After the closing events of The Walking Dead Season 7, the show’s eighth run is expected to open in utter chaos. With Rick and his group ready to make a stand against Negan and his merry band of so-called Saviors, “an all-out war story” is hardly a surprising backdrop for Season 8. Series creator, Robert Kirkman is deeming the upcoming season as such, and during a press event for the Television Critics Association, Kirkman noted the following about the direction being taken this time around (via ScreenRant):

“So in Season 8 we’re trying to do a more fast-paced season, a more action-packed season, really focusing on momentum, and we feel like over the first seven seasons we kind of set all of the characters into place, and now it’s time to break them to a certain extent.”

Considering several of the core cast of characters were either mentally or emotionally broken throughout much of Season 7, it’ll be intriguing to see how the show explores it at a deeper level. Perhaps physical pain and exhaustion will carry much of the weight, as fan theories surrounding the “Old Man Rick” scene at the end of the Season 8 trailer continue to circulate. Interestingly, Kirkman addressed this as well.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l82kiUvnKM%5D

The “Old Man Rick” scene featured a heavily bearded Rick Grimes in bed, a cane visible and leaning against a wall nearby. Fans point to an arc in the comic series, where a crippled Rick, by Negan’s hand, is shown after a two-year jump in time using a cane. According to Kirkman, it “doesn’t seem like we would be getting to that just yet.” However, we will “just have to see.” Thus far, TWD is known for adhering to certain comic arcs, but subverting expectations with a twist. The same should be anticipated as the events of Season 8 unfold.

What is your interpretation of the “Old Man Rick” scene, and how well do you think Rick’s group will fare against the Saviors? Sound off in the comments below.

The Walking Dead returns Sunday, October 12.