(Warning: this article includes spoilers for The Walking Dead season 8’s midseason finale “How It’s Gotta Be”.) Fans of The Walking Dead are still reeling after this past weekend’s midseason finale, and many are wondering where the show will go from here. Comicbook.com reported on some new footage released by AMC after The Walking Dead’s latest episode and what fans can next with the next portion of season 8.
Carl Grimes’ death will certainly receive attention from the next episodes of The Walking Dead: actor Chandler Riggs is reportedly starring in season 8’s episode 9 in order to properly conclude Carl’s storyline. But the extended clip released during The Talking Dead reminds viewers that there’s still the issue of Negan and the Saviors to deal with.
In addition to this scene from the next episode, a midseason premiere trailer was also released, teasing what will happen in the rest of the episodes for the remainder of the season. Titled “The Last Stand Begins”, the trailer emphasizes the tensions between Rick and the saviors that are approaching the breaking point.
One of the issues many fans are worried with when it comes to the future of The Walking Dead is the fact that the contract of lead actor Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes on the series) is up once season 8 comes to a close. Some viewers are anxious that Lincoln will not renew his contract and won’t return for future seasons. Considering the importance of Rick’s character to the series, especially in light of Carl’s death, his absence would cause huge issues for the show.
But Lincoln was quick to ease fan anxieties in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.“As I’ve said to you before — and I will continue to say — my relationship with Rick Grimes is far from over,” the actor assured.
Fans will have to wait until The Walking Dead’s return on Sunday, February 25 at 9pm EST to see how Rick – and the show as a whole – reconcile with Carl’s loss and move forward.