Rick will be forced to kill an old friend in The Walking Dead

RICK looks like he will be forced to kill a man he thought was a friend — while Ezekiel is about to get a harsh lesson in the brutality of warfare in the third episode of The Walking Dead.

RICK looks like he will be forced to kill a man he thought was a friend — while Ezekiel is about to get a harsh lesson in the brutality of warfare in the third episode of The Walking Dead.

So far this series has been all about the action, with pitched battles going back-to-back. This episode looks to be more of the same.

The preview video for “Monsters” shows Ezekiel and his Knights surrounded, with their hands in the air. Is this doom for the “King” or part of a ruse to outwit the Saviours?

Surely this has to be a strategy, because while Ezekiel is blindly optimistic about his chances of victory, he has both Carol and Shiva with him, who won’t fall into traps.

Will Ezekiel see some of his people die in Episode 3?

Besides, to have him trick and defeat the Saviours — and then get attacked by zombies is a more powerful way for people to die.

We also see Aaron dragging a wounded Eric to safety as the rest of his crew and the Saviours continue to fire machineguns endlessly without ever running out of ammunition.

It’s not looking good for Eric. He’s probably got just enough time for an emotional speech and then he’s a goner.

This will no doubt turn mild-mannered Aaron into a raging monster, in the same way Denise’s death has turned Tara savage.

Then add in Morgan, who has turned from Mr Zen into Mr Angry and you have quite a bunch of hotheads.

Is this perhaps the meaning behind the episode title of “Monsters”?

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said: “Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster ... for when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you”.

Defeating the Saviours may come at too high a price.

Old friend from Atalanta days Morales has Rick as his prisoner. But if he asks about Shane then things could get ugly.

Ironically, this episode could also see Rick turn from executioner into a leader with more compassion. He’s facing off with Morales, a guy from the Atlanta crew back in season one.

Although that conversation could go rather awkwardly: “How’s Andrea?” “Dead.”

“Dale?” “Dead.” “T-Dog?” “Dead.” “Lori?” “Dead.” “Glenn?” “Dead.” “Jacqui?” “Dead.” “Shane?”

“Look, can we talk about something else please?”

Still, being forced to take care of someone he knows might make him change his mind about this war. Or, at least, bring him into conflict with Tara, Morgan and Aaron.

We shall find out from Monday at 1.30pm on Foxtel’s FX channel.