‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ Recap – ‘The Last Time’

4/1/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Andrew Lincoln and Terry O’Quinn as Rick Grimes and Major General Jonathan Beale in Episode 106 of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ – ‘The Last Time’. (Photo Courtesy of Gene Page/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Finale of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length regarding the many incredible moments and explorations that the hit AMC series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live has sent our way. For not only has this show finally explored what happened to Rick Grimes and Michonne after they exited the primary storylines of the flagship series The Walking Dead, but it has also taken the time to ponder deeply upon terrifying modern concepts. Such as what’s causing the rise of rhetoric in the modern world and the seeming indoctrination of individuals that otherwise wouldn’t ever place doubt in science and common sense.

All of which has given rise to some terrifying storytelling. The kind that has made it clear what the source point is, and how easily this happens in our world and its left us worried for our own future and the future of the world of The Walking Dead Universe. Since there seems to be no end to these issues in either world. Which is why the finale of this phenomenal series is of note. Because it brought all of those explorations and meaningful moments together to inform, that while our worries are sound, and while the days may indeed be dark now… dawn will come. There will be a moment when people do band together, to say enough to such nonsense, and fight back against it, and expose it for the masses so the trance will be lifted.

Courtesy of… a decision to stand. A decision to fight back and stop at nothing to make sure the fearmongers cannot have their way and that is precisely what ‘The Last Time’ provided us with. A fight against the Civic Republic Military, one that would finally expose its rotten core, heinous crimes, and manipulative ways. One brought to life by two of the greatest heroes this new world has ever known, Rick Grimes and Michonne. Who finally made their way back-to-back to base, and once they arrived, they immediately got to work on handling their own respective plans to take the fight to Major General Jonathan Beale. Which for Michonne meant, finding the Dossier that Jadis/Anne left behind to cause trouble for Alexandria. A move that she was swift and successful in accomplishing, which brought safety to home and let a tiny measure of peace wash over her.

Whereas Rick, settled back into the fold as a Major Sergeant to gain Beale’s trust and finally receive the Echelon briefing. Which turned out to be a terrifying talk for Rick, one that was extended to Michonne in a unique manner. For she spotted a mission briefing taking place while Beale prepared tea for Mister Grimes and once they both settled in to learn, did the next horrors ahead unfold. For it was quickly revealed to Michonne (and eventually Rick) that Portland, the last anchor of the Civic Republic, was slated for termination in the same manner that Omaha was destroyed in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Largely because fear had completely and utterly consumed Beale. Because of his incorrect understanding of the situation at hand.

Andrew Lincoln, Cailey Fleming, Danai Gurira, and Anthony Azor as Rick Grimes, Judith Grimes, Michonne and RJ Grimes in Episode 106 of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ – ‘The Last Time’. (Photo Courtesy of Gene Page/AMC.)

Which according to Beale, was about the survival of humanity. Since the walking dead now were traveling the countryside in million strong herds and of course, there was that data floating about that only fourteen years remained for all of humanity. Ergo, mankind needed a stronghold. A central point from which to grow and that had to be the home of the Civic Republic, and the CRM had to protect it and drive humanity’s return. So, Portland would fall, and its destruction would generate enough fear to facilitate Martial Law in Philly and in turn, end democracy and freedom and then… genocide would come to fruition. Wherein communities such as the Commonwealth, Alexandria, and possibly whatever became of M.A.D.R.E. would burn to the ground in the name of a fresh start, to enact a fascist, fearful, agenda to regrow the population from Philadelphia, under Beale’s maddening watch.

But that was something… neither Rick nor Michonne were good with. So, they stood tall, banded together, and pieced together quite the plan. One that would see Major General Beale die and become the one thing he hated the most, alongside an unfortunate lackey, so they could use the dead to deploy a Nat inspired explosive device. One that would poison Beale-loyal CRM forces and bring about the investigation that was needed to stop further bloodshed and tyranny. And despite Thorne’s extreme efforts to put a stop to this plan, since she was able to figure out that Rick was up to something… the explosion took place as expected and the core of the Civic Republic Military, collapsed on that very day and what came next… was nothing but pure beauty through and through.

For the Civic Republic government did indeed transform the Civic Republic Military, into a force for good. One that brought forth hope and resources during these trying times, instead of instilling fear, which likely helped the M.A.D.R.E. team and the Commonwealth and Alexandria and speaking of Alexandria… these brave actions brought forth one beautiful ending for this series. Because after years of pain and want from being away from their children, Rick and Michonne finally saw Judith and RJ again, and in doing so, the story not only brought the lessons present here regarding a need to fight and a need to stand against tyranny and lies, home. But that beautiful ending also spoke to why it’s so important we be rid of this nonsense. Because there are things more important in this life.

Such as the children we raise and the tomorrow we look toward. Because there is only one human race and only one world we call home, and living in fear of nonsense or worrying about which side is right, which deity is the correct one, and whether or not the votes were there or if shareholders made their dividend is a waste of time. We should instead turn our attention to the next generation and ourselves and be better, want better, so tomorrow is about so much more. Such as the moments we are left with at the end of this tale and well, that makes The Ones Who Live, quite the pertinent and powerful tale. One that truly took The Walking Dead Universe into bold new territory and gave us so much wonder and so many magnificent moments that we of course, want more of. But if this is indeed the happy end for Rick Grimes and Michonne that we’ve been waiting for, then this will indeed, do. For they fought for the future, for what was right and were rewarded with peace at last, and it doesn't get much better than that, for a farewell story.

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