Unveiling the Crucial Tale: Dead City Explores the Epic Conclusion of The Walking Dead Comics
Discover the long-awaited transformation of Hershel Rhee in The Walking Dead's TV universe Explore how Hershel's comic ending can still unfold on the small screen and unravel the true implications of Hershel's newfound darkness
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Spoilers for season 1, episode 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City ahead!
The Walking Dead: Dead City finally sheds light on a previously untold tale from The Walking Dead’s comic conclusion. While certain aspects from Robert Kirkman’s comic series were incorporated into the last episodes of The Walking Dead, there were discrepancies in the storytelling that resulted in certain comic material being omitted from the show.
Hershel Rhee Is Finally Awful In The Walking Dead's TV Universe
The Walking Dead concluded on an optimistic note for the majority of its central characters, as they glimpse a promising future in the final scenes of the series finale. In this regard, it remained faithful to the original source material; however, certain elements were omitted. Rick Grimes did not meet his demise, and no other character assumed his tragic fate as depicted in the comics. Sebastian Milton, who in the comics was Rick's killer, met his end prior to the finale. Additionally, Pamela Milton's character did not reconcile with the main characters, contrary to her comic book counterpart. As the franchise has moved beyond the main series, these untold narratives are unlikely to be revisited.
Episode 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City reveals that a certain character arc from the comic's conclusion is still intact. In this particular episode, a flashback scene illuminates the dynamic between Maggie and her son, Herschel Rhee. While the main show portrayed him as a normal and kind child, Dead City effectively shatters this perception. Maggie attempts to address Herschel's decision to skip weapons training, which prompts an angry outburst from him. He firmly declares his lack of interest in such matters and dismisses Maggie's empathy towards him. Illustrating his defiance, he crumples a drawing as soon as she expresses curiosity about his artwork.
This cruel and disrespectful side of Herschel is new for the show, but it actually reflects the portrayal of the comic character. In The Walking Dead comics, adult Herschel was depicted as unlikeable and selfish. Growing up in a safe environment with a privileged life, Herschel's treatment of others was affected. He was also known for being manipulative and deceitful. Due to Dead City, his TV counterpart is beginning to exhibit similar attributes, such as a mean-spirited attitude and a lack of understanding of the true danger of zombies in the apocalypse.
Hershel's Walking Dead Comic Ending Can Still Happen On TV
Herschel in Dead City has yet to fully embrace the despicable persona seen in the comics, but the show has laid the groundwork for his transformation. It's worth noting that Herschel is still a teenager, making him much younger than Maggie's son in the original source material. Although there is a possibility for him to change for the better, it's uncertain whether that will be the case. If Dead City continues for multiple seasons, there's potential for Herschel's journey to align more closely with his depiction in the comics. Given his current utilization in the spinoff, this does appear to be a plausible trajectory.
Most importantly, the quality he already possesses has transformed him into the jerk depicted in the final issue. Due to his lack of involvement during the challenging early years of the zombie apocalypse, he became an incredibly entitled character, reminiscent of Sebastian Milton in Walking Dead season 11. Should this aspect of Maggie's son continue to deteriorate over time, he may well become one of the most despised characters within the franchise.
What Hershel Being Awful In The Walking Dead Really Means
It would undeniably be a disheartening turn of events for Maggie to witness her son transforming into a disappointing scoundrel within The Walking Dead franchise. Nonetheless, this would not be a conclusion devoid of virtues. The circumstances surrounding Herschel exemplify one of the inevitable consequences of the main characters seeking refuge amidst the zombie apocalypse. As children grow up shielded from the peril of zombies, it becomes almost unavoidable for some of them to develop misguided perspectives and fail to comprehend the true blessings of their lives. In his own unique manner, Herschel embodies this predicament.
Herschel's downfall would serve as a harsh reminder that not all children of Walking Dead heroes are destined to follow in their parents' footsteps. The Walking Dead has created a world where the offspring of the franchise's prominent characters, such as Rick and Morgan, are emerging as heroes in their own right, displaying bravery and kindness despite their young age. If Herschel were to become a source of conflict for Maggie in The Walking Dead: Dead City, it would emphasize the notion that being the son of two Walking Dead heroes does not guarantee he will tread the same path. Tune in to The Walking Dead: Dead City on Sunday, airing on AMC.
