The first half of The Walking Dead season 7 is finishing as quickly as it began - and, going by the newly-released trailer, just as dramatically also.

Titled 'Hearts Still Beating,' the episode looks like it will follow in the footsteps of mid-season finale's past which have included the brutal deaths of Hershel, Beth and the events of last year's same episode which saw Carl take a bullet to the eye (something which provided the latest instalment with a pivotal moment).

Featured in the trailer are several moments which promise things are building to an intense climax: Rosita (Christian Serratos) can be seen staring at the bullet she forced Eugene (Josh McDermitt) to make her, while elsewhere Daryl can be seen escaping his cell after being assisted by an unseen presence (you can see who we think that might be here).

It also seems like we'll be revisiting the Kingdom for the first time since its introduction in this season's second episode; Morgan can be seen speaking to what is assumed to be a Saviours-defector seeking his new community's help.

As has become the norm, the trailer's climax shows Rick looking particularly traumatised by Negan. Will next week's episode see the death of another main character? The blood spatter on Negan's newly clean-shaven face certainly suggests so.

The episode's synopsis reads: "Negan’s unwelcome visit to Alexandria continues as other members scavenge for supplies; things quickly spin out of control."

Below are the five major talking points from last week's episode 'Sing Me a Song' which featured several scenes comic book fans have been awaiting for some time now.

The Walking Dead: 5 talking points from episode 7