The Walking Dead series finale’s “we’re the ones who live” line originally had a significantly darker meaning on the show. Spoken consecutively by a number of characters from The Walking Dead’s cast, the phrase served as the show’s final message. Two of the many characters to speak the line in The Walking Dead’s memorable ending were Rick Grimes and Michonne, who will be returning together in a spinoff series.
In addition to teasing what Rick and Michonne have been up to ahead of their spinoff, the scene in question allowed for a multitude of callbacks to previous seasons and long-lost characters. The line, “we’re ones who live” capped off an emotional speech made by Rick and Michonne that spoke to the group’s ability to persevere through all the challenges they’ve been through in the show’s 11-year run by relying on each other. It also promised better things for their future as they push ahead after The Walking Dead’s ending.
Rick’s Original “Ones Who Live” Meaning Explained
Before turning into a hopeful mantra that symbolized the characters’ journey, the line meant something completely different. It was first used in The Walking Dead season 5 when Rick was berating Deanna over the attitude of the Alexandrians, believing they were naive and unequipped for surviving in the apocalypse. To illustrate his point, Rick said of his own group, “we know what needs to be done, and we do it. We’re the ones who live.” The idea that they survive because of their willingness to do whatever it takes is much more sinister interpretation of the line compared to how it was used in the series finale.At that point in The Walking Dead timeline, the line perfectly represented Rick’s mindset, even though it doesn’t anymore. During the timeframe of season 5, Rick was less interested in building a better world and was more focused on making sure his own people survived. How much the apocalypse had hardened him was on display when he noted that they would take Alexandria for themselves if things didn’t work out with Deanna and the others.
How The “Ones Who Live” Line Sets Up Rick Against The CRM
While it’s true that Rick has abandoned this sort of worldview, the meaning with which “we’re the ones who live” was used in The Walking Dead season 5 may soon become relevant again. Rick’s own survival, rather than the best interests of his community, will be one of his biggest priorities for the first time in years. Up against a massive and powerful organization, it makes sense that Rick will have to return to the ruthlessness demonstrated by the character in previous seasons in order to win. Going back to the way he lived before may be the only way he can ensure that he’s still among the “ones who live” after the fight with the CRM.
News
Carol Dominates in a Lacking ‘Daryl Dixon’ Season—Her Comeback Is a Game-Changer!
The first season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon was a rare entry in the post-apocalyptic universe, requiring surprisingly little familiarity with AMC’s long-running franchise to enjoy it. The same can’t be said of season 2, with the appeal hinging quite a…
The Tension Builds: Major Conflict in ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ Season 2 Finally Unmasked!
Sunday, September 29th at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+ can’t come soon enough for fans of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Norman Reedus will return to his titular role of Daryl Dixon in the coming season, where he will be reunited…
Daryl Dixon Season 2 Can’t Keep Up! What Went Wrong in This Disappointing Follow-Up?
(Image: © AMC) The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol is a disappointingly uninventive continuation of the titular survivor’s French adventures, as the franchise forces two of its fan favorites together again. The first season of The Walking…
Two New Horror Series to Sink Your Teeth Into: ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’ and ‘Grotesquerie’ Hit Screens!
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services FX’s ‘Grotesquerie’ (Image credit: FX) AMC and FX will get an early start on the Halloween season with the premiere of horror-themed…
Jon Bernthal Isn’t the Only Walking Dead Actor to Transform into The Punisher!
Jon Bernthal ducked out of “The Walking Dead” at the right time (the end of season 2). He stayed on long enough to prove his talent without winding up tied down to the show. Of the series’ original main cast,…
Romain Levi & Anne Charrier Spill on Their Explosive Return for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol!
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, or The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 2, continues the story of its titular character’s sojourn in France. Norman Reedus is back as Daryl, and is joined by fellow The Walking Dead alumni…
End of content
No more pages to load