‘The Walking Dead’ Season 7, Episode 8 Spoilers: "Hearts Still Beating" – Negan Returns to Alexandria to Torment Rick; Daryl Attempts Escape from Sanctuary

‘The Walking Dead’ season 7’s episode 8, entitled "Hearts Still Beating," is set to feature Negan as he returns to Alexandria to torment Rick and threaten the community to hand over new supplies. Meanwhile, the promo showed Daryl attempting to escape the confines of the Sanctuary.

The brief synopsis for “Hearts Still Beating” posted on Cosmic Book News reads, “Negan’s (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) unwelcome visit to Alexandria continues as other members scavenge for supplies; things quickly spin out of control.”

The promo opened to Rosita (Christian Serratos) holding up a bullet Eugene (Josh McDermitt) created for her. Perhaps she is saving it for a special target. In another scene, Daryl is attempting his latest escape but it is unclear whether he can finally free himself from the Sanctuary considering Negan’s henchmen are still roaming about. Daryl was slipped a key in the previous episode by a mysterious figure, according to the Independent.

By the end of the trailer, a clean-shaven Negan is making his rounds while Rick looks on in terror. It seems that while the Alexandrians are busy scouting for supplies to offer Negan and the Saviors, some are working behind the scenes to prepare for a rebellion.

In the final moments from the previous episode, entitled “Sing Me A Song,” Negan returned to Alexandria with Carl (Chandler Riggs) and took a grand tour of the Grimes home while waiting for Rick (Andrew Lincoln) to return. He eventually found Rick’s little baby girl and proceeded to take her from her crib with the possibly the worst intentions.

By the end of the episode, Negan and Carl were sitting by the porch with the lemonade he rudely requested Olivia (Ann Mahoney) to prepare. Negan held the baby on his lap while amiably waving to passersby. He then considered leaving the two siblings for dead for their father to find in a threat to Carl.

It was revealed in another sneak peak video for episode 8 that Tara (Alana Masterson) was the one who sent Olivia the lemonade. In the video, Tara approaches a frightened Olivia and hands her a can of lemonade. She says, “Here’s the damn lemonade. I had some in my kitchen. Denise liked it.”

When Olivia gives her a teary thank you, Tara suggests that Olivia should go home and allow her to take over. However, Olivia replies, “No, I’m fine. I told Rick I would watch Judith. I’m gonna do that. You should go. We’re about to sit.” It seems that Tara is anxious to face the man who indirectly killed her lover.

 ‘The Walking Dead’ season 7’s episode 8, entitled "Hearts Still Beating," is scheduled to air on AMC on December 11, 2016. It is considered the mid-season finale.