In the first 8 episodes we saw Rick reach breaking point. Insanity took hold as he tried to deal with the magnitude of his problems; a new-born baby to care for, his son Carl questioning everything he says or does, zombies at his front door, and his survivor’s group morale in shreds… how can he even begin to come back from that? Not to mention the half crazed, hell-bent-on-revenge, vicious and frankly scary Governor to deal with. We’re all questioning whether or not he’s up to the task of  being the leader; and we know at the end of season two Rick said “This is not a democracy anymore”- can he live up to that claim and keep the ‘Ricktatorship” going?

Following Rick’s raid on Woodbury, the now one-eyed Governor (thanks Michonne) is holding no bars back. We’ve seen just how ruthless and cruel he can be, wiping out anyone who dares to get in his way; but what next? In the promo we saw just how dirty he’s willing to get, using Andrea as a potential secret weapon against our team of survivors; and considering “Team Rick’s” current state, could he have the upper hand?

Having ditched Michonne and sought salvation in the arms of the Governer, how will this blonde bombshell and ultimately amazing zombie-killing machine confront the group which abandoned her? In the promos we’ve seen her venture to the prison under the order of the Governor; but which way will she fold given everything at stake?

What’s also important to remember is that Daryl is grasped firmly in the clutches of the Woodbury clan; and the last we saw he was pitted against his brother Merle, whom we know to be very dangerous. Daryl is a fundamental piece of Team Rick, so his survival is imperative to the whole group. Is this the end of Daryl Dixon? Is blood really thicker than water with the Dixon brothers? We’ve got our fingers crossed he’s going to make it out of Woodbury alive, but if the Dixon brother’s are reunited, where will Daryl’s loyalty lie?

The ever-elusive Michonne is key to our survivor’s chances of retribution. She knows Woodbury inside out, and has uncovered many of the Governor’s secrets so far. But by forming such an enemy, and not bonding with our protagonists, we’re left wondering whether she’s going to make it to season four. There’s no doubt she’s tough; and in a world where the dead eat the living you need to be tough, but could she survive on her own if it comes down to it?

In his father’s (physical and mental) absence Carl has repeatedly stepped up to the plate as an integral member of the group despite only being 13 years old. Given the task as ‘fort-holder’ whilst Rick and company disappear off on numerous reconnaissance missions, we see Carl for what he really is: Shane 2.0. What’s in store for this young, but nonetheless indispensable, member of the group?