The February 14 mid-season premiere of 'The Walking Dead' is massive, a new report said. The return of Rick Grimes and the rest of the gang promises to be the biggest of the ongoing TWD chapter, readily qualifying the upcoming instalment as a season finale.
According to Tech Insider, Episode 9 director Greg Nicotero likened the things to be seen as 'Night of the Living Dead.' The execution is rich in action and the pace will be swift. TWD fans will be on the edge of their seats come Valentine's Day, which obviously is the intended outcome that Nicotero and show producer AMC want to see.
"Your heart will be pounding in your chest throughout much of the first five minutes of the opener," Tech Insider said. The online publication was given advanced access to Episode 9 but as can be expected, is not permitted to share spoilers.
But hints are aplenty (though they are short of spoiling the fun). For one, Season 6 Episode 9 will pick up from where TWD had left off - Rick and the rest of the Alexandria survivors are trying to fight their way through a giant herd of walkers. Will they find success and if so, what will be the price to pay.
There was no mention of heartbreaking deaths, of beloved characters finally saying goodbye or being zombified as insinuated in some reports. As issuing spoilers is out of the question, Tech Insider can only tease: "It's going to be a hugely satisfying episode for fans who may have been left wanting more at the end of last year's mid-season finale."
But for those wanting some solid clues, the best source would be the Comic source of the show. The report indicates that digging deep into Volume 14, No Way Out should unearth a general picture of the things to transpire. It appears that the show creators have decided to mostly take after the event flows seen in the printed version.
There are, however, notable takeaways that the report has afforded. Like Daryl will again shine and unsurprisingly, Rick and the samurai-wielding Michonne will dominate Season 6, Episode 9. Viewers will need to watch for Father Gabriel, who the report said will be given some redeeming moments.
"Fans will be pretty impressed with father Gabriel, too, who has been a pretty unsavory character up until recently," Tech Insider said.
As mentioned, The Walking Dead Season 6, Episode 9 airs February 14.