a comeback has been a burning topic for years. Let’s dive deep into the events of the show, Rick’s exit, and what future possibilities could hold for his character.
Introduction to The Walking Dead
The Origins and Popularity
The Walking Dead premiered on AMC in October 2010 and quickly became a massive hit. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, it captured audiences with its mix of horror, drama, and intense character development. The series follows a group of survivors as they try to navigate the dangers of both the undead and other humans. Over its many seasons, the show has explored themes like survival, morality, leadership, and community.
At the center of The Walking Dead was Rick Grimes, a sheriff’s deputy who wakes up from a coma to find the world in chaos. Rick’s journey, from the first season until his eventual departure, forms one of the show’s most compelling storylines. His growth as a leader, father, and warrior captivated viewers. Naturally, when he left the show in Season 9, it raised many questions.
Rick Grimes: A Key Figure in The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes is more than just a protagonist. He is the emotional and moral core of The Walking Dead. From his first appearance, waking up in a hospital surrounded by walkers, Rick’s story has been one of survival and adaptation. As the series progresses, Rick transforms from a lawman trying to maintain order into a battle-hardened survivor who makes tough decisions to protect his people.
Throughout the series, Rick faces numerous challenges: the death of his wife Lori, the responsibility of raising his son Carl, conflicts with other survivors like Shane and the Governor, and ultimately becoming the leader of several groups of survivors, including the group at Alexandria. His evolution from a hopeful, idealistic leader into a man willing to do whatever it takes to protect his community is one of the show’s central arcs.
However, by the time Season 9 rolls around, Rick’s journey takes a surprising turn. He is gravely injured and taken away in a mysterious helicopter, leaving fans to wonder what happened to him.
Rick’s Departure: What Happened in Season 9?
Rick’s Final Episode
Rick Grimes’ final episode on The Walking Dead aired on November 4, 2018, in the fifth episode of Season 9, titled “What Comes After.” In this episode, Rick sacrifices himself to save his group from a massive herd of walkers. He is gravely injured after being thrown from his horse and impaled on a piece of rebar. The episode shows Rick, bleeding profusely, attempting to lead the walkers away from the communities and toward a bridge that he hopes to destroy, preventing the herd from reaching his people.
In what seemed like his final act, Rick shoots dynamite on the bridge, causing it to explode and seemingly killing himself and the walkers. His friends and loved ones witness the explosion and assume that Rick has perished. However, in a twist, it is revealed that Rick survived. Jadis/Anne (Pollyanna McIntosh), a former antagonist, finds Rick and contacts a mysterious helicopter group. Rick is airlifted away, severely injured but alive. This moment marked Rick’s last appearance on the show, leaving his fate unresolved.
Why Did Rick Leave the Show?
Andrew Lincoln’s departure from The Walking Dead was due to personal reasons. After nearly a decade of playing Rick Grimes, Lincoln expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, who live in the UK. Lincoln’s exit was planned in advance, and the showrunners worked with him to give Rick a fitting send-off while leaving the door open for his potential return.
Lincoln’s departure, however, didn’t mark the end of Rick Grimes’ story. Almost immediately after his final episode aired, AMC announced plans for a trilogy of movies that would continue Rick’s story.
See also: 5 Best Seasons of The Walking Dead
The Movies: Rick Grimes’ Story Continues
Announcement of The Walking Dead Movies
In November 2018, just after Rick’s final episode aired, AMC announced that Rick Grimes’ story would continue in a series of feature-length films. These movies were intended to explore what happened to Rick after he was taken by the helicopter. Scott Gimple, the chief content officer for The Walking Dead universe, confirmed that the films would not air on television but would be released theatrically. This news excited fans, as it meant that Rick’s story was far from over.
The films were set to follow Rick as he discovers more about the mysterious group that took him, which fans had come to know as the Civic Republic Military (CRM). The CRM had been teased throughout The Walking Dead and its spinoffs, most notably in Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
Development Delays
Despite the initial excitement, the development of the Rick Grimes movies faced several delays. Originally expected to begin production in 2019, the films were delayed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since Rick’s departure from the show, details about the movies have been scarce, leading some fans to wonder if they would ever materialize.
However, Andrew Lincoln has repeatedly stated his commitment to the project. In interviews, he expressed his enthusiasm for continuing Rick’s story, saying that he is excited to explore new aspects of the character and the Walking Dead universe.
What Will the Movies Focus On?
The Rick Grimes movies are expected to delve deeper into the Civic Republic Military, the organization that took Rick. The CRM is a shadowy group with advanced technology and a massive army, and they have appeared in other Walking Dead spinoffs. The movies will likely explore who they are, their goals, and how Rick fits into their plans.
In The Walking Dead: World Beyond, the CRM is revealed to be a militaristic organization that controls large sections of the post-apocalyptic world. They have been experimenting on the undead and are working on ways to rebuild civilization. Rick’s story will likely intersect with these efforts, and we may finally learn what has happened to him in the years since he was taken.
Will Rick Return to the Main Show?
Hints of Rick’s Return
Since his departure, The Walking Dead has continued without Rick, but his presence is still felt throughout the show. Characters like Michonne (Danai Gurira) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) have been profoundly affected by Rick’s absence. Michonne, in particular, embarks on a quest to find Rick after discovering evidence that he might still be alive.
In Season 10, Michonne finds clues suggesting that Rick survived the explosion on the bridge. She leaves the group to search for him, setting up her eventual reunion with Rick in the movies or future episodes.
Moreover, The Walking Dead showrunners have dropped several hints that Rick might return before the series concludes. With the show’s final season airing in 2022, many fans speculate that Rick could make a surprise appearance in the last episodes, either to tie up loose ends or to set up his role in the upcoming films.
Rick’s Impact on the Remaining Characters
Even though Rick is no longer physically present on the show, his impact on the remaining characters is undeniable. Daryl and Carol, two of Rick’s closest friends, have been deeply affected by his disappearance. Daryl, in particular, has taken on more of a leadership role, though he continues to search for answers about what happened to Rick.
The character of Judith Grimes, Rick’s daughter, also carries on his legacy. Although she is still a child, Judith has adopted many of Rick’s traits, including his sense of justice and his desire to protect others. Her growth into a leader in her own right mirrors Rick’s journey in the earlier seasons of the show.
Conclusion
The question of whether Rick will return to The Walking Dead has yet to be definitively answered. While Rick Grimes may no longer be a part of the main show, his story is far from over. The planned movies will continue to explore Rick’s journey, and there is a strong possibility that he could make a cameo or full return in the final season of the show.
The fact that Rick survived his apparent death in Season 9 opens up numerous possibilities for his character. The Walking Dead universe is expanding with new spinoffs and stories, and Rick’s return could play a pivotal role in these future narratives. While fans may have to wait longer than anticipated for Rick to come back, his legacy remains at the core of The Walking Dead.
In the end, Rick Grimes is more than just a character on a TV show—he is a symbol of hope, resilience, and survival in a world filled with chaos. Whether he returns to the main show or continues his story in the movies, Rick’s journey will remain an integral part of the Walking Dead universe.
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