It's been a huge week for The Walking Dead fans, so if you missed out on any of the juicy season 3 tidbits, here's a convenient roundup of all the exciting news.

First and foremost: pictures. AMC has released four tantalizing photos (see slideshow below) of Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) - whom we caught a glimpse of earlier - our favorite hero Rick (Andrew Lincoln) looking threatening in his role as the Ricktator; the return of Merle Dixon (played by Michael Rooker; see below); and last but not least, our very first look at The Governor (David Morrissey). As fans of the original comic book series know, The Governor is the long-awaited villain who wreaks worse havoc on Rick and his group than any walker could inflict. He's the vicious foe to Rick's moral protagonist, and from the sound of it, we're not sure it's an even match.


Comics creator and Executive Producer Robert Kirkman says, "Having The Governor in the mix is going to fundamentally change the show in all kinds of awesome and exiting ways" (according to TV Guide). He also reassures fans that "The Governor in the show is definitely going to be The Governor in the comic." Though he's written as a barbaric and ruthless villain, Kirkman says they will not be "watering down" the character for the TV series. "I think that he's definitely going to be a character that people love to hate and are absolutely entertained by, but also somewhat terrified of," said the creator. "He's definitely going to be a very important character and a very nuanced character."

Then there's Merle Dixon. This character was last seen in season 1 chained and left for dead on an abandoned rooftop. Yet by cutting off his own hand, he managed to stay alive and will be returning in season 3, AMC confirms. I don't know about you, but the photo of Merle is just as chill-inducing as the one of The Governor.

Lastly, season 3 premiere director Ernest Dickerson (who also directed the intense season 2 finale) offered up some enticing details about the first episode of what is already being acknowledged as the best season of TWD yet. "We're introducing Michonne in all her glory," Dickerson revealed in the interview. The director also spoke to the reality of shooting indoors (inside the prison) for the premiere, which was "really dusty" and "real gritty." The environment was itself a challenge, which is expected, because "there's no such thing as easy in the world of The Walking Dead." There will also be "a particularly gross zombie gag."

What are you looking forward to most from this week's roundup of TWD news - the full-on explosion of The Governor's arrival? Michonne's glorious introduction in the season 3 premiere? The epic return of Merle? Keep checking back for more on the latest on TWD season 3!

(Image courtesy of AMC)