Watch: Maggie sees Negan in opening minutes of The Walking Dead 1017

The premiere of The Walking Dead season 10C is mere days away and episode 1017, “Home Sweet Home”, is set to kick off the first of six bonus episodes bridging the gap between season 10 and season 11. The season premiere is February 28 on AMC, but the episode will be available a week early to AMC+ subscribers. In an Undead Walking exclusive, you can watch the first two minutes of The Walking Dead 1017 below.

In the exclusive clip, Maggie demonstrates her defensive skills against a walker, she has a deep conversation during her reunion with Judith and she encounters Negan for the first time. The tension is so palpable you could cut it with a knife.

Here’s the synopsis of The Walking Dead episode 1017, “Home Sweet Home”:

"Maggie has returned, to the dismay of Negan. The trials she endured since leaving has made her harder in order for her and her son to survive. When her past catches up to her, Daryl and Maggie unexpectedly fight an unseen and unknown threat."

Watch the opening minutes of The Walking Dead “Home Sweet Home”

Maggie looks a lot tougher in her return. The time spent away from her friends and family has changed her, but only time will tell how much she has changed and what it means now that she’s back.

The conversation between Maggie and Judith is gut-wrenching when you consider that little Judith has taken on so much for one so young. She had to tell her brother that Michonne wasn’t coming back, but that he could take solace in knowing she was seeing the same stars in the sky that they were.

Of course, one of the biggest moments of the clip – and one that fans have been excited to see –  comes at the end when Maggie sees Negan. Though he tells her that he didn’t escape, the look of anguish in her expression says it all. She knew she’d have to face her demons, and it looks like she’s jumping straight into the deep end.

The episode was written by Corey Reed and directed by David Boyd.

You can watch the season 10C premiere on AMC on February 28 at 9pm ET. The episode will also be available one week early via AMC+, streaming the morning of February 21.