With Andrew Lincoln's protagonist Rick Grimes gone, at least for now, the ensuing episodes of "The Walking Dead" seem to be indifferent. Survivors have become strangers to each other. What is even more troubling is the presence of contrasting groups which will do everything just to survive at the expense of their companions.
It has been a while since the post-apocalyptic perspective was laid out but the probability that a new normal is emerging will be something that survivors will have to contend with. Episode 10 of Season 9 will be no different as characters will grapple with something that all of them need to understand eventually.
The "Omega" story will reveal a thrilling point. A group of hill-dwelling individuals will be astounded to find horses without owners. Callan McAuliffe's Alden and Dan Fogler's Luke are nowhere to be found so the team starts to scale the clearing.
What soon follows will probably split the group into two. As it turns out, Hilltoppers Connie and Kelly, played by Lauren Ridloff and Angel Theory, respectively, have found out that the animals were sliced open. A disagreement on what to do soon ensues. Either they separate to investigate or fall back to plan their next moves.
Another point of concern in the story is Cassady McClincy's Lydia who was apprehended after the Whisperers attacked Tom Payne's Jesus. Norman Reedus's character Daryl Dixon goes deep into investigating the leader of the skin-disguising group.
If the graphics comic book is to be followed, it is possible that McClincy's role will soon be revealed as the daughter of the dreaded Whisperers' leader Alpha who will be depicted by Samantha Morton. Lydia is the key to the whole approach of unveiling the undercover clan.
The fate of Jesus may actually come as a surprise considering his prowess to evade any challenges that come his way. In fact, he is a figure of encouragement to Daryl, Danai Gurira's Michonne and many others.
Where the "Omega" episode leads to will likely lean on the exploits of the masked band that will kill profit-driven individuals who are associated with the walkers. Investigating Lydia, however, will be a tough approach to do especially if all the information that is extracted from her presents members of the Whisperers to be all dead.
Ten episodes later, "The Walking Dead" Season 9 continues to keep viewers guessing. Considering that the franchise does not entirely follow what the graphic novels have presented, it will be quite entertaining where the survivors will be heading.
