The Walking Dead franchise has always thrived on mystery and intrigue, and the recent spinoff series, “The Ones Who Live,” provided crucial insights into one of its most enigmatic factions: the Civic Republic Military (CRM). In the gripping season finale, viewers were treated to the revelation of the CRM’s long-term vision and the extent of their influence on the post-apocalyptic world.
The CRM’s Apocalyptic Outlook
At the heart of the CRM’s masterplan lies a grim prediction: humanity has a mere 14 years left before civilization collapses irreversibly. Major General Beale, the enigmatic leader of the CRM, attributes this impending catastrophe to a combination of factors including starvation, disease, and societal breakdown. This bleak prognosis drives the CRM’s actions, as they strive to secure power and resources to outlast the impending apocalypse.
A Vision Extending Across Centuries
Despite the imminent threat of civilization’s demise, the CRM’s ambitions extend far beyond the next decade. Their plans span an astonishing 500 years, envisioning a gradual rebuilding of society into something superior to its pre-apocalyptic state. This long-term perspective sheds light on the CRM’s determination to not merely survive but thrive in the face of adversity.
The Ruthless Elimination of Threats
Central to the CRM’s strategy is the ruthless elimination of perceived threats. Whether for resources, strategic advantage, or to maintain secrecy, the CRM systematically targets other communities for destruction. Their genocidal actions, as witnessed in World Beyond, underscore their commitment to ensuring their own dominance in the post-apocalyptic landscape.
The Role of Spies and Subterfuge
To achieve their objectives, the CRM employs a network of spies deployed across the continent and beyond. These operatives infiltrate selected communities, monitoring their activities, influencing their politics, and even sabotaging them when necessary. The CRM’s use of espionage highlights their proactive approach to maintaining control and neutralizing potential adversaries.
Portland: The Final Frontier
Of particular significance in the CRM’s grand design is the city of Portland. With its sizable population and strategic location, Portland represents the CRM’s last surviving Alliance partner and a crucial target in their operation. Control over Portland would cement the CRM’s status as the preeminent force in the United States, if not the entire world.
“The Ones Who Live” finale not only provided closure to Rick and Michonne’s journey but also offered a tantalizing glimpse into the inner workings of the CRM. From their dire predictions about humanity’s future to their ruthless methods of ensuring survival, the CRM emerges as a formidable and complex antagonist in the ever-expanding world of The Walking Dead.
FAQ
What is the CRM’s ultimate goal?
The CRM, as revealed in “The Ones Who Live” finale, believes that humanity has only approximately 14 years left before civilization collapses due to various factors like starvation and disease. Their goal is to secure power and resources to survive the impending apocalypse, striving to “beat the odds” and ensure their own survival.
How long does the CRM’s plan extend into the future?
The CRM’s plans extend across 500 years, as revealed in “The Ones Who Live” episode 3. They aim to gradually rebuild society over this period, shaping it into something better than it was before the outbreak.
Why does the CRM destroy other communities?
The CRM eliminates other settlements for resources, strategic superiority, and to maintain secrecy and security. They view other communities as potential threats and justify their actions as necessary for their survival.
How does the CRM use spies to sabotage other communities?
The CRM employs spies across the continent and the world to monitor selected communities, influence their politics, pick out candidates for scientific experiments, and potentially sabotage them. This ensures that these communities align with the CRM’s interests and facilitates their eventual destruction if necessary.
What was Portland’s significance to the CRM’s plans?
Portland was the CRM’s last surviving Alliance partner and a key target in their operation. With a population of over 87,000, controlling Portland would establish the CRM as the supreme force in the United States and potentially the world. However, thanks to the efforts of Rick and Michonne, Portland is now safe from the CRM’s grasp.