Rick Grimes, the central figure of The Walking Dead, began his journey as a former sheriff’s deputy. After being shot in the line of duty, Rick slipped into a coma, only to awaken to a world overtaken by the undead. Determined to find his family, he traveled to Atlanta, where he reunited with his wife, Lori, and son, Carl, alongside a group of survivors.
In Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After,” Rick’s journey took a dramatic turn. Gravely injured, he was rescued by a CRM helicopter summoned by Anne. At the time, the Civil Republic Military (CRM) wasn’t a significant element of The Walking Dead narrative, gaining prominence later in the 2020 spinoff series World Beyond.
Rick’s fate remained uncertain until The Walking Dead finale provided some answers. He was revealed to be a captive of the CRM, a shadowy organization with sinister undertones. While the CRM claimed to protect the democratic Civic Republic, its military operated unchecked, committing atrocities like genocide. Rick’s attempts to escape hinted at the true nature of this powerful entity.
After being taken by the CRM, Rick lived under their control as a prisoner. During one escape attempt, he discarded his belongings onto a boat, hoping they might one day lead to his rescue. These items were later discovered by Michonne, creating an emotional connection between the two. Through journal entries and shared imagery, Rick and Michonne remained linked despite being separated by time and distance.
In The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, Rick’s struggles against the CRM were further explored. Flashbacks revealed his desperate efforts to break free, including a tense encounter with a CRM helicopter. In this scene, Rick reluctantly surrenders after defeating a walker buried in the mud, using a kill stick in a moment of raw determination.
Rick Grimes’ story in The Walking Dead remains one of survival, resilience, and hope. His continued fight against overwhelming odds and the shadowy CRM ensures that his legacy endures, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in his saga.
