Fortunately, these questions and more will be addressed sooner rather than later, as The Walking Dead will begin airing new episodes in less than a month. As we count down the days, AMC has released a new trailer highlighting the growing conflict between Woodbury and the group of survivors led by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln).
Though this isn't the first trailer for The Walking Dead's "season 3.5," this particular preview gives audiences a better idea of the changing social dynamics featured in the upcoming episodes. As Rick continues to struggle with his role as leader for the prison-bound survivors, the Governor ramps up his plans for vengeance. Daryl finds himself in a bad situation gone worse as he's forced to fistfight his brother Merle (Michael Rooker) for Woodbury's amusement. Meanwhile, Michonne (Danai Gurira) attempts to impress upon her new allies just how dangerous the Governor can be.
Perhaps most interestingly, the trailer gives hints as to just how Andrea (Laurie Holden) may fit into the expanding feud between those still among the living. A woman caught between her tenuous loyalty to Woodbury and memories of her old friends, Andrea will soon be joining the prison crew – at the Governor's request. Will Andrea shift sides entirely and become the Governor's cat's-paw?
Notably absent from the trailer is series newcomer Tyreese, whose exact role in the unfolding Dead story has yet to become clear. In the show's source comic books, Tyreese's grit, determination, and basic humanity made him a balance to Rick's more explosive personality – so much so that he more or less became co-leader of the prison survivors.
As the leader of his own group of wasteland survivors, this certainly seems to be the arc the television series is attempting to recreate. However, the late introduction of Tyreese and his relative lack of presence in promotional materials indicate that the AMC drama may have very different plans for the fan-favorite character.
The Walking Dead will rise from its shallow grave and return to AMC on February 10, 2013.