The Sinister Puppet Master: Unveiling Negan's Dark Influence in The Walking Dead: Dead City

Summary

In the second season, the Dama perceives Negan as a strategic asset to consolidate her authority and establish her rule over the communities in New York.

Negan's motivation to aid the Dama stems from a sense of guilt for killing Glenn and a strong desire to protect Hershel. In the latest episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Lisa Emery, the star of the show, revealed how the Dama gains control over Negan by the end of season 1. In the season finale, the Croat captures Negan and brings him before the Dama, the true ruler of Manhattan. The Dama enlists Negan's help in conquering the rest of New York City by leveraging her possession of Hershel's severed toe, threatening the young boy's life unless Negan complies.

In an interview with AMC Talk, Emery discussed the control Dama holds over Negan in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 1's ending. While it remains uncertain if Negan meets her expectations, Dama is determined to push boundaries in order to achieve her desires. Emery shares her thoughts on the matter:

"It's hard to say definitively. I do believe that Negan is a formidable adversary. However, when I reveal the toe I took from Hershel and show it to him, it serves as a clear message indicating just how far I'm willing to go."

How The Dama Will Use Negan In Dead City Season 2

The Dama believes that Negan is a valuable asset in uniting the various communities in New York. This belief stems from Negan's past as the leader of the Saviors in The Walking Dead, where he enforced the supply agreement with Alexandria, the Hilltop, the Kingdom, and Oceanside through threats of destruction. In the upcoming season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Negan will have to draw upon his leadership skills to assist the Dama.

Negan's willingness to aid the Dama is also driven by his guilt over killing Glenn, Maggie's husband, in season 7 of The Walking Dead. By helping the Dama, Negan hopes to ensure the safety of Hershel and make amends for his past mistakes. Despite Maggie's ongoing resentment towards him, Negan remains determined to protect Hershel, as evidenced by his reaction to Hershel's severed toe. This illustrates Negan's commitment to making up for his actions by safeguarding Hershel, regardless of Maggie's feelings.

Because Negan will be assisting the Dama, it is expected that season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City will include an increased presence of the old Negan resurfacing. Although the starting point of the Dama's conquest of New York City remains uncertain, Negan is undoubtedly positioned at the forefront of the ensuing conflict. Negan's compelled cooperation with the Dama may also shed light on her willingness to exert control in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, thus highlighting her true level of danger.