‘The Walking Dead’ Season 5 Spoilers: New Episode Synopses Tease Villains Beyond Terminus

Fans of 'The Walking Dead' have been waiting all year for season 5 to answer mysteries about the sinister Terminus, but the Comic-Con 2014 trailer already revealed that we'd see Rick and the group out on the road again sooner or later. Now, the first four episode titles and synopses of season 5 have arrived, teasing much bigger threats beyond Terminus borders, and likely some surprising character returns.

You're warned of some potential spoilers for 'The Walking Dead' season 5 from here on out, but it appears as if our time in Terminus may be even shorter than the October 12 "No Sanctuary" premiere, judging by synopses of the subsequent three hours. And while it remains to be seen what other "nasty" enemies Rick might encounter, we'd bet that the fourth episode refers to Beth's mysterious new hospital setting, which the trailer revealed to be far less ideal than it seemed.

See for yourself:

Episode 5.01 - No Sanctuary

The true motives of the Terminans come to light; Rick and the others end up in a situation.

Episode 5.02 - Strangers

Rick leads a risky mission for a possible small reward when the supplies run low.

Episode 5.03 - Four Walls and a Roof

Rick and the others find themselves pitted against a group of nasty people.

Episode 5.04 - Slabtown

Things appear safe and nice, but there is a bit of a dark side for another group of survivors.

Here's how AMC generally describes the new season, due to shamble out on October 12:

Season Four of The Walking Dead ended with Rick and the group outgunned, outnumbered, and trapped in a train car awaiting a grim fate. Season Five picks up shortly thereafter. What follows is a story that weaves the true motives of the people of Terminus with the hopeful prospect of a cure in Washington, D.C., the fate of the group’s lost comrades, as well as new locales, new conflicts, and new obstacles in keeping the group together and staying alive.

Stories will break apart and intersect. The characters will find love and hate. Peace and conflict. Contentment and terror. And, in the quest to find a permanent, safe place to call home, one question will haunt them…After all they’ve seen, all they’ve done, all they’ve sacrificed, lost, and held on to no matter what the cost…Who do they become?

Elsewhere, we know of ‘The Walking Dead’ season 5 that existing stars Christian Serratos (Rosita), Alanna Masterson (Tara) and Andrew J. West (Gareth) have all been upgraded to series regulars, while ‘The Wire‘ star Seth Gilliam joined in a role confirmed to be that of comic preacher Gabriel Stokes, and 'Everybody Hates Chris' star Tyler James Williams will play "Noah." The fifth season of AMC’s monster-drama will pick up shortly after season 4 finale “A,” eschewing the usual time jump to show Rick and the group's escape from Terminus. Oh, and don’t forget about our beat-by-beat breakdown of the Comic-Con trailer!

While we wait for the 'Walking Dead' season 5 premiere, check out the latest trailer above, stay tuned for our New York Comic-Con 2014 coverage, and catch hup on seasons 1-4 below!