The Walking Dead has finally offered Michonne some concrete evidence that Rick is alive and well. In the latest episode, “What We Become,” Michonne finds Rick’s boots along with a mysterious phone that images of herself and Judith etched onto the screen, along with a message written in Japanese characters. Now, since this was Michonne’s final episode, this storyline won’t be progressing anytime soon. But could it be part of a bigger picture? With a trilogy of Rick Grimes movies on the horizon, I think so.
I think the biggest question to arise from Michonne’s discovery is why Rick has never returned to Alexandria since he’s been away. Yes, Bloodsworth Island might be a bit far from Alexandria, but it’s not as if it’s on the other side of the world. He is clearly still wishing to see Michonne and Judith again, as the etching on the phone implies. Could he not have returned while he was close?
When showrunner Angela Kang recently spoke to Insider about the peculiar scene, she teased that it may not have been Rick who wrote the message on the phone after all, which confuses everything. “It was a message to Rick from somebody, somehow on this boat,” she said. “The phone is obviously a hint at some larger story that took place.”
And then there’s the matter of Rick’s boots. Kang explained why the writers chose to leave that particular bread crumb:
"One thing that emerged early on as feeling critically important to all of us on the writing side as well as Danai was the idea of concrete evidence of Rick’s presence and a direction to go in. The boots are an iconic part of Rick’s costume, would’ve been on his person at the time of the bridge explosion, and would be immediately recognizable to Michonne, so that’s how we came to have this first clue."
On the screen of the iPhone was a sentence in Japanese writing, which executive producer Scott Gimple has kindly enough to translate. It means, “believe a little bit longer.” I’d like to know if Michonne can understand the Japanese writing, because that would further explain her sudden urge to immediately go on the hunt for him.
I’m hoping we get to see Michonne reunite with Rick in the movies. But Danai Gurira will likely never return to the TV show again. It’s a sad time for all involved, as she has been a key figure in the drama since way back in season 2. Not long ago, she opened up about her emotional final day on set, and now she has taken to Twitter to send a heartfelt message to fans:
To my #TWD Family pic.twitter.com/KEEG80xeBw
— Danai Gurira (@DanaiGurira) March 25, 2020
"Is it possible to feel your heart is broken and overwhelmed with love all at once? Leaving Michonne was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am so grateful for the kindness, beauty, and generosity of love that I have received over the last couple days. I have change and grown living in this role which has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to play. The astounding Walking Dead fandom who supported the characters we created and the world we strived to bring to life are the ones who made this incredible journey. possible. To receive so much love from you means everything to me.Thank you to the amazing cast and crew I had the pleasure and honor to work with to tell this tory. SO many incredible human beings. I leave knowing with every ounce of my being how hard it is to find that type of community and connection. People who have your back, true collaborators who are pursuing the story above all things and who are pouring it out with love and abundance.The balm in it all is this amazing family I have gained. Everyone, from Andy Lincoln to every last faithful fan, everyone is #TWDFamily, and I am so thankful for that family. And I know it never stops. We will continue to grow and be together in various ways along the journey. We have touched each other. And so, it never ends.Thank you so much for the videos and tributes; for all the messages of love and support. For sharing what Michonne meant to you. They have enriched me so much during this difficult time in the world. I cannot express my love and gratitude enough."
The Walking Dead season 10 returns this Sunday on AMC, although the season finale has been delayed. We’ll make the best of what we have.
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