The graphic nature of the episode saw the series deemed ‘too violent’ for TV – and producers have confirmed this backlash forced them to tone down the violence in future episodes.
The Walking Dead returns in the US on February 12 and will air the following evening in the UK, 9 pm on FOX.
We did tone it down for episodes we were still filming for later on in the season.”
The closing moments of the latest episode saw Rick reassemble the fractured group in a bid to overthrow the Saviours.