10 Must-See Walking Dead Reunions You Can't Miss Before the Franchise Comes to an End

Summary

Rick Grimes needs to reunite with important characters like Maggie, Carol, Morgan, Negan, Michonne, Daryl, and Judith for closure before the franchise ends.

The reunions of these characters would bring a profound sense of fulfillment to Rick's life, as they have each played a significant role in shaping his storylines. Rick's encounters with his son, RJ, and his deep connection with Judith hold special significance, underscoring the value of family and solidifying Rick's legacy as both a respected leader and a devoted father.

Throughout The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) encounters various characters who profoundly impact him, and he must reconnect with them before the franchise concludes. Although many of those closest to Rick did not survive the series, there are a select few who did. It is imperative that Rick has at least one reunion with these characters before the franchise concludes. Andrew Lincoln's decision to exit The Walking Dead in season 9 resulted in an unresolved storyline for the show's protagonist. While his departure may have been both emotional and fitting, Rick will make a comeback in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live and, as a result, must have an essential reunion with significant characters.

Following Rick's vanishing, the universe underwent substantial changes with the introduction of new characters, locations, and the deaths of core characters. Despite these transformations, certain characters still hold immense significance for Rick—those who never lost hope of his return. Although Rick may not reconnect with all of them in his upcoming spinoff show in 2024, The Walking Dead's narrative cannot conclude without providing a form of closure for Rick. As his reunion with the franchise approaches, let us examine eight Walking Dead characters with whom Rick Grimes must reunite before it reaches its climax.

8 Maggie Greene-Rhee

Rick and Maggie (played by Lauren Cohan) crossed paths in season 2 of The Walking Dead, braving the horrors of the apocalypse side by side. Rick's natural leadership abilities served as a guide for Maggie, ultimately molding her into one of the most adept survivors in the entire series. Stepping into the role of Hilltop's leader, she drew upon the wisdom of both Rick and her late father, who had been a prominent mentor to the show's protagonist. The loss of Glenn (played by Steven Yeun) had a profound impact on both characters. Given the shared journey they have endured, it would be fitting for Rick and Maggie to reunite and witness the immense influence they have had on each other's lives.

7 Carol Peletier

Throughout the entirety of the series, Carol (Melissa McBride) underwent one of the most significant character developments. She initially appeared in the third episode and managed to survive until the finale. Rick and Carol's relationship was fraught with tension, as Rick had previously expelled Carol from the group before they eventually reconciled. Rick's indirect involvement in the death of Carol's daughter remains one of his biggest failures in The Walking Dead. Despite their complicated history, the two became close friends by the time Rick disappeared. Therefore, a reunion between them is necessary, considering they have known each other since the beginning of the series.

6 Morgan Jones

With Morgan being the initial character Rick encounters in The Walking Dead, it is essential for the two to have one final reunion. Despite Morgan's multiple departures and eventual appearance on Fear The Walking Dead, where he left in search of Rick, he remains unaware of Rick's absence or the changes in Alexandria. Consequently, Morgan's storyline still possesses numerous layers. Since they both embarked on this journey together, it is imperative for them to reunite and bring closure to their stories. As a prominent figure in the universe and a pivotal character across two shows, Morgan's quest to find Rick is paramount in completing their respective arcs.

5 Negan

Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan) is among the characters who had the greatest impact on Rick Grimes. The deaths of Glenn and Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) at Negan's hands forever altered Rick. Prior to this tragedy, Rick was unrelenting and believed he was unassailable, never showing mercy to his adversaries. However, Negan completely transformed Rick's persona, causing him to feel intimidated, seeking revenge, and eventually showing compassion. By sparing Negan during their final confrontation, Rick emphasized the importance of witnessing the kind of person Negan has become. Negan played a role in saving Rick's daughter, and their reunion would exemplify the significance of Rick's decision and validate his son's dying wish.

4 RJ Grimes

Perhaps not a typical reunion, but it is paramount that Rick has the opportunity to reconnect with his son, Rick Grimes Jr. (Antony Azor). Although Rick has met his son before, RJ has had limited time with his father, who disappeared when he was just a baby. Despite being a relatively recent addition to the show, RJ plays a significant role in Rick's determination to persevere in the midst of the apocalypse. Witnessing his son as a grown man would undoubtedly bring forth a rare, heartwarming moment in The Walking Dead's otherwise grim narrative. Therefore, it is imperative for these two to reunite in order to give purpose and meaning to Rick's ongoing struggle for survival.

3 Michonne

As the mother of one of Rick's children, Michonne's (Danai Gurira) reunion with him is a vital element before the franchise concludes. It has already been confirmed that Rick and Michonne will reunite in their spinoff, setting the stage for future reunions. Since Michonne is the first among the main group to locate Rick, it makes perfect sense as she departs the show to embark on her search for him. Her decision to leave her son behind in order to find the man she loves heightens the significance of this reunion. Michonne's motives, coupled with her ability to handle herself, make her an ideal candidate to rescue Rick, thereby further solidifying their relationship.

2 Daryl Dixon

Meeting at the dawn of the apocalypse, Daryl (Norman Reedus) has been Rick's trusted right-hand throughout the majority of the series. Despite their initial differences in season 1, their bond grew stronger, becoming invaluable allies who played a crucial role in the survival of numerous characters. Daryl's unwavering dedication to finding Rick following his departure in season 9 highlights the profound significance of their friendship. As brothers in arms since the early days, it is imperative for them to reunite before the franchise concludes, thereby fulfilling the hopes of passionate fans. Serving as the lifeblood of the show for numerous years, both on and off screen, even Norman Reedus affirms that Daryl requires a sense of closure regarding Rick's destiny.

1 Judith Grimes

Having lost his wife and son, Rick (placeholder character) considers Judith (Cailey Fleming) to be the most important person in his life. While Michonne and RJ are also significant, Rick shares a special bond with Judith that necessitates one final reunion. Judith's unwavering support played a pivotal role in convincing Michonne to search for Rick, even willing to part with the closest thing she has to a mother. Through her survival and personal growth, Judith solidifies Rick's legacy as both a leader and a father. A satisfying conclusion to The Walking Dead necessitates one last moment between the two characters.