The Walking Dead: Why Is Rick Smiling?

02/12/2017 10:13 pm EST

WARNING: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the latest episode of The Walking Dead - 'Rock In The Road'!

As the midseason premiere of The Walking Dead came to a close, Rick and the others discovered a new group while they were out. They followed Gabriel's instructions, and ended up surrounded by a large group of dirty-looking folks that fans haven't seen before.

Rick seems to be in grave danger as the episode ends, because this new group is armed to the teeth and have weapons pointed straight at the good guys.

So, if they're in so much danger, why was Rick smiling?

Some will speculate that this means Rick has found Gabriel again. After all, he's the one who led the group out in the first place.

According to executive producer Greg Nicotero, Rick is smiling because he's finally found the folks that he's going to war.

"He's smiling because there's his army. However you cut it, he's gonna make sure that those people are on his side."

There you have it, Rick has his army. Hopefully, this crew will help him convince King Ezekiel that they have the power to take on Negan - and beat him once and for all.

MORE THE WALKING DEAD:

How Tom Payne Plans To Make Negan Look Stupid / Season 7 Finale Cliffhanger? / Rock In The Road Recap / How Will Rick Convince King Ezekiel? / Khary Payton Explains Ezekiel's Decision / Ross Marquand On Aaron And Eric's Emotional Scene / Those Epic Zombie Kills Almost Didn't Happen!

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.

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