The Jaw-Dropping Twist in Dead City Episode 2 That Left Jeffrey Dean Morgan Ecstatic

Warning: Spoilers ahead for episode 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City! Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the actor who plays Negan, expressed his excitement for a violent Negan reference in the latest episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City. The episode showcases the Burazi, a group led by The Croat, attacking a rebel group in a building. Negan, capturing one of the Burazi members, ruthlessly guts him in front of the others, leaving them horrified.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Morgan revealed his delight at The Walking Dead: Dead City revisiting the darker side of Negan. He explained that this side of the character had always existed, and after years of suppressing it, he was happy to see it unleashed once again. Read Morgan's complete statement below.

How Old Negan's Return Makes Dead City Better

When I first read the script and came across that scene, I immediately called showrunner Eli Jorné. I was filled with relief and whispered, "Thank goodness!" For years, I have been insisting that Negan's true essence still exists within him. The Negan we love to despise remains a part of this man. Despite our attempts to redeem his character, Negan remains true to himself. I have observed this for years, yet we have never had the opportunity to witness Negan being his authentic self again. Therefore, having the chance to embrace that side of him once more, to showcase his showmanship and the fearless man unafraid of making a mess, brought immense joy to me as an actor.

The gutting of the Burazi group member by Negan serves as a clear reference to a moment in The Walking Dead season 7. In that particular season, Negan similarly gutted Spencer Monroe for attempting to rally a rebellion against Rick Grimes in Alexandria. During his reign as the leader of the Saviors, Negan frequently resorted to violent acts in order to maintain control over communities such as Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom, instilling fear within them. By employing these familiar tactics to intimidate the Burazi, Negan taps into his previous skills to safeguard Maggie and their newfound group.

The presence of old Negan in The Walking Dead: Dead City may lead to heightened tension between him and Maggie, as his behavior mirrors the time he killed her husband, Glenn, in Season 7. Maggie witnessed Negan's murder of a member of the Burazi, which could strain their alliance if she fears his regression. While Negan's utilization of his past personality may benefit Maggie and their new group, it also foreshadows a potential return to his ruthless and untrustworthy nature.

Negan's reversion to a Savior-like persona will further complicate his relationship with Maggie. In episode 3 of The Walking Dead: Dead City, they will collaborate to attack The Croat's arena, but Negan's actions might jeopardize the mission by causing conflicts. As Negan oscillates between his previous ways and his efforts at redemption, it remains intriguing to observe how The Walking Dead: Dead City handles his alliance with Maggie in light of these developments.

Source: EW