The Walking Dead is coming back on air this evening. We’ll give you a moment to contain your excitement. Ok, moment over. The series is back for another eight-week run, in what has been dubbed its “scariest season yet.” On the other hand, some news outlets are predicting a quieter, less action packed season ahead.

Andrew Lincoln, PaleyFest
Andrew Lincoln's character is set for yet more power struggles this year.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the writers of TWD have chosen to go for a more low-key mood in the first few episodes. After the climactic ending of the last season, the defeat of the maniacal Governor and, of course, Andrea’s demise, Rick (Andrew Lincoln), Daryl (Norman Reedus) and the rest of the survivors are due for some rest and so are the viewers, who were treated to an emotional spectacle at the end of last season, not to mention the culmination of a story arc that had been building for almost two seasons.

Norman Reedus, Tribeca Film Fest
Thankfully, the show didn't lose everyone's favorite character - Norman Reedus' Daryl.

The season opens with the group (now with a few alterations) tries to build up the prison and recreate some semblance of a normal life. The walkers are still at the gates, of course, but that’s where they will be left for the time being – on the outside, while the main characters finally deal with some of those unresolved issues that have been plaguing the community. It sounds like we will actually see a community forming at the beginning of this season – with the refugees from Woodbury working alongside a familiar cast of characters. And of course, there’s the matter of how Daryl’s character will develop, now that his allegiances have truly been established, after he killed his zombified brother at the end of last season. All in all, it sounds like this season (or the beginning at least) was finally made with some consideration of those who have been crying “Character development!” since day one. The Walking Dead returns tonight (Sunday) at 9PM ET/PT.