The Walking Dead: Unveiling Negan's Controversial Transformation
The Walking Dead: Dead City attempts to downplay Negan's dark history, hindering his path to redemption
Caution: Spoilers ahead for The Walking Dead: Dead City episode 2
The Walking Dead: Dead City challenges the perception that Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is purely evil. Negan's introduction in the Walking Dead comics was a highly distressing event for readers, and it was expected that his entrance on the AMC series would be just as impactful. However, the strong reactions to season 7's opener, where Negan brutally killed Abraham and Glenn with a baseball bat, caused many longtime viewers to stop watching The Walking Dead altogether.
Given the brutal nature of Negan's first appearance, it seemed like a tough task to redeem him in the eyes of the audience. Thankfully, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's portrayal of Negan, with his ability to depict humor, charm, ruthlessness, and ultimately remorse, helps in this effort. In Dead City episode 1, Negan joins forces with Maggie, the widow of Glenn (played by Lauren Cohen), to rescue her kidnapped son who is being held captive in New York.
The Walking Dead: Dead City Tries To Ignore Negan's Past Crimes
Negan had ample time to evolve on The Walking Dead following his capture by Rick's group. Over the course of numerous seasons, he underwent a transformation, striving to become a better person. However, despite his efforts, it proved challenging for many, especially Maggie, to fully forgive and forget his abhorrent past deeds. In the second episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City titled "Who's There?", Negan enlightens Maggie about the origins of the new antagonist, The Croat (Željko Ivanek). Maggie asserts that it takes "a monster" to create one, yet Negan contends that he only embraced monstrosity when absolutely necessary.
This implies that Negan harbored a hidden disdain for the atrocious acts he committed and resorted to them solely for the protection of his community. However, Dead City goes to great lengths to expedite Negan's redemption, glossing over the gravity of his other sins, which include murder, torture, and subjecting female survivors to become his "wives." Negan's villainous reign during his time as leader of The Saviors transcended mere pretense, as he now claims.
Was Negan's Villainy Just An Act In The Walking Dead?
In The Walking Dead: Dead City, it is suggested that the Negan of The Saviors and the Negan of the present are two distinct characters. This is exemplified in a particular scene where he captures one of The Croat's men and unleashes his violent nature. He forcefully smashes the henchman's head through glass panes, while The Croat's other men are compelled to witness the brutal act. Negan then proceeds to disembowel the man, showering his comrades with blood. It is a gruesome and theatrical moment, briefly bringing Negan back to his past. However, upon realizing that Maggie witnessed the entire spectacle, he appears remorseful and ashamed.
The "knock knock" scene involving Negan creates the impression that his previous malicious actions were merely a façade. He asserts to Maggie that he only played the role of a monster when necessary, contrasting himself with The Croat who genuinely revels in causing pain and suffering. Although The Walking Dead: Dead City attempts to distinguish Negan from The Croat, there is substantial evidence suggesting that he took pleasure in his previous leadership of The Saviors.
How The Walking Dead: Dead City Is Hurting Negan's Redemption Arc
Content: However, despite this fact, Negan remains a beloved character among The Walking Dead audience. Morgan's portrayal of the reformed villain has added depth to his character, making his storyline one of the most captivating in the entire series. It is uncommon for movies or TV shows to go to such great lengths to redeem a character who initially seemed irredeemable. Although there are occasional glimpses of the "monster" Negan, it is fair to say that he has transformed into a better person. This is why The Walking Dead: Dead City is undermining his character development by attempting to portray it in a different light.
A crucial aspect of Negan's journey towards redemption was his active decision to take responsibility for his crimes. The consequences of his tyrannical reign still haunt the show, and despite facing intense hatred from others, he never shies away from acknowledging his wrongdoings. Dead City, however, seems to be trying to rationalize his actions, suggesting that deep down, he despised his monstrous side.
Regardless of whether characters like Maggie or viewers will ever truly forgive Negan, he at least acknowledged his true identity and the harm he inflicted. The intentions of The Walking Dead: Dead City to depict a different perspective on Negan's time as a Lucille-wielding character seem to deflect responsibility onto others. However, instead of portraying him as a more sympathetic figure, it only comes across as making excuses.
