The producers and cast of AMC’s hit zombie apocalypse show, “The Walking Dead,” were part of a panel at North Hollywood’s TV Academy and gave a lot of answers to questions about season two and three.

Some of the answers that everyone wanted included whether Shane was always going to die (yes), how difficult is it to sit for zombie makeup (very), and was Hershel originally supposed to die (yes). The questions were very interesting and the answers were sometimes funny, but always insightful. One of the highlights for the staff was Dale’s death, as the scene was never rehearsed before it was shot. Another scene that was surprising for the staff was the way that Sophia was killed. The cast said that the carnage on the set during that scene was simply shocking.

Other revelations during the two hour question and answer sessions were targeted towards season three. The answers were somewhat cryptic, though. For example, Herschel’s role as a “badass with a rifle” might change. Andrea and Glenn are still going to be coping with Dale’s death. Rick and Lori’s relationship will be tested even more. After all, it’s an apocalypse, so they really can’t just file for divorce.

There was a lot of talk about Rick’s final blowup at the end of season two. He’s finally started to evolve as a leader and he isn’t as naïve as he used to be. He played by the rules for so long and he’s finally figuring out that approach might not work anymore.

Maggie and Glenn’s blooming romance will continue and both characters will grow as a result. The series will also see just how far they can push the network on how disgusting killing the zombies can be. There will be a lot of zombie action in the upcoming season. In addition, Kirkman said that the series is just getting to the heart of the comic books right now. There’s Michoone, the prison, and the Governor. It’s going to be a change for the show and there will be a lot of characters whose roles will change as a result.