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The Walking Dead: What Comes After – Rick’s Goodbye, a Bridge Too Far, and Judith Grimes: The Next Generation (Season 9, Episode 5)

Originally aired: November 4, 2018. 5.41 million viewers tuned in to say goodbye to the man who started it all. Written by Matthew Negrete and Scott M. Gimple, and directed by Greg Nicotero.

The Bridge: A Symbol of Hope (and Sacrifice):

“What Comes After” picks up with Rick impaled on a rebar and a massive walker horde heading straight for the bridge and the communities he’s desperately trying to unite. This episode is not just about Rick’s physical survival; it’s about his emotional journey, his legacy, and the impact he’s had on the people around him.

Key Plot Points:

• Rick’s Fever Dream: The Ghosts of Seasons Past: Rick, bless his battered and bleeding heart, is hallucinating. He sees visions of Shane, Hershel, and Sasha, all key figures from his past who have shaped him into the leader he is today. They challenge him, they comfort him, and they remind him of the sacrifices he’s made and the people he’s lost along the way. Rick Grimes: the man who’s haunted by his past (and maybe a few walkers).!
• The Horde Approaches: “Run for Your Lives!”: The walker horde, like a scene out of a zombie apocalypse movie (because, well, it is), is closing in on the bridge. Daryl, Michonne, Maggie, and the others are scrambling to find a way to stop them, but it’s a losing battle. The herd is too big, too relentless, and it seems like all hope is lost. The walkers: they’re like the bill collectors of the apocalypse, and they always get their due.
• Rick’s Last Stand: The Bridge Over Troubled Waters (and Walkers): Rick, realizing that the bridge is the only thing standing between the walkers and the communities, makes a desperate decision. He lures the horde onto the bridge, knowing that if they cross, the whole thing will collapse. He then sets off a series of explosions, destroying the bridge and seemingly sacrificing himself to save his people. Rick Grimes: the hero who’s always willing to go down with the ship (or the bridge).!
• The Helicopter Rescue: “Wait, He’s Alive?”: Just when you think Rick’s gone for good, we get a twist. He’s miraculously survived the explosion and is found by Anne (the former Jadis), who’s been in contact with the mysterious helicopter group. She convinces them to save Rick, offering him as a trade for her own freedom. They take Rick away in the helicopter, leaving his fate uncertain and his friends and family heartbroken. Rick Grimes: the man who’s always got a knack for cheating death (and maybe joining a secret society).!
• The Time Jump: “Welcome to the Future!”: The episode ends with a significant time jump. We see an older Judith Grimes, now wielding Rick’s iconic hat and Michonne’s katana, leading a group of survivors and showing the same courage and compassion that her father was known for. It’s a hopeful ending, suggesting that Rick’s legacy will live on through his children and the communities he helped to build. Judith Grimes: the next generation of badassery.

Themes and Meanings:

• Sacrifice: The Ultimate Act of Love: Rick’s willingness to sacrifice himself to protect his people is a testament to his love for them and his belief in the future they’re fighting for. He’s always been a protector, and his final act is the ultimate expression of that role. Rick Grimes: the father who gave everything for his family (and maybe a little bit for the world).!
• Reflection: The Journey of Self-Discovery: Rick’s visions of his past and his conversations with the ghosts of his friends and enemies allow him to reflect on his journey and the choices he’s made. He’s confronted with his regrets, his triumphs, and the people who have shaped him into the man he is today. The Walking Dead: where even in the apocalypse, there’s time for introspection.
• Legacy: The Hope for a Better Tomorrow: The introduction of an older Judith, who’s clearly following in her father’s footsteps, symbolizes the continuation of Rick’s legacy and his vision for a better future. Even though he’s gone, his ideals and his spirit live on in the next generation. The Walking Dead: where hope is passed down from one generation to the next.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Rick’s decision to destroy the bridge, which was a symbol of unity and connection, represents a breaking point in his journey. He’s severing his ties to the communities he’s been fighting for, but he’s also saving them from the walker horde. It’s a bittersweet moment that highlights the sacrifices that have to be made in the apocalypse. The bridge: a symbol of hope that’s been broken (but maybe not forever).!
• Judith’s appearance, with Rick’s hat and Michonne’s katana, is a visual representation of the blending of their legacies. She’s the embodiment of their hopes and dreams for the future, and she’s carrying the torch of their fight for survival. Judith Grimes: the child who’s carrying the weight of her parents’ legacy.
• Sasha’s words to Rick in his vision, about sacrifice and moving forward, are a poignant reminder of the episode’s central theme. Even in death, Sasha is guiding Rick and helping him to find peace with his choices. Sasha Williams: the friend who’s still watching over Rick (from the great beyond).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Walker Kills: 30+ (Rick’s going out with a bang!).
• Human Deaths: None (but Rick’s apparent death is a devastating blow).
• Survivor Count: Stable, but the communities are facing a new era without their leader.

My Final Verdict:

“What Comes After” is a monumental episode that marks the end of an era in “The Walking Dead.” Rick Grimes’s farewell is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and his legacy will continue to shape the story for seasons to come. This episode is a reminder that even in the apocalypse, there’s still room for love, sacrifice, and the belief in a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you shocked by Rick’s “death”? Let’s discuss in the comments!