The Walking Dead returned on Sunday night with “After,” an episode that offered insight into the relationships between Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Carl (Chandler Riggs), and Michonne (Danai Gurira) and her faith in the aftermath of the Governor’s destruction of the prison.

'The Walking Dead' Recap

Watching the zombies overtaking the prison, Michonne takes a couple down before catching sight of zombie Hershel. Unsettled, Michonne forces herself to ram her sword through his head. When she comes across Rick and Carl’s footsteps, she contemplates following their tracks, but then decides to surrender herself to the mass of walkers. A flashback, however, reignites Michonne’s will to live. Cutting down her living dead foes, she goes in search of Carl and Rick.

Carl Fears Rick Is Turning

After leaving the overtaken prison, Rick and Carl scour apocalyptic Georgia for a new shelter and hopefully some food. Along the journey, the father and son argue endlessly, their tempers on the verge of overpowering them. In one brutal moment, Carl goads his father with a mention of his late friend Shane.

Once they find a vacant home in the suburbs, Rick passes out with exhaustion. With Rick unable to help keep watch and gather supplies, Carl faces one attempted bite after the other. His pent up rage explodes on his father, whose current state makes it impossible for him to defend himself with a reply. Not only does Carl blame him for Shane’s death, but for Lori and Judith’s as well. If Rick died, Carl claims, he’d get by just fine.

When Rick’s ragged breathing makes Carl fear the worst – that his father is turning into a zombie – his brazenness evaporates. In fact, he even considers letting the walkers prowling about take him with his dad. Upon realizing that it’s just fatigue Rick is suffering from, Carl admits he’s frightened.

Michonne Joins Rick & Carl

When Rick regains command of his voice and his thoughts, he gives Carl the stamp of manhood he’s long been waiting for. Rick explains that the charmed life they once lived probably won’t return to them anytime soon – if at all – but that they can make the best of what they have. Just then, there’s a knock at the door.

Standing at the door is Michonne, much to the relief and joy of both men.

The Walking Dead airs Sundays on AMC at 9/8c.

– Chelsea Regan

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.

For More 'The Walking Dead' News:

_{'The Walking Dead'™ Recap: The Governor Wages War On The Prison, Kills Hershel & Dies}

_{'The Walking Dead' Recap: The Governor Kills Martinez, Takes Aim At Michonne}

_{‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: The Governor Finds A New Family In 'Live Bait'}

_{‘The Walking Dead’ Spoilers: Will The Governor Live On?}

_{‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: Chaos Ensues Among The Quarantined; The Governor Is Back}