The Twisted Allure: Unveiling Negan's Intriguing Journey in the Walking Dead

Summary

The Dama seeks assistance from Negan to seize control of the city and protect it from their adversaries, acknowledging his significance as the previous head of The Saviors. In order to compel Negan's cooperation, he is coerced into aiding the Dama, as Maggie's son Hershel becomes a target of threats. This compels Negan to confront his previous actions and contemplate reverting back to his former ways.

The season 1 finale of The Walking Dead: Dead City unveiled the intentions of the villains regarding Negan (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and outlined his storyline for the upcoming second season. The complex dynamic between reformed villain Negan and Maggie (portrayed by Lauren Cohan) has always been a captivating aspect of the franchise, which is why it made sense for a Walking Dead spinoff to center around their relationship. Dead City showcased how these former adversaries reluctantly formed an alliance when Maggie sought Negan's assistance in rescuing her son Hershel (played by Logan Kim), who had been kidnapped by the new antagonist known as the Croat (played by Željko Ivanek) and taken to New York.

Furthermore, Dead City unveiled the true motivations behind the Croat's actions, as he intended for Maggie to bring Negan to the city. It was revealed that both the Croat and his superior, the Dama (portrayed by Lisa Emery), had significant plans involving the former leader of the Saviors. The season finale of The Walking Dead: Dead City, titled "Doma Smo," exposed the full extent of the Dama's schemes and established a more intense second season. After years of attempting to redeem Negan for his past wrongdoings, there is even a possibility that Dead City season 2 may witness his regression into his former villainous ways.

The Dama Foresees War Against New Babylon

In The Walking Dead: Dead City's "Doma Smo," the story begins with Ginny reuniting with Negan. However, instead of revealing Maggie's plan to betray him, Negan confesses that he was the one who killed her father. He dismisses Ginny as merely a debt he had to repay, which drives her away and prompts her to leave the island with the injured Marshal Perlie. Despite this, Negan cleverly figures out why Maggie brought him to Manhattan. After a fierce fight between them, Maggie trades Negan for Hershel with the Croat.

The Croat then takes Negan to meet the Dama, who graciously offers him a drink and explains their intentions. Essentially, the Dama desires control of the city for herself. She knows that once New Babylon becomes aware of their use of methane as a power source, thanks to the Croat's cleverness, they will attempt to seize it. This fear is not unfounded, as Perlie's debrief upon returning to New Babylon includes his boss emphasizing the significance of a reliable power supply, with a particular focus on the methane.

The Dama Was Impressed By Negan's Deeds In The Walking Dead

While The Walking Dead: Dead City depicted the Croat as the primary antagonist, subsequent episodes unveiled his role as the Dama's subordinate. Nevertheless, she appears to have faith in him when it comes to Negan, as the Croat previously served as Negan's trusted lieutenant until their falling out over the torture and killing of a young Kingdom scout. During Negan's leadership of The Saviors, he instilled loyalty and fortitude in his followers while instilling fear and compliance in the communities they plundered.

The Dama desires the return of the old Negan, not only to solidify her control over Manhattan but also to defend it against New Babylon or other opportunistic rivals. Recognizing that the Croat is a mere imitator who borrowed heavily from his former leader, the Dama comprehends the immense value the genuine article could bring in upholding her dominion over the city. However, she foresaw that a simple request for assistance would not suffice.

How The Dama Blackmails Negan Into Cooperating

Negan, with a wry detachment, listens to the Dama as she presents her game plan in the thrilling conclusion of Walking Dead: Dead City. However, it is evident that Negan is preparing to reject any offers she proposes. Just as he is about to respond, the Dama surprises him by presenting a box. When he opens it, he is greeted with a chilling sight—a toe. The Dama reveals that this gruesome memento belonged to Hershel, emphasizing her knowledge of the tumultuous history between Negan and Maggie. In essence, she issues a chilling ultimatum: if Negan refuses to aid her, she will continue to harm Hershel, exploiting his overwhelming guilt surrounding his father Glenn's death. Knowing Negan's unwavering commitment to protect the boy, the Dama skillfully manipulates the situation to her advantage.

Does Negan Want To Be Bad Again In Walking Dead: Dead City?

In a dramatic turn of events, the Dama manages to trap Negan, exposing his vulnerability. The conclusion of The Walking Dead: Dead City leaves Negan grasping this newfound truth, leaving him pondering his future options. The lingering question remains: does Negan genuinely desire to revert to his former destructive ways? His arduous journey towards redemption has been filled with anguish and remorse, leading him further down a path of heartache.

In Walking Dead: Dead City, he arrived in Manhattan to aid Maggie in rescuing her son, only to ultimately be betrayed by her. However, in the episode "Doma Smo," it appears that he is beginning to consider embracing his darker nature once again as the easier option. This is evidenced by his actions in killing a Burazi henchman, where he displayed extreme brutality and used intimidation tactics to frighten away others. While this was done as a means for Negan and Maggie to secure their escape, there was a hint of excitement in Negan about reverting to his "Evil Negan" persona.

Given that Negan is separated from his family and wanted for multiple killings by New Babylon, he has little left to live for beyond New York. Throughout the entirety of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Negan's gradual descent into darkness has been emphasized. However, the question remains whether this is truly what he desires. Considering his personal growth since his time with the Saviors, it would be disheartening to witness him discard all the progress he has made.

What's Next For Negan In Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2?

That being said, the return of Negan from the Saviors era for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 is quite thrilling after several seasons of the character behaving somewhat well. Presumably, Negan will have to comply with Dama's plans for now, but he may be secretly scheming to either escape or take control of the city. By blackmailing Negan into cooperating and forcing him to return to his old ways, Dama may unknowingly be unleashing a potential monster that she cannot control.

The first season of The Walking Dead: Dead City was entertaining, though it relied heavily on familiar themes and plot twists. This may have been intentional as it set the stage for the second season, which not only brings back the malevolent Negan but also explores the long-standing tensions between him and Maggie. Perlie, on the other hand, may find himself in trouble as he falsely claimed to have killed Negan to his superiors. With New Babylon now seeking to seize control of the city, the two may have to confront each other once again.