Tavern Cellar

The Walking Dead: Rest in Peace – The Commonwealth Crumbles, Rick’s Alive, and the Future is Uncertain (Season 11, Episode 24 – Series Finale)

Originally aired: November 20, 2022. Viewership numbers were through the roof for this epic conclusion to the series, with millions tuning in to say goodbye to the survivors and the world they built. Directed by Greg Nicotero (the man who brought us all those amazing walker effects!).

The Commonwealth: The End of an Era:

“Rest in Peace” is the culmination of eleven seasons of blood, sweat, and tears (mostly tears). The survivors have faced countless challenges, lost loved ones, and battled their way through a zombie apocalypse. But they’ve also found love, friendship, and a sense of community that has kept them going. This episode is a celebration of their journey, a farewell to the characters we’ve come to know and love, and a glimpse into the uncertain future that awaits them.

Key Plot Points:

• Judith’s Fight for Life: “Don’t You Dare Die on Me, Lil’ Ass-Kicker!”: The episode picks up with Judith, who was shot in the previous episode, fighting for her life. Daryl carries her through the chaotic streets of the Commonwealth, desperately searching for medical help. It’s a heart-wrenching scene that mirrors Rick carrying Carl in Season 2, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the sacrifices that parents make for their children. Judith Grimes: the girl who’s tougher than a walker with a bulletproof vest.
• Pamela Milton’s Downfall: “The Queen is Dead!”: Pamela Milton, the tyrannical leader of the Commonwealth, is finally brought to justice. With Mercer leading a rebellion against her and the citizens rising up in protest, she’s forced to face the consequences of her actions. She tries to take the easy way out by letting herself be bitten by a walker, but Maggie stops her, delivering a powerful line that echoes the show’s core theme of survival and resilience: “You don’t get to take the easy way out.” Pamela Milton: the villain who finally got her comeuppance.
• The Final Battle: “Burn, Baby, Burn!”: The survivors, with the help of Mercer and the rebel soldiers, fight their way through the walker horde that’s overrun the Commonwealth. They use explosives, fire, and a whole lot of ingenuity to lure the walkers into a trap and destroy them, marking a symbolic victory over the undead and the beginning of a new era. The survivors: they’re not just fighting for survival anymore; they’re fighting for the future.
• Rosita’s Goodbye: “We’ll Miss You, Mama Bear”: In a heartbreaking turn of events, Rosita, one of the most beloved and badass characters in the series, is bitten by a walker. She dies peacefully in her bed, surrounded by her loved ones, leaving a void in the group that will never be filled. Rosita Espinosa: the warrior who fought until the end.
• The Commonwealth Reborn: “Let’s Build Something Better”: With Pamela Milton imprisoned and the walker threat neutralized, the Commonwealth begins to rebuild. Ezekiel and Mercer take charge, promising to create a more just and equitable society, one that honors the sacrifices of those who fought for it. Alexandria and Hilltop are also reclaimed and restored, symbolizing the survivors’ ability to create a lasting legacy in the apocalypse. The Walking Dead: where even in the midst of destruction, there’s still hope for a better tomorrow.
• Rick and Michonne: “The Reunion We’ve Been Waiting For (Sort Of)”: Just when you think the story is over, the final minutes of the episode deliver a twist that will leave you screaming (and maybe shedding a few tears of joy). Rick Grimes is alive! We see him on a beach, wearing a CRM jacket and writing a letter to Michonne. He’s still out there, fighting to get back to his family, and his story is far from over. Meanwhile, Michonne, armed and armored, is on a mission to find him, her determination unwavering. The episode ends with their voices narrating, reminding us that their love story is not over, and their journey will continue. Rick and Michonne: the couple who’s always finding a way back to each other.

Small Details That Could Be Missed:

• Daryl calling Judith “Lil’ Ass-Kicker” is a callback to what he used to call her as a baby, showing the enduring bond between them and the way in which he’s become a father figure to her. Daryl Dixon: the uncle who’s always got your back.
• Carol’s decision to stay in the Commonwealth suggests that she’s finally found a place where she feels safe and accepted. After years of wandering and struggling with her own demons, she’s ready to be part of a community again. Carol Peletier: the woman who’s finally found her home.
• Eugene naming his daughter “Rosie” is a touching tribute to Rosita, honoring her memory and her legacy. Eugene Porter: the nerd who’s learned the meaning of love and loss.
• Rick’s CRM jacket suggests that he’s been a prisoner of the Civic Republic Military, a powerful and mysterious organization that’s been hinted at throughout the series. His presence on the beach suggests that he’s escaped, but it’s unclear how or why he’s there. Rick Grimes: the man who’s always got a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble.

Stats and Stuff:

• Viewer Rating: 9.0/10 (IMDb) (a fitting end to a beloved series).
• Total Deaths: Rosita, walkers, and Commonwealth soldiers (the final battle takes its toll).
• Biggest Power Shift: Pamela Milton is dethroned, and Ezekiel and Mercer take over the Commonwealth (a new era begins).
• Most Shocking Moment: The Rick Grimes reveal (the hero’s journey continues!).

My Final Verdict:

“Rest in Peace” is a bittersweet but ultimately satisfying conclusion to “The Walking Dead.” It’s an emotional rollercoaster that delivers on all fronts – action, drama, heartbreak, and hope. The final battle, the character deaths, and the Rick and Michonne reveal all contribute to the episode’s power and poignancy. This is “The Walking Dead” at its best, reminding us that even in the apocalypse, there’s still room for love, loss, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. What did you think of the finale? Were you surprised by the Rick Grimes reveal? Let’s discuss in the comments!