The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is a long-awaited spinoff that will finally tie up one of the franchise’s biggest loose ends. Many die-hard fans of the franchise have been eager to see what happened to the original hero, Rick Grimes, after his departure in Season 9 of The Walking Dead. However, Michonne’s storyline following her exit in Season 10 is just as relevant for this romance-based spinoff.
Michonne had an exceptional arc from her introduction at the end of Season 2 to the time jump in Season 10, which took place following Rick’s supposed demise. Before Michonne was the love interest of the central main character, she was beloved by fans for being a powerful, skilled survivor. Before diving into the storyline in The Ones Who Live, it’s important for viewers to understand who Michonne was prior to her exit.
“Beside the Dying Fire” Was an Epic Introduction
Season | 2 |
Episode | 16 |
Runtime | 42 minutes |
IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
Michonne had a fantastic introduction in the final episode of Season 2. After the Greene farm was overrun and the survivors were scattered, Andrea was struggling to survive on her own. Michonne stepped in and saved Andrea, who would then become one of Michonne’s biggest influences.
“Beside the Dying Fire” only features Michonne for a brief moment. However, her introduction was one that brought instant intrigue and excitement. Fans were eager to learn about the mysterious stranger with two pet walkers and a katana. This hype didn’t disappoint, highlighting from the very beginning that Michonne was one of the most badass survivors.
“Too Far Gone” Changed Everything
Season | 4 |
Episode | 8 |
Runtime | 43 minutes |
IMDb Rating | 9.6/10 |
This episode was important for all the survivors. The collapse of the prison settlement divided the characters for the first time since the original group in Season 1. The episode begins with Michonne and Hershel being held captive by the Governor and his new crew. During the battle at the prison, the Governor nearly kills Rick before Michonne stops him via her sword through his chest.
This is an underrated moment for Michonne’s character development. Before this, Rick and other survivors, such as Daryl and Maggie, are seen as the ultimate defenders of their people. However, Michonne deserves praise for taking the opportunity to stop the villain. While Rick was ready to battle to the death in an honorable manner, Michonne did what she had to do to eliminate the threat.
“Try” Captured Michonne’s Authority
Season | 5 |
Episode | 15 |
Runtime | 42 minutes |
IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
There have been several occasions when a furious and out-of-control Rick had to be stopped by one of his allies. This was the case in “Try”, when Michonne knocks Rick unconscious after he nearly kills an abusive resident of Alexandria and threatens others within the community.
Before fans knew that Michonne and Rick would have a romance, it was made clear that she was one of the few capable of controlling this leader when he was jaded by his own arrogance and violent tendencies. Despite respecting Rick as a leader, Michonne didn’t let her loyalty cloud her own judgment. She will protect herself and her people, even at the expense of going against one of their own.
“Say Yes” is a Display of Love
Season | 7 |
Episode | 12 |
Runtime | 43 minutes |
IMDb Rating | 7/10 |
During the war with the Saviors, Rick and Michonne are out scouting for ammo and guns when they find undead military with their gear still attached. While trying to take down the horde and retrieve the much-needed supplies, Rick falls and is swarmed by walkers. Michonne runs to his aid but drops her katana in horror when she believes he’s being eaten.
This is a powerful moment for the lovers’ arc. Michonne is a natural-born survivor but falters when she believes she’s lost the person who means the most to her. Remembering this instance of shock and weakness is crucial to understanding how determined she will be to find and protect Rick in The Ones Who Live.
While Michonne is pregnant with Rick Jr., she aids an old friend who ends up being a villain who kidnaps Judith and the other children in Alexandria. Along with Daryl, she fights against a group of children. She risks her life and pregnancy, getting injured in a battle that forces her to kill children.
This episode is arguably Michonne’s most powerful moment. Even though she’s in a vulnerable state and reluctant to hurt the enemy, she does what she must to protect her children. Michonne is nearly unstoppable when she’s defending the ones she loves. That is an iconic aspect of her characterization that is critical to understand and revisit before watching The Ones Who Live.