So I think we can pretty much assume that this season of The Walking Dead is going to see Rick and his crew going on the offensive more than in previous years. At least, that’s my take from some of the art and images that have been trickling out of AMC in advance of the October premiere of season five.

From the looks of it, Rick (series star Andrew Lincoln) won’t make it easy for the possibly-maybe cannibals at Terminus, according to the new image. Showing The Walking Dead hero looking especially grizzled and ready for action, the new image comes to us courtesy of photographer Frank Ockenfels.

Sure, every season of the show has had Rick and his Python ready for action, but with the reveal of the Entertainment Weekly covers last week along with Rick’s strong words for the people of Terminus in that deleted scene from season 4, it feels like the show is taking a turn this year.

I’ve been thinking about this a bit, and I’m intrigued by how hard the network is pushing the big action aspect of season five. I suspect it’s a rope-a-dope: sure, Rick’s people will get in some licks against the Terminus cannibals, but will that be it? The Walking Dead is a one step forward, two steps back kind of show in terms of good outcomes for its heroes. So even if they do take down the baddies at Terminus, it feels like something even worse will be on the horizon. They’ve already had to contend with illness, bad weather, and killer kiddies (along with the walkers) – what else can the show throw at them?

The Walking Dead season 5 premieres October 12 on AMC.

Images: AMC