The sixth spin-off in AMC’s post-apocalyptic zombie franchise, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live sees Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) going up against the Civic Republic Military (CRM) — the army that protects (and runs) the Pennsylvania-based Civic Republic. Although the group takes center stage in The Ones Who Live, the CRM was actually set up in The Walking Dead season 1. While the group is led by Major General Beale (Terry O’Quinn), the series drops clues that Rick will take over the CRM at some point during the spin-off’s run.
With The Ones Who Live focusing on Rick, the franchise’s long-time protagonist, and Michonne (Danai Gurira), it would only make sense to tie together threads, like the CRM, from the shows’ pasts. The premiere episode of the spin-off chronicles what happened to Andrew Lincoln’s character since he exited The Walking Dead in season 9. Captured by the CRM, Rick is forced to embark on dangerous missions in order to access the supposed utopian community as a full-fledged citizen. Of course, Rick wants no part in the hidden city or the CRM, so he’s continually plotting escape plans.
Although Michonne kills The Walking Dead’s Lieutenant Colonel Okafor (Craig Tate) in “Years,” the antagonistic CRM officer still plays a crucial role in The Walking Dead at large. In fact, in The Walking Dead season 2, episode 5, “Chupacabra,” viewers then-unknowingly glimpsed the first signs of Okafor’s handiwork. The opening scene flashback depicts Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), Rick’s ex-wife, and Shane (Jon Bernthal), Rick’s former best friend, escaping to a refugee center. During the chaos of the epidemic’s onset, the couple watch as military helicopters fly over Atlanta and drop napalm on the city.
As a pilot, Okafor napalmed Los Angeles and Atlanta…
A former pilot for the U.S. Air Force, Okafor was married to a Marine named Estelle. Okafor and Estelle were both part of the U.S. military’s Operation Cobalt — a contingency plan the military enacted after losing control of the viral outbreak. As a pilot, Okafor napalmed Los Angeles and Atlanta, while Estelle and her fellow Marines “liquidated” the survivors of the bombings. When they were ordered to bomb Philadelphia, Estelle encouraged Okafor to attack the Marines’ holding area instead. While Estelle and 4,000 Marines were killed, Okafor’s actions gave rise to the Civic Republic of Philadelphia.
Although the season 2 flashback plants the seeds for the CRM’s existence pretty early on, The Walking Dead actually teased Okafor’s story in its first season. In The Walking Dead’s pilot, Rick Grimes catches sight of a helicopter flying overhead. At the time of the chopper’s appearance, the viral outbreak had been unfolding for roughly two months, so it isn’t surprising that a lingering military helicopter was scoping out the situation from above. While the season 1 helicopter isn’t directly linked to the CRM or its aircraft, it was likely flown by Okafor or one of his Air Force comrades.
Since The Walking Dead’s pilot episode aired in 2010, it could be argued that the franchise planted the seeds for the CRM and Okafor 14 years prior to The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Of course, the series wasn’t intentionally setting up the CRM over a decade ago, but, in effect, it played out pretty well. For years, viewers wondered if the rogue helicopter was a dropped plot, but Okafor’s backstory and the CRM’s existence provide some answers — even if the franchise connected those dots as a result of its own missteps.
When Okafor meets Rick, there’s a kind of full-circle element to the whole premise. Lori and Shane saw Okafor’s regrettable actions up close years before; Rick himself may have spotted Okafor piloting a chopper above Atlanta. In The Ones Who Live, Okafor is responsible for the CRM keeping Rick alive despite his many attempted escapes. Okafor even seems to be priming Rick to follow in his footsteps and root out the corruption within the CRM. Although the franchise didn’t necessarily plan its years-long CRM story, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is certainly benefiting from it.
FAQ
What is the CRM in The Walking Dead universe?
The Civic Republic Military (CRM) is a powerful and secretive organization introduced in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” franchise. It operates from Pennsylvania and plays a significant role in the post-apocalyptic world, with control over various territories and resources.
When was the CRM first hinted at in The Walking Dead?
The CRM was first hinted at in the early seasons of “The Walking Dead.” A military helicopter sighting in Season 1 provided the initial clue to the organization’s existence, though its full scope and significance weren’t immediately clear.
Who is Lieutenant Colonel Okafor, and what is his role in the CRM?
Lieutenant Colonel Okafor is a key figure in the CRM, known for his ruthless actions and military background. He played a pivotal role in military operations like Operation Cobalt, which contributed to the formation of the Civic Republic.
What is Operation Cobalt, and how does it relate to the CRM?
Operation Cobalt was a military contingency plan enacted during the early stages of the viral outbreak. It involved drastic measures to contain the epidemic, including airstrikes on major cities. Okafor’s involvement in Operation Cobalt ties directly to the origins of the Civic Republic.
How does Rick Grimes become involved with the CRM in The Ones Who Live?
In “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” Rick Grimes finds himself captured by the CRM and forced to undertake dangerous missions. His interactions with the organization shed light on its inner workings and its goals.
Is there a connection between the CRM and other characters or events from earlier seasons of The Walking Dead?
Yes, “The Ones Who Live” explores connections between the CRM and events from earlier seasons of “The Walking Dead.” Details like the season 1 helicopter sighting and Okafor’s actions in subsequent seasons are revisited and expanded upon, enriching the overall storyline.
Will The Ones Who Live reveal all the mysteries surrounding the CRM?
While “The Ones Who Live” offers significant insights into the CRM and its operations, it may not reveal all the mysteries surrounding the organization. The franchise often leaves room for further exploration and discovery, keeping fans intrigued and engaged.
8How does The Ones Who Live fit into the larger Walking Dead universe?
“The Ones Who Live” serves as a key piece of the larger “Walking Dead” universe, expanding on existing storylines and introducing new elements. It deepens our understanding of the post-apocalyptic world and sets the stage for future developments within the franchise.