Analyzing the Significance of Rick's Dream Sequences in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

Rick's visions of Michonne in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live episode 1 seem to hint at his ultimate fate in the series. Despite their delayed encounter until the final moments of the series premiere, the show cleverly allowed the two main characters to share screen time in a unique way. Throughout the episode, dream-like sequences offered deeper insights into their relationship and its significance to Rick in particular.

The importance of these dreams may extend beyond their emotional impact on Rick Grimes. They could also be connected to the show's planned conclusion for Andrew Lincoln's character. Considering their current motivations and Michonne's journey since leaving Alexandria, it's plausible to envision The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live concluding with Rick and Michonne reuniting and returning to Alexandria with their children. However, if Rick's dreams are any indication, the franchise may have a different future in store for him.

Rick Grimes' Dream Sequences Set Him Up As A Future Civic Republic Leader

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes covered in blood and looking up in The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live - Rick Grimes' Dream Sequences Set Him Up As A Future Civic Republic Leader

The approach taken with Rick and Michonne's scenes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live episode 1 lays the groundwork for a massive change in the status quo for both the characters and the CRM. Oddly enough, the setting of the dreams looks to be Philadelphia, the secret city of the Civic Republic Military and their primary headquarters. The decision to set these dreams at the home of the CRM - as opposed to Alexandria - signals what may be Rick having a subconscious interest in settling down and building a future there.

Rick hasn't been shy about his dislike of his captors, but it's possible that whether he wants to admit it or not, Rick sees potential in the CRM. His dreams of quiet meetings with Michonne on park benches hint that there's a potential version of the CRM that Rick could be content with. Perhaps if they had better leadership not hindered by their strict avoidance of people "willing to die for what they believe in" the Civic Republic could be a force for good. Such a place could be what Rick is envisioning in his spinoff.

Okafor Is Already Grooming Rick To Take Over The CRM

Okafor in The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live - Okafor Is Already Grooming Rick To Take Over The CRM

Rick potentially becoming the CRM leader by surpassing Major General Beale in The Walking Dead would be a significant advancement for his character, though a challenging feat. Okafor's efforts behind the scenes to enhance Rick's status within the CRM demonstrate the possibility of this accomplishment. Without Okafor's support, it would be difficult to envision Rick, an outsider, attaining enough influence to lead the CRM. However, Okafor holds considerable sway and has placed great trust in Rick, indicating that his backing could propel Rick to great heights.

Okafor has expressed his aim to elevate Rick to the "upper echelons" of the CRM, and by the conclusion of the first episode, he has already secured some level of authority for Rick. Despite Okafor's demise, his actions may have set in motion the beginning of Rick's ascension. Additionally, the time Okafor spent mentoring Rick in wielding power could be pivotal in Rick's evolution as a CRM officer. Given that Okafor intended for Rick to instigate "change" within the CRM through his advancement, it is possible that Rick or Thorne assuming leadership of the organization was Okafor's primary objective from the start.

Why Michonne Disappears In Rick's Final Dream

Danai Gurira as Michonne in The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live reaching behind her back for her sword - Why Michonne Disappears In Rick's Final Dream

An ending where Rick takes over the CRM wouldn't necessarily call for Michonne to be there at his side, and what ultimately happens in the dreams are a hint toward that possibility. The final dream scene, which shows Michonne fading into a blaze of fire, supports the notion that Rick's dreams are more about the CRM and less about Michonne. This coincides with Rick moving on from his original goal to find Michonne, indicating that Rick's future with the CRM may force him to forget about her.

Rick holds on to the idea that he'll get back to Michonne until late in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live episode 1 when Rick finally comes around to Okafor's plan. This shift, combined with the dream, suggests that in spite of the emphasis on the strength of their relationship, Rick and Michonne being together doesn't have to be the endgame of the series. If Rick fully embraces Okafor's mindset, he may prioritize the world over his own desires when the time comes.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the intriguing dream sequences featuring Rick and Michonne in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" premiere. It speculates on their significance in foreshadowing Rick's potential fate as a future leader of the Civic Republic Military (CRM). The author suggests that Rick's dreams of a peaceful life with Michonne in Philadelphia, the secret city of the CRM, indicate his subconscious interest in the organization. This theory is supported by Okafor's grooming of Rick to take over the CRM.

However, the article also points out that Michonne's disappearance in Rick's final dream hints at a different path. It suggests that Rick may prioritize the CRM's well-being over his personal desires, leading him to move on from his goal of reuniting with Michonne. This analysis adds depth to the character of Rick and raises questions about the future of the series, leaving readers eager to see how Rick's journey unfolds in the upcoming episodes.