Flash Forward

"Around all this darkness, there are flashes of life. Tiny beacons that shine out, calling to us." - Michonne, "The Walking Dead"

"The Walking Dead" began its ninth season on Sunday, October 7. Throughout the season I'll be recapping the episodes each Monday, considering themes and where the series is headed.

Time is a funny thing. Last week, we bid farewell to Rick Grimes. For nine seasons, he's been the anchor and the focal point into this world. Trying to imagine how to move on from that is difficult. But the time jump allows the show to re-set the board a bit. And on Sunday, we got a glimpse at the new normal.

Some things are the same. Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is still in prison, though he seems to have acclimated to his new normal and even seems to be rounding into more of a person. Carol (Melissa McBride) and Ezekiel (Khary Payton) got married and are still happy together. Carol is still a calm and reserved person on the outside, and still as dangerous as ever if you cross her.

Daryl (Norman Reedus) is back to spending time as a lone wolf and hunting. Eugene (Josh McDermitt) is back to being friends with Rosita (Christian Serratos) and trying to use his gifts to make life better for his friends in Alexandria. And Michonne (Danai Gurira) continues to serve as protector for all the people, bearing the weight of added responsibility with Rick gone.

And it was beautiful to see the dream that began following the war is coming to fruition, as Alexandria re-builds and the Kingdom continues to flourish. We didn't see Hill Top in the episode, but we know they are going strong, too. The dream for which Rick appeared to give his life seems to be going strong. And it's heartening to see.

There are other things of note, too. Judith (Cailey Fleming) is now older and is growing into her father's mantle. She dons the hat and even carries his gun (or at least one like it). And she's not alone, either. Seems Rick left behind more than a daughter and grieving lover. As we learn, Michonne gave birth to a son. And she continues to visit the broken bridge where Rick was lost, talking to him and trying to honor his legacy. And that means being suspicious of the new recruits Judith finds in the woods. (Though by the end of the episode, she's softened a bit.)

This new world of "The Walking Dead" is similar to the old one, and seems to be one that can survive and thrive even with the loss of an anchor like Rick, but time will tell.

And, of course, the threats continue. Like at the end of the hour when the dead that walk also seem to be talking and communicating.... Something different that we'll surely see more of in the weeks to come.