Shocking Moments from 'The Walking Dead'

We’re back! Finally.

The Walking Dead returned Sunday with its mid season premiere, "The Suicide King". After waiting 2 months since the last episode, the plotlines from the first half of the season were somewhat tied up-until they all fell apart again.
Here are some of the most shocking moments from episode 309 whose resolutions might appear this Sunday.

Daryl takes off with Merle!

Yes-Daryl has left the group. Those must be the most difficult words ever written. After rescuing the brothers, Rick understandably does not want Merle anywhere near his children or the rest of the group based on what happened on top of the building in Atlanta. This skepticism has been based on all the recent events involving Merle at Woodbury. Glenn and Michonne have even less trust in him after he and his men came close to killing Glenn and raping Maggie.

The eventual meet up between Merle and the group was always so anticipated, and it is sad that because of all the danger and stress they are drowning due to Woodbury. The meeting is even more hostile than expected-with fights almost breaking out. When Rick gives Daryl the ultimatum of Merle or the group, blood is thicker than water. For now, the two of them are on their own again wandering through the walker-infested woods. Carol’s reaction to this is disbelief as she falls into a broken hug with Rick upon his return. You cannot tell who is more devastated.

There is some negative energy between Glenn and Maggie.

Apparently, being held hostage by the Governor left bigger scars on Maggie than originally thought. She seems to be on edge, inside herself, and is not even able to look at Glenn.It could be because he has a black eye and a swollen face, but it seems more deeply emotional than that. Even Hershel has a hard time breaking her.

Andrea is enlightened.

It is about time. Our dear Andrea is notified that the group is alive. She is shocked, but more so at the fact that Woodbury is at war with them. Her reaction is a tad unsatisfying, as she is turning it into an “us” situation, simultaneously asking the Governor why he lied to her about them being alive. He says to her “You are just passing through. Why should I tell you?” At this point the fans just want Andrea home and safe. Hopefully his crazy behavior makes her think a little harder about being with him and signals her escape from Woodbury. Woo hoo! - But do not breathe a sigh of relief yet. Remember what happened the last time somebody tried to leave.

Lori is back?

We know that Lori is a stronger character than everybody thought, but many people say that they would understand Rick’s Lori hallucinations more if he’d acted like he really loved her. That is understandable, but we know that Rick loved his wife. They had a child together and have been married for a long time. We know that their marriage was having some issues before, but the zombie apocalypse saved their damaged marriage in a way, besides the fact that she slept with Shane. Lori appeared last episode during a crazed breakdown from Rick- who apparently is still crazy. Making the decision to let Tyreese’s people and Michonne stay with them triggered him. Lori appears on a balcony in her wedding dress. This symbolizes Lori in her best form. Rick’s mind sees her when she is at her happiest- her wedding day. He yells at her to go away because he can’t help her. (Symbolic of when he could not save her life?) This flashback confirms to us that Lori is far from out of Rick’s mind. She may even be haunting him.

Where will Merle and Daryl end up? Will Tyreese’s friends be accepted into the group? It is only a matter of time before Andrea ditches Woodbury. Can Andrea save Rick’s sanity? Watch this Sunday at 9 on AMC to see how the action continues.