'The Walking Dead' Season 7B Spoilers, Return Date: Showrunner Previews 'Big and Satisfying' Finale

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Sunday, February 12, 2017

The midseason premiere of AMC's hit zombie apocalypse drama, "The Walking Dead," is on Sunday, and fans are more than ready to see a unified force rallying against Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his band of Saviors. But unlike some previous seasons, 7B will not end with a major cliffhanger.

This much was revealed by showrunner Scott M. Gimple, who described the uprising of the Alexandrians as a "joyful rebellion." Asked whether or not the season will close with a cliffhanger, Gimple argued that, at the very least, it will not be a "traditional cliffhanger."

"It is big and satisfying, I hope. It's a lot of story strands coming together," he told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. "There's a bit more of an ending. There's definitely a promise of the next turn of the story."

Moreover, Gimple previewed that the back half of the current season will also feature a variation of plotlines, with some episodes telling numerous stories in one go while others adopt a more focused direction. Furthermore, character-driven storylines will also take center stage, with a particularly "surprising arc" set for Eugene (Josh McDermitt).

The second half of season 7 has been talked about for quite some time now, especially after the riveting midseason finale the show left fans with. Viewers saw Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) with the same passion in his eyes that has been absent for the most part of season 7. After witnessing a number of gruesome murders perpetuated by Negan and his barbed wire-covered bat - endearingly named Lucille - Rick lost his drive. However, after Daryl (Norman Reedus) escaped the Saviors and reunited with the Alexandrian survivors, Rick was ready to rise up again.

Gimple previously recapped in a promo clip that the Alexandrians were not prepared to pick up their weapons and unite against Negan during the first half of season 7. It required a lot of time, but they are ready now.

"The Walking Dead" season 7 will return on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 9 p.m. EST on AMC.