5 Signs Rick Grimes Is Poised to Lead the CRM in His Walking Dead Continuation

Since Andrew Lincoln's departure in season 9 of The Walking Dead (TWD), fans have been eager to follow the journey of former main character Rick Grimes. Despite surviving a risky move, Rick finds himself entangled with the Civic Republic Military (CRM), the most formidable organized army in The Walking Dead universe. In the premiere episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, titled "Years," Rick struggles with his captivity under the powerful CRM. Feeling trapped and hopeless, the former sheriff's deputy considers ending his own life but ultimately decides against it.

Okafor Is Vouches For Rick Grimes To CRM Leadership

While the CRM is the name for The Ones Who Live's antagonist army, the larger community at play is the Pennsylvania-based Civic Republic. The episode skips ahead a few years to show Rick Grimes and his fellow CRM cosignees out on an assignment. Tethered to a CRM soldier, Rick cuts off his chained hand — a brutal twist on an iconic Walking Dead comic event. Although he's tasered pretty immediately, Rick clearly isn't just giving in to the CRM's way of life. If anything, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live hints at Rick's future as a CRM leader.

Close-up of Craig Tate as Okafor in The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live - Okafor Is Vouches For Rick Grimes To CRM Leadership

After sacrificing himself to destroy the bridge in The Walking Dead season 9, Rick finds himself captured by the CRM, a group of soldiers responsible for safeguarding a hidden community in Pennsylvania. Despite the appearance of self-governance in the city, it is evident that the CRM holds the true power. Rick, along with other captives "rescued" by the CRM, is coerced into labor in exchange for a chance to be recognized as a citizen of the Civic Republic — a process that takes six years. Despite multiple escape attempts, Rick remains resistant to the idea of being promoted.

Lieutenant Colonel Okafor (Craig Tate) from The Walking Dead stands up for Rick, even when faced with Major General Beale's (Terry O'Quinn) questioning about killing or being killed. Okafor sees potential in Rick that sets him apart from the typical survivor in the post-apocalyptic world. Despite Rick's tough exterior and capacity for violence, Okafor recognizes his exceptional leadership qualities. Rick's intense reaction to Okafor's support only confirms that the protagonist himself acknowledges his leadership abilities.

Rick Grimes, the former leader of the Alexandria Safe-Zone presumed dead in The Walking Dead season 9.

Rick's Dream Sequences Tease Him Taking Over The CRM

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Danai Gurira as Michonne share a laugh in The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live - Rick's Dream Sequences Tease Him Taking Over The CRM

After Rick cuts off his hand and gets tasered by CRM soldiers, he collapses. The scene fades into a telling dream sequence that hints at Rick's potential future in the Civic Republic. Set in a space that feels almost pre-apocalyptic, the dream unfolds in an idyllic version of the Civic Republic. On his way to work, Rick asks a dream version of Michonne (Danai Gurira) for directions. Funnily enough, he's looking for his new workplace (i.e. the CRM). Michonne is encouraging, telling Rick that he'll get where he needs to go; together, they can do anything.

Okafor Says Rick "Already Has Power"

Okafor (Craig Tate) looks serious in The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live - Okafor Says Rick "Already Has Power"

Okafor acknowledges Rick's potential as a future CRM soldier and officer, but also points out that he "already has power." Rick not only embraces his limited authority as a CRM cosignee, but he also has a knack for attracting and earning the trust of others. Okafor recognizes Rick's leadership qualities, noting his proactive nature in giving orders and effectively managing people. Rick's natural ability to lead and influence others demonstrates that he possesses a unique kind of power.

Okafor Is Preparing Rick Grimes As A Future CRM Leader

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live looking directly at camera with blood on his face - Okafor Is Preparing Rick Grimes As A Future CRM Leader

Okafor vouching for Rick and commenting on his natural abilities is a significant indication of Rick's future within the CRM. Taking it a step further, Okafor invites Rick and another cosignee, Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt), to join his secret initiative. Initially agreeing to meet with Okafor in secret, Rick and Thorne learn of his concerns about the CRM's corruption hindering the Civic Republic's goals. Okafor seeks to improve the CRM from within and recruits Rick and Thorne to help him bring about lasting change.

"The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is a six-episode series.

Rick Should've Been Killed By CRM But Was Spared

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes gazing upward with tears in his eyes in The Walking Dead - Rick Should've Been Killed By CRM But Was Spared

Rick Can't Help But Notice The CRM Is Secretly Up To No Good

From the jump, the CRM hammers home its strict code of conduct. In order to keep the Civic Republic safe, the CRM ensures the location of their community remains a secret. That said, no one is allowed to leave the Civic Republic. When the CRM initially brought Rick in, he was considered a threat — someone to be killed. Walking Dead's CRM dubs Rick and Thorne "A's" — strong-willed leaders prone to causing issues. Rick has no problem questioning authority or disobeying the CRM, so it would be rather fitting if he climbed their ranks.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes looks serious while raising his arm in The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live - Rick Can't Help But Notice The CRM Is Secretly Up To No Good

The CRM keeps the Civic Republic's citizens in the dark about what really happens behind closed doors. They offer safety and a seemingly perfect life in return for their silence. In a scene from "Years," some citizens of the Civic Republic express their dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from the leadership. While Rick is not alone in his suspicions about the CRM in The Walking Dead, he holds a unique position to bring about change. In a conversation with Okafor, Rick hints at the CRM's questionable activities involving bombs that are sent out but never return. Despite his claims of indifference, Rick is clearly troubled by this information.

"This isn't my city," Rick tells Okafor. "Those aren't my people."

It's What Rick Grimes Always Does

CRM consignees including Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. - It's What Rick Grimes Always Does

Rick expresses to Okafor that the city and its inhabitants are not familiar to him. Despite his insistence on having a choice, Rick's actions show a tendency to protect the innocent. In a scene from "Years," Rick prioritizes rescuing a child from Walkers over his own escape plan. His history of leadership, from The Walking Dead's prison to Alexandria, suggests that he will likely take charge in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live as well.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a captivating glimpse into the potential future of Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead universe. The character's journey within the Civic Republic Military (CRM) is intriguing, with hints of leadership and a desire for change. The episode "Years" sets the stage for Rick's transformation from a captive to a potential force within the CRM.

The article speculates on Rick's rise to power within the CRM, supported by Lieutenant Colonel Okafor's recognition of his leadership abilities. Rick's dream sequences and Okafor's secret initiative hint at his potential role in shaping the future of the Civic Republic. The show's creators have left ample room for character development and exploration, making it exciting to anticipate Rick's evolution in this new chapter of The Walking Dead.