"The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" premiered with Rick Grimes held captive by the CRM, an armed force that controls a hidden city in Philadelphia. After a failed escape attempt, Rick is offered a chance to join a secret program to reform the corrupt CRM from within. His ally, Thorne, is more enthusiastic than Rick, who dreams of reuniting with Michonne. Despite discovering the CRM's dark secrets and plans, Rick decides to stay and help improve the system rather than escape.

However, a turn of events leads to his rescue by Michonne, setting the stage for a potential war against the living. The episode showcases Rick's struggles and determination to survive in a post-apocalyptic world with unexpected twists and hidden agendas.