The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is a long-awaited spinoff that will finally tie up one of the franchise’s biggest loose ends. Many die-hard fans of the franchise have been eager to see what happened to the original hero, Rick Grimes, after his departure in Season 9 of The Walking Dead. However, Michonne’s storyline following her exit in Season 10 is just as relevant for this romance-based spinoff.

Michonne had an exceptional arc from her introduction at the end of Season 2 to the time jump in Season 10, which took place following Rick’s supposed demise. Before Michonne was the love interest of the central main character, she was beloved by fans for being a powerful, skilled survivor. Before diving into the storyline in The Ones Who Live, it’s important for viewers to understand who Michonne was prior to her exit.

“Beside the Dying Fire” Was an Epic Introduction

Season: 2
Episode: 16
Runtime: 42 minutes
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10

Michonne had a fantastic introduction in the final episode of Season 2. After the Greene farm was overrun and the survivors were scattered, Andrea was struggling to survive on her own. Michonne stepped in and saved Andrea, who would then become one of Michonne’s biggest influences.

“Beside the Dying Fire” only features Michonne for a brief moment. However, her introduction was one that brought instant intrigue and excitement. Fans were eager to learn about the mysterious stranger with two pet walkers and a katana. This hype didn’t disappoint, highlighting from the very beginning that Michonne was one of the most badass survivors.

“Too Far Gone” Changed Everything

Season: 4

Episode: 8
Runtime: 43 minutes
IMDb Rating: 9.6/10

This episode was important for all the survivors. The collapse of the prison settlement divided the characters for the first time since the original group in Season 1. The episode begins with Michonne and Hershel being held captive by the Governor and his new crew. During the battle at the prison, the Governor nearly kills Rick before Michonne stops him via her sword through his chest.

This is an underrated moment for Michonne’s character development. Before this, Rick and other survivors, such as Daryl and Maggie, are seen as the ultimate defenders of their people. However, Michonne deserves praise for taking the opportunity to stop the villain. While Rick was ready to battle to the death in an honorable manner, Michonne did what she had to do to eliminate the threat.

“Try” Captured Michonne’s Authority

Season: 5
Episode: 15
Runtime: 42 minutes
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

There have been several occasions when a furious and out-of-control Rick had to be stopped by one of his allies. This was the case in “Try”, when Michonne knocks Rick unconscious after he nearly kills an abusive resident of Alexandria and threatens others within the community.

Before fans knew that Michonne and Rick would have a romance, it was made clear that she was one of the few capable of controlling this leader when he was jaded by his own arrogance and violent tendencies. Despite respecting Rick as a leader, Michonne didn’t let her loyalty cloud her own judgment. She will protect herself and her people, even at the expense of going against one of their own.

“Say Yes” is a Display of Love

Season: 7
Episode: 12
Runtime: 43 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7/10

During the war with the Saviors, Rick and Michonne are out scouting for ammo and guns when they find undead military with their gear still attached. While trying to take down the horde and retrieve the much-needed supplies, Rick falls and is swarmed by walkers. Michonne runs to his aid but drops her katana in horror when she believes he’s being eaten.

This is a powerful moment for the lovers’ arc. Michonne is a natural-born survivor but falters when she believes she’s lost the person who means the most to her. Remembering this instance of shock and weakness is crucial to understanding how determined she will be to find and protect Rick in The Ones Who Live.

“Evolution” Highlights Michonne’s Growth

Season: 9
Episode: 8
Runtime: 44 minutes
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Throughout its 11-season run, The Walking Dead has been the base of many fan theories, but one of them caught Scott Gimple’s attention.

After the time jump in Season 9, it’s revealed that Alexandria now has an official council of leaders. Michonne is a respected official in the community, holding specific authority over safety and defense. Though this episode is remembered because it introduces The Whisperers, it’s an important representation of Michonne’s personal evolution.

When a group seeks refuge in Alexandria, Michonne stands her ground as a leader and denies them sanctuary until they can be trusted. Though it’s later revealed that these survivors can be trusted, Michonne, standing her ground, outlined how her position as a leader made her more uncompromising and suspicious of outsiders to ensure the safety of those she cares about.

Michonne Realizes What’s Important in “After”

Season: 4
Episode: 9
Runtime: 42 minutes
IMDb Rating: 8/10

This episode has a couple of iconic moments, such as Carl eating a large can of pudding on a rooftop. Michonne’s part begins with her tracking Rick’s bootprints from the prison. However, for fear of continuing to experience loss, she ventures away and uses two leashed and armless walkers to travel with a small horde.

After considering all that she’s been through and coming to the realization that she’s not living while hiding among the undead, Michonne finally goes back to the tracks to find Rick and Carl. This was an enlightening event for her character, clarifying that her drive to survive is connected to those she loves.

She Refuses to Comply in “Service”

Season: 7
Episode: 4
Runtime: 1 hour
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Negan might be a fan-favorite character, but that doesn’t mean viewers weren’t initially rooting against him. When the Saviors demand the Alexandrians hand over their weapons, Michonne is out of the community with a gun. When she returns, despite her protests, Rick hands over the rifle and a deer she brought back.

This is one of the instances when many viewers didn’t agree with Rick’s decision. Michonne, not wanting to give the rifle over to the enemy, emphasized her willingness to fight against the odds. Even when Rick had given up, she never wanted to comply with tyranny, believing their service to the Saviors wasn’t a way to live.

“Hounded” Proved Michonne Wouldn’t Go Down Without a Fight

Season: 3
Episode: 6
Runtime: 43 minutes
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Everyone may think of Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes, but The Walking Dead has a lot of fantastic heroes for fans to follow.

Before Michonne was a part of the group, she was still a capable survivor. In this episode, she’s hunted down by Merle and other Woodbury goons at the Governor’s behest. She takes down most of the party, engaging in a fight with Merle before escaping. When Merle captures Maggie and Glenn, Michonne takes the baby formula intended for Judith back to the prison.

Michonne’s survival skills aren’t just strength and skill but also intelligence. Her skills helped her stay alive, but her decision to go to the prison was a smart move. Though Rick’s group reasonably didn’t trust her at first, she knew her odds of survival were better with other enemies of the Governor.

She Wouldn’t Back Down in “Made to Suffer”

Season: 3
Episode: 8
Runtime: 43 minutes
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

When Rick’s group infiltrates Woodbury to save Maggie and Glenn, Michonne intends to take down the Governor. He catches her in his quarters, and after she kills his undead daughter, they engage in a fight. Michonne takes out his eye before escaping.

Though there are some likable villains in The Walking Dead, most viewers despised the Governor and thought he had no redeeming qualities. It was disappointing that Michonne couldn’t take down this enemy. However, her fierce fighting and determination are a consistent aspect of her characterization.

Michonne is Unstoppable in “Scars”

Season: 9
Episode: 14
Runtime: 45 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

While Michonne is pregnant with Rick Jr., she aids an old friend who ends up being a villain who kidnaps Judith and the other children in Alexandria. Along with Daryl, she fights against a group of children. She risks her life and pregnancy, getting injured in a battle that forces her to kill children.

This episode is arguably Michonne’s most powerful moment. Even though she’s in a vulnerable state and reluctant to hurt the enemy, she does what she must to protect her children. Michonne is nearly unstoppable when she’s defending the ones she loves. That is an iconic aspect of her characterization that is critical to understand and revisit before watching The Ones Who Live.