The long-running American series "The Walking Dead" makes a comeback once again, this time in the form of a spin-off titled "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live." This instalment has become the highest-rated in the entire series, surpassing even the highly acclaimed third and fifth seasons of the original.
The remarkable ratings can be attributed to nostalgia and the tear-jerking return of the protagonist: the biggest highlight of this series is the return of Rick Grimes, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who has been 'missing in action' since the ninth season in 2018. The most intriguing aspect of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is filling this gap and exploring a broader world centred around Rick Grimes, unfolding an entirely new story.
Let's rewind the timeline to the ninth season. At that time, Rick Grimes, leading several factions, managed to overcome "The Saviors" ruled by Negan, intending to establish a new grand alliance in this lonely world. However, whether it was the loyal Daryl Dixon or Maggie Greene, none fully endorsed Rick Grimes' vision, leading to a clash with the remnants of The Saviors.
In the fifth episode, Rick Grimes detonates a bridge to divert a horde of walkers, subsequently disappearing. This seemingly accidental tragedy was, in fact, an inevitable consequence of conflicting goals among team members. In other words, the dire situation could be thoroughly altered only with Rick Grimes absent.
The new series tells the story of Rick Grimes, who is eventually rescued by a more robust military force called the CRM (Civic Republic Military) after falling into the water from the explosion. This force, which becomes the focal point of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live," is a professional military unit comprising thousands of personnel, equipped with conventional weapons and rare helicopters. Their mission is to protect a secretive city with a population of hundreds of thousands, which operates autonomously and independently from the military.
The military systematically rescues survivors from the outside world, conscripting them into labour within the suburbs surrounding the city. These individuals, referred to as "consignee," are tasked with killing walkers to expand the safe zone and farming crops while managing water resources. In essence, consignees must toil for six years to earn the qualification to enter the prosperous city. However, once they become consignees or enter the city, they can never leave again, aiming to prevent the city's secrets from leaking.
During the first five years after being rescued, Rick Grimes was a consignee, but he repeatedly attempted to escape to reunite with his family, nearly losing his life in the process. The opening scene of the series depicts Rick Grimes brutally severing his left hand in an attempt to flee. The military leadership repeatedly pardons Rick Grimes because they recognize his unique qualities, especially Donald Okafor, who continuously encourages Rick Grimes to join the military and fulfil his ambitions. Similar to Rick Grimes in character, a new character, Pearl Thorne, who possesses remarkable abilities, also attempts to escape multiple times and is eventually recruited by Donald Okafor into the military.
It can be said that based on the standard set by the first episode and the groundwork laid out, "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" shows considerable promise.
In terms of world-building, the military forces and the scale of the city in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" overshadow all the survivor settlements seen before. The Alexandria Safe-zone, Hilltop Colony and The Kingdom, and even Negan's "The Saviors" group all appear minuscule compared to these cities with thousands of inhabitants. Similar survivor cities continue to emerge, intensifying the conflicts between cities and battles between regular armies.
On the character front, the first episode focuses on showcasing the complex psychological changes within Rick Grimes, from desperately struggling to return home to gradually giving up hope and being deeply moved by Donald Okafor's experiences, leading to his decision to join the military. The ties with Rick Grimes' past love interests and his aspirations for the new journey are also appropriately addressed. It is worth noting that "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" is not solely about Rick Grimes but also marks the return of Michonne.
Therefore, when Rick Grimes' helicopter is ambushed in the final scene of the first episode, almost resulting in his death, the assailant turns out to be Michonne, the one he has been longing for. This emotional moment is bound to evoke tears in many viewers. Based on this plot development and the foreshadowing of city conflicts, "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" might recreate the "Romeo and Juliet" pattern with Rick Grimes and Michonne: a tragic love story amidst opposing factions.
However, despite these positive aspects, the issues with this spin-off must be addressed. The most fatal one is reducing the zombies to mere background props. Since the eighth season in 2017, "The Walking Dead" has seen a decline in reputation, indicating the weakening momentum of this flagship series. It's safe to say that the eighth season failed to live up to the title of a zombie drama, becoming nothing more than a shootout between Rick Grimes and Negan's two camps.
Subsequently, until the conclusion of the eleventh season, apart from the "Whisperers" disguised as zombies and controlling hordes, there is hardly any remarkable portrayal of the zombie element. It's important to note that "The Walking Dead" became among the highest-rated and most acclaimed American series after 2010 for two core reasons.
One creates a sense of apocalypse with graphic scenes of gore during zombie attacks; the other presents a multitude of vividly characterized ensemble cast members through complex depictions of human nature. For instance, in the first episode of the first season, piles of bodies lying on the ground as Rick Grimes wakes up in a hospital create a strong sense of eeriness and unease. Similarly, the scene where Rick Grimes rides through an empty city on horseback, suddenly encountering a massive horde of zombies around the corner, evokes a sudden sense of panic. These iconic scenes remain haunting for many fans to this day.
In terms of character portrayal, Carol Peletier's transformation from a timid housewife to a resourceful and decisive super killer and Daryl Dixon's evolution from a brooding figure burdened by familial pain to becoming Rick Grimes' right-hand man showcasing inner softness and outward strength are standout examples. Characters like Shane, Hershel Greene, Lori, and Beth from the early seasons are still remembered by many fans, embodying various struggles and "mutations" of human nature in the face of an apocalyptic crisis.
However, with AMC continuously milking the franchise and expanding "The Walking Dead" universe with spin-offs like the "Fear The Walking Dead" series, "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," "Tales of the Walking Dead," etc., the allure of "The Walking Dead" IP has been diluted, gradually losing its lustre.
Aside from Glenn, Rick Grimes' mid-season disappearance has also drawn criticism. Moreover, the portrayal of Maggie Greene and Negan forming a couple pairing, continually whitewashing Negan's past sins in last year's "The Walking Dead: Dead City," has sparked complaints among many fans. With Rick Grimes' return, "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" might rekindle some of the glory of the zombie drama series and attract the attention of many viewers.
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