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The Walking Dead: What We Become – Michonne’s Farewell, a Trip Down Memory Lane (and a Hallucinatory Nightmare), and Rick’s Boots! (Season 10, Episode 13)

Originally aired: March 22, 2020. 3.49 million viewers tuned in to say goodbye to one of the most beloved characters in “The Walking Dead” universe. Written by Vivian Tse and directed by Sharat Raju.

Bloodsworth Island: Where the Past Comes Back to Haunt You (Literally):

“What We Become” takes a detour from the Whisperer War and focuses entirely on Michonne’s journey. She’s agreed to help Virgil, the mysterious man she encountered earlier in the season, in exchange for weapons to use against the Whisperers. But her trip to Bloodsworth Island is about to become a whole lot more complicated than she anticipated.

Key Plot Points:

• Island of Secrets: “Virgil, You’ve Got Some Explaining to Do!”: Michonne arrives at Bloodsworth Island, a former naval base that’s now a creepy and deserted wasteland. She’s immediately suspicious of Virgil, who’s acting strangely and seems to be hiding something. And guess what? Her instincts are right. Virgil’s got a few secrets, and they’re about to turn Michonne’s world upside down. Michonne: the woman who’s always one step ahead (except when it comes to trusting shady dudes).!
• Family Matters: Virgil’s Tragic Tale: Virgil, it turns out, lied to Michonne about the weapons. He actually wanted her help to put his deceased family to rest. His wife and children turned into walkers, and he couldn’t bring himself to kill them. Michonne, though initially furious at being deceived, ultimately helps Virgil, showing her compassion and her understanding of the emotional toll that the apocalypse can take. Virgil: the man who just wanted to say goodbye to his family (even if they were a little bit bitey).!
• Michonne’s Trip: “This is Not the Apocalypse I Signed Up For!”: Michonne, sensing that something’s not right with Virgil, investigates his hideout. But he traps her in a cell, revealing that he’s holding other people captive as well. And then, things get really weird. He drugs Michonne with some hallucinogenic plants, and she experiences a series of bizarre and disturbing visions. Michonne: the woman who’s about to have a really bad trip.
• The “What If” Scenario: The Savior Michonne: Michonne’s hallucinations take her on a journey through an alternate timeline, where she never met Rick and his group. Instead, she joins the Saviors and becomes one of Negan’s most loyal followers. We see her participating in some of the most brutal moments of the Saviors’ war, including the attack on Alexandria and the lineup where Glenn and Abraham were killed. It’s a chilling and thought-provoking sequence that shows how easily Michonne could have become a villain if she had made different choices. Michonne: the warrior who could have been a villain.
• Rick’s Boots: The Clue That Changes Everything: Michonne, with the help of the other prisoners, escapes from Virgil’s clutches. But before she leaves the island, she makes a shocking discovery – Rick’s boots! It’s the first concrete evidence that Rick might still be alive, and it reignites her hope of finding him. She also finds a cell phone with a drawing of her and Judith, further suggesting that Rick has been trying to reach them. Rick Grimes: the man who’s still out there somewhere (and maybe wearing a new pair of boots).!
• A New Journey Begins: “I’m Coming, Rick!”: Michonne contacts Judith on the radio and tells her about her discovery. Judith, who’s grown into a wise and capable young woman, encourages Michonne to go find Rick, assuring her that she and RJ will be okay. Michonne, with renewed purpose and a heart full of hope, sets off on a new journey, following a trail that could lead her to her long-lost love. Michonne: the woman who’s not giving up on love (or Rick Grimes).!

Themes and Meanings:

• Choices: The Butterfly Effect: Michonne’s hallucinatory visions highlight the impact that even the smallest choices can have on our lives. Her decision to save Andrea back in Season 2 set her on a path that led her to Rick, her family, and her community. If she had made a different choice, her life would have been drastically different, and she might have ended up as a villain instead of a hero. The Walking Dead: where every choice matters.
• Hope: The Fuel of the Soul: Michonne’s journey in this episode is a testament to the power of hope. She’s spent years surviving for the sake of her children, but now, she has a new purpose – finding Rick. Her hope that he’s still alive gives her the strength to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against her. Hope: it’s the light that guides you through the darkness (and maybe even helps you find your long-lost love).!
• Trauma: The Scars We Carry: Virgil’s story is a reminder that the apocalypse can take a toll on even the strongest minds. His isolation and his grief have driven him to madness, and his actions, while misguided, are also a reflection of the deep pain and trauma that he’s carrying. The Walking Dead: where even the survivors can become victims of their own minds.

Little Details You Might Have Missed:

• Rick’s boots are a powerful symbol of his presence and his legacy. They’re a reminder that even though he’s gone, he’s still a part of Michonne’s life, and she’s not going to give up on finding him. Rick’s boots: the symbol of hope that Michonne’s been waiting for.
• The drawing on the cell phone of Michonne and Judith is a touching reminder of Rick’s love for his family and his desire to be reunited with them. It’s a sign that he’s still out there, somewhere, and that he hasn’t forgotten them. The drawing: a message of love from beyond.
• Michonne wielding Lucille, Negan’s infamous bat, in her hallucination is a chilling reminder of the violence and brutality that she could have embraced if she had chosen a different path. It’s a stark contrast to the compassionate and just leader she’s become. Michonne: the warrior who chose the path of light.
• The eerie music during Michonne’s hallucinations adds to the sense of disorientation and psychological tension. It’s reminiscent of the music used in “The Grove” episode in Season 4, which also featured a character struggling with their sanity. The music: a soundtrack for Michonne’s descent into madness (and her eventual return to reality).!

Stats and Stuff:

• Viewership: 3.49 million viewers (Michonne’s farewell drew a strong audience).
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 (fans and critics agree – this episode is a winner!).
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93% Fresh (a fitting sendoff for a beloved character).

My Final Verdict:

“What We Become” is a stunning and emotionally resonant episode that gives Michonne a worthy farewell while also setting the stage for new adventures in “The Walking Dead” universe. The hallucinatory sequences, the discovery of Rick’s belongings, and Michonne’s decision to embark on a new journey all contribute to the power and poignancy of the episode. This is “The Walking Dead” at its most introspective and hopeful, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for love, redemption, and the belief in a better tomorrow. What did you think of the episode? Were you moved by Michonne’s farewell? Let’s discuss in the comments!