I was hesitant to watch and review this newest series from The Walking Dead Universe. I think I was angry with the characters (not the actors). Andrew Lincoln’s Rick was the glue that held this series together. Rick’s disappearance, at least for the series, gave the other characters room to grow. Michonne’s (Danai Gurira) leaving her children during a war, made absolutely no sense at all. I was angry, but here I am. Giving these characters one more chance to win me over. Did they?
Years
This spin-off from the original The Walking Dead is the love child of Scott M. Gimple, Andrew Lincoln, Greg Nicotero, and Danai Gurira for AMC. Episode one is directed by Amber Templemore-Finlayson and Bertie Ellwood aka Bert and Bertie. It stars Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Danai as Michonne, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Craig Tate, Frankie Quinones, and Terry O’Quinn as Major General Beale of the Civic Republic Military.
With the other two spin-offs, we got a taste of what was going on in New York with Negan and Maggie, and we learned that the French have a certain flair for apocalyptic events with Daryl Dixon, but with The Ones Who Live, we are given a love story. The plus side is that this series is allowing us to see the bigger picture.
Knowing the character of Rick Grimes, I was curious as to how they would play out the scenario of why he didn’t return to Alexandria and his family. Rick, after all, was always determined if not indestructible, right? Well, surprise, surprise! We were not only shown Rick’s determination to return home, but we were also introduced to some amazing new characters.
CRM
Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is now living outside of the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia. In fact, I assume that the camp where the assignees are kept is in Camden, N.J. Only citizens can live in the hidden city. Five years have passed since the explosion at the bridge. Jada (Pollyanna McIntosh), on that fateful day, had saved Rick’s life by designating him a “B” which we learn from one of the most interesting characters in this series, Okafor (Craig Tate). Rick is the same defiant pain in the butt that he always was, but Okafor sees something worth saving in Rick.
Rick has made some friends, which include Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt), who was in the South African Navy, and Esteban (Frankie Quinones). Rick has even earned the respect of Major General Beale (Terry O’Quinn).
But while the hidden city is self-sufficient, and its citizens are living a pleasant life, protected from walkers due to the hard and dangerous work of assignees and soldiers, the people are not free to leave. Ever!
Okafor
I have to admit that the character of Okafor (Craig Tate), who reminded me so much of a younger Will Smith, was the most interesting character in this episode. He was the perfect soldier, but his disobeying orders was the reason that the CRM existed and why there was a hidden city of survivors. In fact, the CRM had just added two more hidden cities: Portland and Omaha. I’m guessing that it was not a peaceful transition for those cities.
Okafor is not a bad man. He is a good soldier, but as he reveals to Rick and Thorne, he knows everyone’s secrets, and that the situation within the CRM needs to change. Rick and Thorne are sworn into secrecy…and given leadership rolls when they learn the news that Omaha has fallen from within.
Conclusion with NO Spoilers
Oh, how I want to spill the beans, but I won’t. I will tell you this…The Ones Who Live is a true love story. It is Rick’s story. This episode shows why Rick risks life and limb and the constant failed escapes. There are many daydreams in which Rick dreams of meeting Michonne (Danai Gurira) in a normal pre-apocalyptic life. They meet on a park bench in these daydreams and…even share a pizza. Very sweet, very touching and believable. But…we also get to see a broken Rick Grimes. One who attempts suicide a few times because he is no longer in charge of his life.
The first episode ends with Rick, Okafor, and several CRM soldiers on a helicopter. It’s shot down. And that is all that I will say…except for this…Love and life always find a way. I have forgiven Rick…and maybe… after some time…Michonne.
I thought that I had tired of the TWD Universe, but I am back in the saddle again and will enjoy watching The Ones Who Live.
You will, too.
