Hey everyone! Last night, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live premiered, and wow, what an episode it was! As many of you know, this show holds a special place in my heart. It’s my absolute favorite series in the whole TV and movie universe. I’m a huge fan of the story, the characters, the actors, and the filmmaking.
Just a heads up, this recap contains no major spoilers! I’ll be sharing my thoughts and reactions without giving away any big reveals.
This new series is highly anticipated, especially since it’s been over 5 years since we last saw Rick Grimes and a bit less since Michonne. The Walking Dead Season 11 ended over a year ago, and while we’ve had other spin-offs, we’ve all been dying to know where Rick has been. Going into this, I was a bit apprehensive. I mean, this is Rick Grimes we’re talking about—the man, the legend!
The episode starts with a five-year time jump from when Rick left the show, and we find him in the custody of the CRM, a military type of group we’ve seen in other parts of the Walking Dead universe.
Throughout the episode, we see Rick go through a range of emotions, from desperation to defeat to rage. This depth of character, putting others above his own needs, is what makes Rick such a compelling protagonist.
We also witness some intense moments as Rick navigates his way through the challenges he faces. There’s a moment where he’s caught and taken back, and another where Okafor mentions Michonne’s name, sparking a fire in Rick’s eyes. These scenes really highlight the emotional journey Rick goes through in this episode.
We’re also introduced to some new characters, like General Beale and Lieutenant Colonel Donald Okafor. Okafor sees something in Rick, recognizing his leadership qualities, and pulls him into a special group along with another character, Pearl Thorne. This group seems to hold the key to a mystery that’s been teased for seasons—what “A” and “B” mean. It’s great to see these elements from the TWDU making their way into this series. Another character worth mentioning is Rick’s friend and ally, Esteban. His presence adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
And then there’s the ending! I won’t spoil it here, but let’s just say it involves a helicopter, soldiers in gear, and something highly anticipated!!! It’s the kind of ending that had me screaming at my TV!
Now, I want to mention something I missed from the earlier seasons—the primal, outdoor survival aspect. This new series is more focused on a military city with all the amenities, which is a different vibe from what I initially fell in love with. It’s not a complaint, just something I noticed and missed.
Overall, I’m thrilled with this premiere. It’s great to see Rick’s determination and love driving the story forward.
Don't forget to check out my latest podcast episodes on Rick Grimes' journey! They're fun to revisit and delve deeper into the man, the myth, the legend. They are under podcast heading on screensinfocus.com
If you want more discussion on Episode 1 of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, join Renee and me this Friday for our podcast where we'll dive deeper into this exciting new chapter of Rick's story! 🧟♂️🔥
Happy TV time!!
Diana
Rick Grimes in TWD: The Ones Who Live
AMC