When in doubt, throw in some action? The gang and the survivors proposes an excellent plot device. There can be confrontation between the two, or you can go an entirely different route and toss in some walking dead to scare the crap out of them both. How well can these groups collect supplies when they're under attack? If it's going stale, make it more exciting.

And congrats [@FaithsRose] for getting into your top choice uni!