Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes awakens from a coma, and searches for his family in a world ravaged by the undead.

In Atlanta, Rick is rescued by a group of survivors, but they soon find themselves trapped inside a department store surrounded by walkers.

Rick is reunited with Lori and Carl but soon decides - along with some of the other survivors - to return to the rooftop and rescue Merle. Meanwhile, tensions run high between the other survivors at the camp.

Rick, Glenn, Daryl and T-Dog come across a group of seemingly hostile survivors whilst searching for Merle. Back at camp, Jim begins behaving erratically.

The survivors gain access to the C.D.C. in the hope of a safe haven.