What Comes After (The Walking Dead)

"What Comes After" is the sixth episode of the ninth season of the AMC television series The Walking Dead. It is notably the final episode featuring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, the central protagonist of the series since its inception.

The episode deals with the immediate aftermath of Rick being gravely injured during a bridge explosion intended to stop a walker horde. As he fights to survive, his consciousness flickers between reality and hallucination, where he encounters past characters Shane Walsh, Hershel Greene, and Sasha Williams. These encounters serve as both a recap of Rick’s journey and an exploration of his inner turmoil and motivations.

In the real world, Rick is desperately trying to lead the walkers away from his communities, knowing their survival depends on his actions. Michonne and Daryl organize a search party after realizing Rick is missing. The episode culminates in Rick, on the verge of death, being rescued by Anne (formerly Jadis) in a helicopter, who trades him to a mysterious group for their supplies and assistance. This sets up Rick's eventual return in a planned spin-off series.

The episode also includes the introduction of a time jump, showcasing Judith Grimes, Rick's daughter, now significantly older and carrying on his legacy. The episode is significant not only for the departure of a major character but also for its implications on the future direction of the series and the broader Walking Dead universe.