Rick Grimes, the central figure of The Walking Dead , began his journey as a former sheriff’s deputy. After being shot in the line of duty, Rick slipped into a coma, only to awaken to a world overtaken by the undead. Determined to find his family, he traveled to Atlanta, where he reunited with his wife, Lori, and son, Carl, alongside a group of survivors.
In Season 9, Episode 5, titled “What Comes After,” Rick’s journey took a dramatic turn. Gravely injured, he was rescued by a CRM helicopter summoned by Anne. At the time, the Civil Republic Military (CRM) wasn’t a significant element of The Walking Dead narrative, gaining prominence later in the 2020 spinoff series World Beyond .
Rick’s fate remained uncertain until The Walking Dead finale provided some answers. He was revealed to be a captive of the CRM, a shadowy organization with sinister undertones. While the CRM claimed to protect the democratic Civic Republic, its military operated unchecked, committing atrocities like genocide. Rick’s attempts to escape hinted at the true nature of this powerful entity.
Rick Grimes On The Walking Dead (Image via Getty)
After being taken by the CRM, Rick lived under their control as a prisoner. During one escape attempt, he discarded his belongings onto a boat, hoping they might one day lead to his rescue. These items were later discovered by Michonne, creating an emotional connection between the two. Through journal entries and shared imagery, Rick and Michonne remained linked despite being separated by time and distance.
Rick Grimes’ story in The Walking Dead remains one of survival, resilience, and hope. His continued fight against overwhelming odds and the shadowy CRM ensures that his legacy endures, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in his saga.
Grandma Esther Walton, played by Ellen Corby, was one of the most cherished characters on The Waltons . During the show’s fifth season, her sudden disappearance left fans curious and concerned. In 1976, Ellen Corby experienced a severe stroke that affected her ability to speak and move, making it impossible for her to continue filming at the time.
When Corby was unable to return to the show, CBS faced a tough decision. The network considered either recasting the role or permanently removing Grandma Walton from the storyline. However, Corby’s co-stars and the production team strongly advocated for her return, showing their dedication to her and the character she brought to life.
Following an intense recovery process that lasted about a year, Ellen Corby returned to the series. Her reappearance came in the Season 6 finale, aptly titled “Grandma Comes Home.” In a touching parallel to her real-life journey, the episode depicted Grandma Walton overcoming a stroke and working through her rehabilitation, adding authenticity and heart to the storyline.
Ellen Corby (Image via Getty)
Tragically, Will Geer, who portrayed Grandpa Zebulon Walton, passed away on April 22, 1978, during the gap between Seasons 6 and 7. His death was written into the show, and in Season 7’s opening episode, the Walton family gathered for an emotional farewell at Grandpa’s gravesite.
Despite her health challenges, Ellen Corby continued to appear on The Waltons through 1979, though her role became smaller. Her last performance in the series was in the 1997 TV movie A Walton Easter . Ellen Corby passed away on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
Ellen Corby’s portrayal of Grandma Walton remains a significant part of the show’s lasting impact. Her ability to return to acting after a stroke was nothing short of inspirational. The decision to reflect her real-life struggles on the show was groundbreaking, setting a new standard for compassionate and realistic depictions of disability on television.
