The Walking Dead Mid-Season Premiere: Five Questions Raised

After what seemed like an eternity, The Walking Dead is finally back. While "The Suicide King" episode of The Walking Dead featured plenty of zombie-killing action, the human cast surprisingly made it through the episode relatively unscathed. While there was no shocking, unexpected death during "The Suicide King," the episode did raise a couple new questions. 5. How crazy is Rick? – For awhile, it was looking like Rick had pretty much returned to normal. Then, just when we were about to accept Rick as good dinner-party company again, he goes completely bonkers.  Suddenly, he's having visions of his dead wife Lori , and he's waving his gun around in a way that makes others feel uncomfortable. Did Lori's death fry Rick's brain for good? 4. Will Daryl and Merle come back? – Perhaps, the biggest shocker during "The Suicide King" was that Daryl decided to go off with his brother Merle instead of returning to the prison. We know blood's thicker than water, but that Daryl would so easily break away from his group was surprising. Will the separation prove to be short-lived or can we expect Daryl and Merle to stay on their own for awhile? 3. Will Tyreese join Rick's group? – With Daryl leaving the group in favor of his brother, Rick's group has been left short-handed. They could be in trouble if and when The Governor decides to attack. Tyreese and his group could be a welcome addition to defending the prison. However, Rick is reluctant to let any more outsiders into the group. Assuming Rick returns from his visit to crazy town, will Hershel be able to convince him to accept Tyreese into the group? 2. Will Michonne leave the group? – Speaking of needing reinforcements in case The Governor attacks, Michonne seems to be pretty handy with a Katana. By nature, Michonne seems to be pretty much of a loner, but will she make an attempt to stay with the security of the prison? And if she does try to stay, will Rick allow it? 1. Does the group need a new leader? – In some of the previews for the remainder of season three, Carl is shown telling Rick that he should stop being the leader, and now we know why. Someone who has re-occurring hallucinations about their dead wife isn't the type of person that most would want to have in charge. And if Rick does step down as leader, then who will step up? With Daryl off with Merle, would Tyreese or Michonne become the most likely choice to become the new leader?