It's been a long time since we last saw Rick Grimes, the beloved character played by Andrew Lincoln in the hit TV series The Walking Dead. Lincoln's departure in Season 9 left fans heartbroken and desperate for answers about the fate of their favorite character. Now, after years of speculation and unanswered questions, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the shadows. The long-awaited reveal of Rick's fate, though not entirely conclusive, has finally arrived in The Walking Dead season 10, episode 13, "What We Become."

The Mystery of the Missing Leader

Remember that dramatic Season 9 cliffhanger? Rick, seemingly dead after a bridge explosion, was actually whisked away by the enigmatic CRM group in a helicopter, leaving his fate shrouded in mystery.

This unexpected twist was a strategic move, serving as a launching pad for the long-awaited Rick Grimes trilogy of films. The films were initially slated for a 2020 release, but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in those plans, leaving fans in a state of frustrated anticipation.

Michonne’s Quest for Truth

With Rick's whereabouts unknown, his former love, Michonne, embarked on a mission to uncover his fate. Season 10, episode 13, provides a much-needed update, fueled by Michonne's unwavering dedication to her love.

After discovering a pair of Rick's iconic boots, she forces Virgil, a character she encounters along the way, to lead her to their source. They stumble upon a deserted ship, the location of Virgil's discovery. There, she finds a treasure trove of clues, including Rick's old iPhone.

This phone, a crucial piece of the puzzle, reveals that Rick survived the bridge explosion. It's more than just a device; it's a tangible connection to Rick, showcasing his drawings of Michonne and their daughter, Judith, with his name etched at the top. The absence of a drawing of RJ, Michonne's son born after Rick's disappearance, is a poignant reminder of the time that passed while Rick was gone, emphasizing the years he missed and the lives that unfolded without him.

A Glimpse into Rick's Future

The discovery of the phone confirms that Rick is alive and well. But it also raises a crucial question: where is he? While the episode doesn't definitively answer this question, it provides some key insights. The items found on the ship suggest that Rick either escaped the CRM group or is working with them, perhaps in a different capacity. The fact that he was in the vicinity of Michonne, even if he wasn't aware of her exact location, further suggests he's somewhere within the CRM's sphere of influence.

Setting the Stage for the Movies

These revelations are more than just plot points; they serve as a bridge to the upcoming Rick Grimes films. The episode effectively sets the stage for the next chapter in Rick's story, while simultaneously opening up a new storyline for Michonne. The show's producers have cleverly used Michonne's quest for answers to push the plot forward and keep audiences invested in the future of the franchise.

A Promise of Redemption

While we still don't know what happened to Rick in those six years, one thing is clear: he is alive. The episode's ending offers a glimmer of hope, a promise of redemption. Rick, the beloved character who inspired a generation of viewers, may be lost, but he is not forgotten.

The Walking Dead continues to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats, leaving them hungry for more answers. As we eagerly await the release of the Rick Grimes films, this recent revelation has ignited a fire within fans, reminding us that the story of The Walking Dead is far from over.