After a dreadful and extremely violent first half, "The Walking Dead" season 7 is set to turn the tables around when it returns Sunday on AMC. While Negan's presence is still strong, it is expected that the remaining episodes will feel lighter as the core members of the group will find themselves reunited and ultimately, ready to take revenge.
Before the mayhem ensues, viewers can still experience some good laughs happening in the first episode back. In a recent interview with TV Guide, showrunner Greg Nicotero has teased that the midseason premiere titled "Rock in the Road" has some humor injected to it - while also sharing that this episode made him "very proud."
"All the performances are great, there's some humor to it," Nicotero told the publication.
"There's some really funny bits and moments, there's probably our most ingenious "popcorn popper" moment."
The back half of "The Walking Dead" season 7 also promises to deliver a satisfying round of episodes. Rick's latest agenda to bring down Negan will find him recruiting members from other communities. As previewed by co-showrunner Scott Gimple, this storyline will unleash a "joyful rebellion" among members of Team Rick.
"They're able to finally do something, stand up for the right thing. It's like they had been asleep or just caught in stasis or anger or despondency," Gimple told The Hollywood Reporter.
"Some of them have been full-on trapped in a cell, listening to 'Easy Street' on repeat! That's not happening for them right now."
While the rest of the season is not without terror and tears, viewers will still feel a sense of optimism while watching. Gimple shared that there will be moments where fans will see the characters smile, Rick Grimes included.
"The Walking Dead" stars Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus and Lauren Cohan. Season 7 returns on Sunday, Feb. 12 on AMC.
