The iconic pop track featured in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live resonates deeply with Rick and Michonne’s journey, hinting at their future direction in the upcoming series.
It’s been eight years in the show’s timeline since Rick was torn away from Alexandria, but The Ones Who Live offers a glimmer of hope for a family reunion. Despite the constraints imposed by the Civic Republic Military of TWD, neither Rick nor Michonne could achieve their desires. However, in episode 4, it becomes evident that their road back to each other, and to home, is finally taking shape.
Michonne was taken aback when Rick Grimes chose not to return home, even with the possibility that Alexandria might be safe from a CRM onslaught. This tension over what steps to take next fueled the narrative of The Ones Who Live in episode 4. A tune from the 1970s that plays early in the episode mirrors the choice Rick faces at the end of the episode, and possibly hints at future developments.
The song Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree by Tony Orlando and Dawn, from 1973, beautifully narrates the tale of a man just out of prison, anxious about his wife’s loyalty after a three-year absence.
He asks her to show her willingness to welcome him back by tying a yellow ribbon around a tree. The story ends on a high note with the man finding a hundred ribbons, affirming their undying love.
This song echoes the experiences of Rick and Michonne in The Ones Who Live. Both characters, like the man in the song, face the uncertainty of returning to a life they left behind.
Rick’s hesitation to return and Michonne’s description of the CRM as a prison, draw strong parallels to the song’s themes, emphasizing the emotional turmoil and the hope for reconciliation.
The song also captures Michonne’s uncertainties about Rick’s commitment to their family and relationship. At its core, the episode explores the enduring nature of love and how it withstands the test of time.
Similar to the song’s protagonist who worries about being forgotten, The Ones Who Live challenges Rick and Michonne’s bond by suggesting they may have become strangers to each other. Yet ultimately, the narrative confirms that their love remains strong, echoing the enduring connection of the couple in the song.
In a way, the final twist of episode 4 was subtly revealed through the episode’s opening music. The song ends with the protagonist deciding to return home. Despite the somber tone of the episode and Rick’s initial reluctance, he ultimately makes the same choice as the song’s character.
Rick has an epiphany about his bond with Michonne, sheds his reservations, and sets his sights on Alexandria, poised to start anew. Both the episode and the song end on an optimistic note, yet they leave the aftermath of the protagonist’s return open to interpretation.
For the song’s main character, we’re left to assume a happy reunion, but Rick and Michonne’s fate remains uncertain. With only two episodes remaining this season, it’s clear they still face hurdles with the CRM.
These challenges could disrupt their current trajectory in The Ones Who Live and lead to unexpected outcomes. Alternatively, they might triumph over these obstacles, potentially allowing them to experience the joyful resolution of the song for themselves.
About The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is an American post-apocalyptic television series created by Scott M. Gimple and Danai Gurira for AMC. It is set after the conclusion of the original The Walking Dead series, with Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, and Pollyanna McIntosh reprising their roles.
The Ones Who Live is the sixth spin-off and overall seventh television series in The Walking Dead franchise.
The Ones Who Live premiered February 25, 2024, on AMC and AMC+.
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