Alpha may have gotten Lydia back, but the conflict between the Whisperers and the communities is only beginning. What will happen next?

The official AMC synopsis for season 9, episode 12 “Guardians” is, “While one community struggles to ease tensions that threaten to divide within, the true nature of another group comes into focus. A mission to rescue a friend has deadly consequences.”

Let’s dig deeper into what this means for predicting major events of the next episode.

1. Lydia will spill the beans

The episode promo teases that Lydia manipulated Henry and Daryl into thinking she was a victim in order to earn their trust. It’s certainly suggested that her loyalty to her mother and the Whisperers remains, regardless of what happened at the Hilltop. Whether Lydia’s just making it seem that way in order to survive her mother’s wrath or actually was being manipulative all along, it is likely she will spill the beans on all the valuable information she learned about the Hilltop and the Kingdom. Offering this kind of intelligence will help Lydia get back into Alpha’s good graces and regain her trust, even if it’s just Lydia’s way of protecting herself.

2. Connie’s investigative skills will get a chance to shine

Kelly mentioned that before the zombie apocalypse began, her sister Connie was an incredible journalist who exposed many corrupt politicians and helped put them behind bars. Connie is now on a mission with Daryl to bring back Henry and right the wrong they committed when turning Lydia over to her abusive mother.

While journalism is sadly dead in the zombie apocalypse, the investigative skills Connie used in her career could translate well in her mission with Daryl. Just as Luke and Magna have had chances to shine in past episodes, it’s now Connie’s time to shine as she uses her investigative smarts to figure out everything she can about the mysterious Whisperers, and hopefully save Henry and Lydia in the process of doing so.

3. Alexandria will officially end its isolation

The community described in the episode synopsis as struggling to ease the tensions within is likely Alexandria. Michonne is shown in the promo to remain a staunch believer in Alexandria isolating itself from the other communities. Gabriel believes otherwise, bringing up the practical point of who will help Alexandria when they’re in trouble if they continue to isolate themselves. The mysterious horrors Michonne and Alexandria endured during the time jump has given her good reason to have this attitude, but her attitude must change if Alexandria will survive.

The communities will not last against the Whisperers if divisions remain, though. Gabriel’s logic probably won’t sway Michonne in the end as much as Judith will, a child wise beyond her years who seems to be the only person who can make Michonne see things differently anymore. Part of Judith’s role seems to be embodying the wisdom and ideology Rick and Carl left behind, which would certainly be unity over isolation. Thus, Alexandria’s isolation will officially end, and they will begin working with the Hilltop and the Kingdom to combat the threat of the Whisperers.

What are you predictions for season 9, episode 12 of The Walking Dead? Let us know in the comments!