The Walking Dead season 7's first half ended with a newly-shaved Negan terrorizing Alexandria in a typically gruesome way; an incident that only shot a new infusion of resolve into Rick, a recently-escaped Daryl and the reunited group. It's pretty clear that a showdown with Negan is coming, but first the group will have to enlist new allies from among the other survivor communities. It would also help if they could get their hands on some new guns to replace the ones that Negan walked off with.

We know a confrontation is coming but what we don't know is how the build-up to that confrontation will play itself out. There have been little teasers about Rick and the group trying to join up with other communities, but now we're getting a better look at exactly what's ahead when The Walking Dead returns this month.

The Walking Dead's seventh season is set to recommence on February 12th and a newly-released trailer (see above) us a look at what is ahead for Rick and the group as they go up against Negan. The trailer not only gives a look back at the events that set up the season's second half; it also teases a few important upcoming scenes, including the first meeting between Rick and Ezekiel, when Rick goes to enlist the help of The Kingdom.

Andrew Lincoln in The Walking Dead Seson 7 Episode 8

In addition to the clips, and a replay of Michonne's inspirational speech to Rick, the trailer also features some interview clips with cast members and showrunner Scott Gimple. The overarching message is, the group is back together and they're no longer willing to play Negan's game. But before they can tackle Negan, they're going to need to form a coalition and come up with a plan.

Morgan and Carol will presumably also be returning to the group fold after Rick arrives at The Kingdom. Will Ezekiel agree to lend his strength to Rick and the group? How will that leadership dynamic work out between the two of them? Ezekiel doesn't seem like the kind of guy who will take a backseat to anyone (the whole pet tiger thing tends to help one project an Alpha Male dominance).

The only thing we can be sure of with the remainder of The Walking Dead season 7 is that things will take some unexpected turns. You can bet things will get intense when Rick finally faces down Negan. There could also be some shocking deaths along the way.

NEXT: The Walking Dead Comic Books to Have Fewer Deaths

The Walking Dead returns to AMC February 12th, 2017.

Source: AMC [via Promo TV]