Rick Grimes Cameo Needed in Dead City Season 2 After His Walking Dead Return

With Andrew Lincoln’s much-anticipated return, The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 now carries the challenge of integrating Rick Grimes into its narrative rather than sidelining him. After originally departing in season 9, Lincoln reprised his role for the spinoff series The Ones Who Live, exploring Rick’s reunion with Michonne, portrayed by Danai Gurira. The finale of that series depicted the Grimes family’s heartfelt reunion, although the exact location remained ambiguous, potentially hinting at either the Commonwealth or Alexandria.

In contrast to The Ones Who Live, which was set shortly after the conclusion of The Walking Dead season 11, Maggie and Negan’s story arc in Dead City takes place a significant time later. This temporal leap invites speculation about the likelihood of a cameo from Rick Grimes. While no explicit references have been made regarding Lincoln’s participation in season 2, the plot premise naturally lends itself to his potential involvement. It would be quite odd if Rick were to remain absent, especially given the unfolding circumstances.

Rick Grimes Would Have Something to Say About Maggie’s Mission to Save Negan

Rick Grimes May Not Care About Negan, But He Does Care About Maggie

Rick Grimes and Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead

Season 2 of Dead City centers around a remorseful Maggie, who, after betraying Rick, embarks on a perilous mission to rescue Negan, the man responsible for her husband’s death. This path forces her to leave the safety of her community and venture into the dangers of New York City. Regardless of his feelings towards Negan, it is likely that Rick would feel compelled to intervene, ensuring that Maggie, a cherished ally, doesn’t face such grave dangers unaccompanied.

Recognizing the futility of attempting to change her mind, Rick may not be eager for a treacherous journey post- The Ones Who Live. However, with the threat of massive zombie hordes and hostile settlements in season 2, Rick cannot permit Maggie to engage in these battles without adequate support, resources, and a strategic alliance with the Commonwealth communities.

What If Rick Never Finds Out About Maggie Rescuing Negan in Dead City Season 2?

The Secret Is Surely Too Big for Maggie to Keep

If Maggie manages to sneak off to New York without revealing her plan, it raises questions about Rick’s instincts post- The Ones Who Live. Known for his sharp intuition, Rick would likely have a strong sense of Maggie’s motivations, even if she attempts to conceal them. In fact, a meaningful exchange discussing Negan’s rescue is essential for season 2’s introduction.

Moreover, a secret mission by Maggie to confront the Dama without Rick’s awareness could signal a disconnect among the allied communities established in the concluding episodes of The Walking Dead. The unity previously displayed between Alexandria and the Commonwealth seems jeopardized if Maggie embarks on a solitary adventure that goes unnoticed by Rick. Thus, season 2 is poised for a critical dialogue between Rick and Maggie concerning her undertaking and strategies for coordinating support from their allies.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 Can’t Avoid the Rick Grimes Issue

Avoiding the Rick-Shaped Elephant in the Room Won’t Work

Maggie, Rick, and Daryl in The Walking Dead episode Home

Season 1 of Dead City successfully sidestepped mentioning Rick Grimes, as audiences were unaware of his fate until after The Ones Who Live aired. However, with viewers now foreseeing Rick’s return home prior to the events of Dead City, his absence becomes more glaring.

Reflecting on the first season, it is puzzling that Maggie and Negan went an entire series without acknowledging Rick, especially considering his dramatic transformation and association with a dangerous military group. Even years post- The Ones Who Live, Rick’s lack of action during the critical situation involving Maggie and Glenn’s son, Hershel, presents a glaring narrative inconsistency for someone of his heroic stature.

The Walking Dead Spinoffs
Fear The Walking Dead
World Beyond
Tales of the Walking Dead
Dead City
Daryl Dixon
The Ones Who Live

Given Rick’s lack of involvement in season 1, his inclusion in season 2 becomes increasingly crucial. Having missed the opportunity to ensure safety for Hershel, Rick Grimes is likely to maintain vigilant oversight of the Rhee family, preventing Maggie from undertaking dangerous endeavors alone. A continued absence from The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 could make it difficult for audiences to accept, as the current narrative offers no plausible justification for these two foundational characters to remain apart under the guise of “this is a spinoff.”

Source & Images