AMC made major gains as a network when they introduced post-apocalyptic survival drama The Walking Dead nearly a decade ago. Since TWD's outstanding success, AMC has worked to appeal to its fans with other original programming, like spin-off Fear the Walking Dead and, in late 2015, Into the Badlands. The latter acts as a TWD-esque survivalist drama set in a fictional land rules by seven barons.

Though Into the Badlands received mixed reviews for its complex premise and scattered execution, AMC renewed the show last year, and its second season is finally around the corner. The show's sophomore season will see protagonist Sunny face off against numerous characters, including the vengeful River King and powerful monks. A new trailer for the upcoming season reveals just what -- or who -- motivates Sunny to keep fighting.

AMC released a teaser for Into the Badlands season 2 via their YouTube channel. It follows a training Sunny, intercut with images of other characters and scenes from the show. As Sunny's blows become more rapid and frenzied, so too do the chaotic scenes. Check out the full trailer for yourself, above - and if you missed it before, we have the season 2 poster below:

Into the Badlands season 2 poster

This trailer doesn't reveal too much, but it certainly leaves one wanting more. It hints at a number of budding conflicts in the upcoming season, and potentially teases more screen time for some seemingly minor characters from season one. One particularly intriguing (and jarring) image is of Lydia (Orla Brady), Quinn's wife, covered in blood after some sort of Pagan ritual. There are also a number of exciting cuts that hint more action-packed scenes for characters like The Widow and Tilda. If this trailer makes one thing clear, though, it's that Sunny is fighting for Veil, and that this season will challenge their strong bond.

Season one's strongest asset was undoubtedly its action-packed and martial arts-inspired fight sequences, so it's fantastic to see that this second season promises more of the same. Into the Badlands will really come into its own if it can balance those thrilling moments with some grounded plot and an emotional foundation, so it's encouraging to see that Sunny and Veil's relationship is about to become more important than ever.

This second season could prove crucial for Into the Badlands, as AMC took a chance last year by renewing the not-so-standout show. With its beautiful visuals and an intriguing upcoming season just around the corner, though, Into the Badlands might be preparing to finally blow us all away.

Into the Badlands returns to AMC for a second season on Sunday, March 19 at 10 p.m. EST.

Source: AMC