The Walking Dead exclusive photos preview star's departure

The Feb. 25 midseason premiere begins with a bombed-out Alexandria in tatters and Carl clinging to life. And things will get worse before they get better.

Carl's revelation that he was bitten by a walker signals his impending demise, which will play out in the next epsiode.

No, Maggie has not delivered her baby yet, and there is still plenty of time before that occurs. But she is getting some post-apocalyptic parenting training thanks to baby Grace (brought to her by Aaron after their assault on the Saviors).

"There's some really good Daryl stuff coming up with some of the characters he's been going toe to toe with,” promises Reedus. BRING. IT. ON.

Both characters have struggled with violence in the apocalypse, but are now united and determined to take down Negan. Let's wish them luck, shall we?

Carl may be leaving us in the midseason premiere, but the character's presence will continue to be felt. “He's definitely leaving behind a really long-lasting legacy,” says Riggs, “which was the coolest part about playing those final moments — knowing that Carl was going to have such a lasting impact on the story.”

When we last left the King, he was saving his subjects while sacrificing himself in the process. Good things cannot be in store if Negan gets his hands on Ezekiel.

Maggie went down a very dark path when she shot a Savior in cold blood to send a body (and a message) back to Negan. Cohan hints her character will be continuing down that path when the show returns.

Morgan will be moving over to Fear the Walking Dead after season 8 is over, making the journey here setting up his transition one to watch moving forward.

Riggs has been winning raves from cast members and producers for his goodbye episode. But with flashbacks flash-forwards, dreams, and visions always a future possibility, is it ever really goodbye on this show?

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