Why AMC's "The Ones Who Live" deserves a second season

May 8, 2024

Courtesy: AMC Networks

In the finale of The Ones Who Live, there wasn't a dry eye watching Rick and Michonne reunite with their kids, Judith and RJ. It was the perfect send-off, encapsulating Rick and Michonne's journeys to find each other again. We're not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet. Their journey has become a part of us, and we're eager to see where it continuously leads. 

The Ones Who Live is labeled as a miniseries, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the end. When Danai Gurira was pressed about the possibility of a second season, her response was a tantalizing "I can't answer that." Scott Gimple, the Chief Content Officer of "The Walking Dead" echoed this sentiment, teasing, "Anything is possible," and Lincoln remained coy.

Gurira and Lincoln, with the collaboration of Gimple, did a superb job crafting their characters' journeys to narrate a cohesive storyline with only six episodes given by AMC however, the swift destruction of the CRM in one episode leaves us with a burning question: What's next? What's next for these characters, knowing there's so much more story to tell? With the CRM defeated, the new Civic Republic is now using its resources with a new vision to build a better world - the world Rick and Michonne envisioned however a lot of time had passed from when they destroyed the CRM to the reunion with their kids.

Due to episode constraints, we were told of the new alliance by voice-over narration rather than shown. There's a lot we need to learn, and more pointedly, we need to find out if everyone is on board with the new world they helped create. 

For those who followed The World Beyond, the existence of General Beale's potentially vengeful son is a looming threat. For the astute viewer, the knowledge that the CRM had spies, possibly living among our beloved characters in Alexandria and the Common Wealth, adds another layer of danger. The potential for these threats is very real, and it's a reminder that our characters are not out of the woods yet, especially if all is not what it seems with the new vision of The Civic Republic.

It's fascinating to consider whether Rick has truly reintegrated into his old life as seamlessly as he slipped into those familiar cowboy boots. Eight years of unrelenting trauma is a heavy burden for anyone to bear, and it's a journey that The Ones Who Live should not overlook. How will Rick cope with the scars of his past, and how will they shape his future? 

Just as importantly, we can finally see all the moments Rick and Michonne missed with Judith and RJ. It would be satisfying to see Rick make up for all the lost time bonding with his kids and teaching them how to navigate this new world. 

It is only fitting to see the Grimes as they were meant to be - happy, unified, and thriving.

All episodes of The Ones Who Live are currently streaming now on AMC and AMC+.