The Walking Dead: Season 8, Episode 1 Preview: ‘Mercy’

The Walking Dead is back with colossal fury as Rick Grimes’ gang and Negan’s Saviors face off in an epic battle for the ages!

It’s the Saviors vs Rick and the Gang on tonight’s The Walking Dead season 8 premiere episode, ‘Mercy’. Rick has united the communities with one common goal, to bring down Negan and the Savior’s ironclad hold over the rest of the land. We can expect all out chaos as the showdown commences, sides are taken, betrayals are had.

The stakes couldn’t be higher! It’s win or go home. The title of the episode being called ‘Mercy’ already assures us there will be none. Likely from Negan. This episode is directed by Greg Nicotero, who has directed every premiere of The Walking Dead since season 4.

The Walking Dead’s traitors looming internally?

Sure, the Scavengers betrayed Rick but they don’t seem loyal to Negan either. The strongest in this arm-wrestling match will get extra help to bring down the other. While the weakened one will have others piling up to bury them. Remember, a battle between the two sides opens the door for internal strife. Members of each side might look at the fight as an opportunity to take leadership or leave. Eugene for one and what of all the other players.

Even in Rick’s group, surely not everyone agrees. We can bet Gregory will sellout the group for an aged bottle of cognac. We already have Dwight flirting with total betrayal of Negan. Is it all a ruse, a ploy to get inside intel or genuine? We’ll find out soon!

Walking Dead Season 8 Premiere: Trailer

It doesn’t look good for Father Gabriel… Will he receive the Eugene treatment for betraying Rick’s group or be made into an example? A potential bargening chip to convinence Rick’s groups to lay down opposition? We’re assured another Emmy worth Rick Grimes speech tonight. Will it top his grand majestic speeches in season 4’s prison, season 5’s Alexandria, and season 2’s “this isn’t a democracy anymore”?

Walking Dead Season 8 Premiere: Sneak Peaks

There’s a mysterious stranger Carl encounters in the sneak peak. A stranger practically begging for trust… Will Carl relent or go with his instincts? Though Alexandria was originally about searching for new residents that could improve the community, that dream has been long shelved since the Saviors. Accepting a stranger into the flock might not be the best idea at this point with everything on the line. Their very lives at stake if they lose against the Saviors.

Daryl and Carol embrace as hundreds of walkers on the horizon move toward them. Are they being shepherded toward the Saviors, like Troy’s ploy on Fear the Walking Dead? Or did the Saviors leave this present on the footsteps of the kingdom?

Walking Dead: Meet the new Season 8 Cast Regulars

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Enid, Jadis, and Simon are all confirmed as season 8 regulars!

Enid, played by Katelyn Nacon was first speculated to be a wolf on The Walking Dead. Enid’s become a kind of a younger sister to Maggie in the way Beth was and Carl’s love interest.

Nacon’s part has grown thanks to her great unpredictable portrayal of Enid as a good hearted yet loner character. Always considering to leave the group’s journey until Glenn had a big impact on her.

Jadis’ betrayal of Rick was easily one of the best ever and a stunning highlight of a watch. Pollyanna McIntosh acting is immensely captivating and unique. Her scenes always demanding full attention. We look forward to where Jadis leads the Saviors this season.

GTA V’s Trevor Philips has been an absolute standout on The Walking Dead as Simon. Steven Ogg’s Trevor character in many ways brought to life in an alternate universe on the show. Whether it’s pitch perfect casual intimidation factor, the charismatic way of speech or the ‘expressive face’ as he says on the show, Simon delivers. Flawless. He’s the perfect ‘dirty work’ leader for Negan. The boss to get the final boss so to speak.

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The show has always done a great job of picking out highly talented actors for roles. Just look at where Walking Dead alumni have gone on to? Jon Bernthal for one, in Marvel’s The Punisher and lead role after lead role in big time films. Life just keep on elevating after Shane Walsh for Bernthal. A great chapter of the career book rather than FIN, credits roll.

The Walking Dead Season 8 Premiere: Air Time

The Walking Dead airs on AMC tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern / 10 Central time!