Walking Dead Spinoff Ending Clue: Rick & Michonne's Fate Unveiled

In The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live episode 2, the potential ending of Rick and Michonne's spinoff may have already been hinted at. Speculation about their new adventure's conclusion has been ongoing, as it could play a crucial role in the future of the franchise. The Civic Republic Military, their main adversary in the spinoff, has been portrayed as the overarching villain of the series, indicating that Rick and Michonne's actions could shape what happens next.

Many have speculated that the CRM will continue to exist despite the events of The Ones Who Live, given the hints of a potential Walking Dead crossover. It would not be surprising if Rick and Michonne manage to outsmart, but not defeat, the CRM, setting the stage for a grand finale where they, along with Daryl, Maggie, Morgan, Negan, and their old friends from Alexandria, take down the villains in an epic miniseries event. However, The Walking Dead might have a different plan in store for the CRM, as hinted at in the first two episodes of The Ones Who Live.

Theory: The Ones Who Live Ends With Rick & Michonne Burning Down The CRM

A flaming zombie in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live - Theory: The Ones Who Live Ends With Rick & Michonne Burning Down The CRM

Rick and Michonne have the potential to bring down the CRM instead of just running away from it. This could lead to a more satisfying conclusion for the series, without the need for a reunion with their former allies to take down The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live's Major General Beale and his group. Rick mentioned that escaping was their only option, but Michonne seemed to want more than just leaving.

Michonne's interest in destroying the CRM aligns with the imagery of fire seen in the series. Fire has been a prominent element in the marketing and opening credits of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. It has also been featured in the storyline, such as Nat playing with a lighter in episode 2, and Michonne doing the same at the end of the episode. The scene of Michonne smiling while using the lighter after discussing defeating the CRM hints that they may use fire to take down their enemies.

Fire Is The Only Way Rick & Michonne Can Beat The CRM

CRM consignees including Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. - Fire Is The Only Way Rick & Michonne Can Beat The CRM

Defeating the CRM is an incredibly tough challenge, especially without enough allies. Rick and Michonne are facing a formidable opponent that cannot be defeated easily. The only way to win against the CRM is to remove their resources completely in one swift move. Attempting to engage in a prolonged war with the CRM is futile, so the only option is to burn it down for good.

Why Rick & Michonne Could Die While Destroying The CRM

Major General Beale looking at Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live trailer - Why Rick & Michonne Could Die While Destroying The CRM

Rick is adamant that the CRM cannot be stopped, emphasizing the danger and potential sacrifice involved in opposing them in The Ones Who Live. Taking down an organization labeled by Beale as possibly the most powerful military in the world is already a huge task. Expecting to defeat them without consequences is an even more far-fetched idea that borders on the impossible. It's possible that attempting this could result in the loss of one or both of their lives, if it's even possible at all.

Rick & Michonne Can't Die Without Returning To Alexandria, Right?

Not only would a high-risk plan in The Ones Who Live potentially require the characters to make the ultimate sacrifice, but it would also match the series' tone. While it may seem like a story about Rick and Michonne's trials to reunite, the series premiere showed a different side: Rick realizing there are things more important than his own wants. In theory, the series could end with Rick sacrificing himself (and his desire to see Judith) to save the world from the CRM.

Judith and R.J. in walking dead series finale - Rick & Michonne Can't Die Without Returning To Alexandria, Right?

Adding to the complexity is the uncertainty of where Judith and RJ fit into the mix. The Walking Dead separated the Grimes family some time ago, sparking hope for a future reunion. With Daryl's promise to bring back Rick Grimes and Judith finally revealing the truth about Michonne's departure, it seems like a setup for Rick's return. This makes it more plausible for Rick and Michonne to survive The Ones Who Live. However, The Walking Dead has a history of throwing in unexpected tragedies.

Rick's Death Would Honor Robert Kirkman's Original Comic Ending

The Walking Dead: Rick Grimes' death. - Rick's Death Would Honor Robert Kirkman's Original Comic Ending

Burning The CRM Down Would Buck A Long-Standing Walking Dead Trend

Interestingly, if Rick were to die while taking down the CRM, it would be a way for The Walking Dead to pay homage to the ending of the original comic. In the final issue, Rick - who had successfully negotiated Alexandria's entry into the Commonwealth - was murdered by Sebastian Milton. His death was a result of everything he had endured to ensure the future of Alexandria. By going out in a blaze of glory to destroy the biggest threat to all communities, including Alexandria, it would be a way to maintain the theme of the comic's ending, even though the circumstances of his death would be quite different.

Rick and Michonne on The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live poster - Burning The CRM Down Would Buck A Long-Standing Walking Dead Trend

Moreover, destroying the CRM would give The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live a unique ending compared to other main characters' stories. Usually, Rick, Michonne, and the rest don't completely destroy their enemies' settlements. They usually either take them over or merge with them, like what happened with the Saviors, Woodbury, and the Scavengers. The only settlement that Rick's group deliberately destroyed was Terminus, a place that probably couldn't be saved with new leadership. Okafor believes this is what the CRM needs, but Rick and Michonne might have a different opinion.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the potential ending of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live," speculating on the possibility of Rick and Michonne burning down the Civic Republic Military (CRM). It explores the idea that this act could lead to a satisfying conclusion for the spinoff, as it would be a bold move that aligns with the imagery of fire seen throughout the series. The author also raises the possibility that Rick and Michonne may not survive such an endeavor, which would be a departure from the traditional approach of not completely destroying enemies' settlements. Overall, the article presents an intriguing theory and raises questions about the future of the franchise, leaving readers eager for the resolution of Rick and Michonne's story.