Women of The Walking Dead: Let’s talk about Michonne

While Michonne has been missing on The Walking Dead since season 10, her absence somehow feels longer and for good reason. After Andrew Lincoln’s (Rick Grimes) departure, Michonne became the glue to hold everyone together, as she took on more leadership duties all the while being a mother to not only Judith but the child Rick would never meet.

But Michonne was so much more. In my last article, I spoke about Negan’s wife Lucille, now it’s Michonne’s turn.

Michonne (Danai Gurira) was first introduced way back during the season 2 finale episode “Beside the Dying Fire” where she rescues Andrea from a walker. By her side were two chained walkers with their lower jaws removed.

Seasons later we’d learn whom those two walkers were and the trauma they put her through. It’s tragic to say the least.

Who was the profound katana-wielding Michonne on The Walking Dead?

Andrea and Michonne quickly became close friends, trying to survive when they are captured by The Governor who leads the first community we see on the show, Woodbury. It was small compared to most we’ve now come to know but from the beginning Michonne didn’t trust him.

Her instincts would later prove to be valid as she barely escapes, coming into Rick Grimes’ life and joining his survivors as Andrea stayed behind at Woodbury. But even when Andrea got bitten, Michonne stayed with her until the end, never truly forgetting the friendship they had.

This is but one of many examples of how intelligent, compassionate, and intuitive she was and would become. She even became Rick’s biggest ally and closest friend outside of Daryl (Norman Reedus).

Michonne (Danai Gurira) – The Walking Dead _ Season 4, Episode 4 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMCWhile Rick remained the leader of his people until his exit in season 9, it was Michonne who was always the second in command and rightfully so. At times Rick’s decisions were based on Michonne’s opinions and the two never felt anything but equal in each other’s eyes.

It was those moments that lead to both of them opening themselves up to the possibility of having a romantic relationship. A relationship that didn’t wane, even when Rick lost his way in his war with Negan, even when Carl tragically died, even when his dreams of uniting all the communities including The Sanctuary seemed impossible.

If Rick was the ultimate leader of the apocalypse, then Michonne was the Queen. She never lost sight of herself and managed to return stronger every time she fell.

Even in the final episodes before her exit, she was respected, loved, and admired. No one saw her as anything less, even when her other half, whether they believed he was dead or missing, was gone.

We don’t know when Michonne will return to The Walking Dead again as she’s following a possible lead to where Rick might be. But when she does reappear, we hope she’ll be ready to lead the survivors once again with Rick in tow.

What are your thoughts on Michonne? Share them in the comments below, I’d love to read them!

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 14 airs on March 28, 2022.