The Foreshadowed Tragedy in The Ones Who Live Episode 2 Involving Rick & Michonne

Rick and Michonne finally reunite in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Despite the joy of seeing each other again after years apart, the spinoff suggests a tragic fate may await the couple. The CRM's arrival interrupts their reunion, forcing Rick and Michonne to act like strangers and meet in secret. When they finally have a chance to speak privately, they discuss the grim task of stopping the CRM, hinting at a dark conclusion.

The CRM has been a mysterious presence in The Walking Dead since season 1, but its significance has only become clear in recent years. The helicopter in the show's early episodes hinted at their existence, and they made their first major appearance in season 9 during Rick and Jadis' departure. The World Beyond series highlighted the CRM as the most powerful group in The Walking Dead universe, posing a formidable challenge for Rick and Michonne as they face their toughest enemy yet. One ominous line suggests a tragic fate may await them.

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The Ones Who Live Episode 2 Sets Up Rick & Michonne Dying

One Line Suggests The Show's Protagonists May Die

Michonne holding Rick's face next to a CRM Helicopter in The Walking Dead - One Line Suggests The Show's Protagonists May Die - The Ones Who Live Episode 2 Sets Up Rick & Michonne Dying

In Episode 2 of The Ones Who Live, there is a hint that Rick and Michonne might not make it in their spinoff. This would be a big surprise considering how long they have been part of the series. The show's high stakes are evident, and a particular conversation between Rick and Michonne implies that they may not survive. Michonne asks Rick if they can defeat the CRM, to which Rick responds with a negative "No." When Michonne questions if they can at least try, Rick's answer implies that they may not make it back. This suggests that they are aware of the challenges they face against the CRM.

Rick, Michonne, and their allies have a history of overcoming challenges and fighting for the greater good. It's a common trait among the main survivors to take on battles that seem impossible to win. However, the current war they are facing against the CRM might be their toughest challenge yet. Despite the risks, Rick and Michonne are considering burning down the CRM as a way to protect their children and eliminate a dangerous threat.

Okafor believed that some people are willing to die for their beliefs, and if Rick and Michonne sacrifice themselves while taking down the CRM, it would align with this belief. Okafor's dedication to change the CRM from within led to his demise, but his legacy could inspire Rick to continue his mission. The CRM poses a significant threat in The Walking Dead universe, and Rick and Michonne may ultimately have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to defeat this powerful enemy.

Rick Not Returning To Alexandria Would Be A Risky Ending For His Walking Dead Story

Denying Rick His Walking Dead Reunions Could Lead To Backlash

Rick and Michonne as cops in Alexandria in The Walking Dead - Denying Rick His Walking Dead Reunions Could Lead To Backlash - Rick Not Returning To Alexandria Would Be A Risky Ending For His Walking Dead Story

Taking on the CRM may seem like a noble mission for Rick, but if he were to die without returning home, it would be a risky way to end his Walking Dead story. Some hints suggest that Rick may take over the CRM in The Ones Who Live, but if he fails to do so and never makes it back home, it would be a tragic conclusion for his character. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the protagonist to make a comeback in the series for over five years, and killing him off within just six episodes of his return could lead to a disappointing reaction. Considering all that Rick has already sacrificed, it would be unsatisfying for him to give his life to defeat the CRM.

Rick Can Die In The Ones Who Live (But Not Michonne)

Dying alongside Michonne wouldn't even be felt by those he is trying to protect, as his allies don't know about the CRM or where they're located. However, the most controversial part of Rick dying in his fight with the CRM would be the lack of reunions. Characters like Daryl and Morgan have been part of his journey since the start and not getting to reunite with them would feel hollow. He also wouldn't get to reunite with Judith or meet his son, RJ, which would make his highly anticipated return feel pointless after so many years away from the franchise.

The Ones Who Live Can't Kill Off Both Characters

Andrew Lincoln as Rick and Danai Gurira as Michonne in The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live Can't Kill Off Both Characters - Rick Can Die In The Ones Who Live (But Not Michonne)

Despite the risk involved, it would be more impactful for The Ones Who Live to kill off Rick rather than Michonne. If Rick were to sacrifice himself fighting the CRM, Michonne could survive and return home to share with their children the story of Rick's bravery. This would bring closure to those who have known Rick for years and create an emotional moment for the audience. Killing both characters would be excessive and leave a significant gap in the franchise that would be difficult to fill.

The Ones Who Live has been a successful project for the franchise, and ending it with the death of both protagonists would not allow The Walking Dead to continue building on its momentum. If a character must die, it would make more sense for it to be Rick, as many survivors already believe he may be deceased. His sacrifice would hold more weight, especially if it meant Michonne could return home to their children. Although not a fairy tale ending, Rick sacrificing himself to save the world aligns perfectly with his character.

Editor's P/S:

The article suggests that Rick and Michonne may face a tragic fate in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live." The ominous line, "No," in their conversation about defeating the CRM, hints at a challenging and potentially fatal battle. However, the article also explores the possibility of Rick taking over the CRM. This twist would be a fitting end to his character arc, as he has always fought for the greater good.

Personally, I believe that killing off both Rick and Michonne would be a controversial decision. Rick's return has been highly anticipated by fans, and denying him reunions with his loved ones after five years of absence would be disappointing. It would also leave a significant gap in the franchise, as Rick and Michonne have been central characters since the beginning. If a character must die, it would make more sense for it to be Rick, as his sacrifice would hold more weight and allow Michonne to return home to their children.