Unveiling the Shocking Walking Dead Villain: A Jaw-Dropping Teaser for Dead City Season 2!
The surprise villain reveal in Dead City episode 5 hints at an exciting storyline for Season 2, proving that The Croat is not the main antagonist Stay tuned for more thrilling developments in Walking Dead: Dead City!
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for episode 5 of The Walking Dead: Dead City! In "Stories We Tell Ourselves," it is revealed that The Croat (Željko Ivanek) may not be the one in charge of New York, suggesting that season 2 will bring new challenges. The Walking Dead: Dead City was highly anticipated as a spinoff of the beloved main series, particularly because it brought together fan-favorite characters Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), who share a complicated past.
In this season of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Maggie finds herself relying on Negan's assistance when her son Hershel is taken by The Croat, a formidable new villain who controls New York. The Croat used to be a member of Negan's group, the Saviors, until their relationship broke down due to his cruel treatment and murder of a young girl. A Negan flashback, featuring his deceased associate Simon (Steven Ogg), highlights how even Simon was disgusted by The Croat's actions. While The Walking Dead: Dead City initially positioned The Croat as the primary antagonist for Maggie and Negan, "Stories We Tell Ourselves" suggests that there is an even greater threat lurking ahead.
The Croat Is NOT The Main Villain In Walking Dead: Dead City
In Dead City, it has been revealed how The Croat seized control of Manhattan by gathering a loyal army resembling Negan's Saviors. Utilizing his background in alternate energy, he tapped into the power generated by dead bodies and even produced drugs from zombies. However, the fifth episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City, titled "Stories We Tell Ourselves," unveils more about The Croat's connection to a woman known as the Dama (Lisa Emery).
Interestingly, The Croat appears submissive and timid around the Dama, going as far as concealing his missing ear. Despite considering his plans nearly successful, she is enraged by Negan's escape. The true identity and motives of the Dama are not clarified in this episode, but it is evident that she intends to claim New York for herself and seeks Negan's assistance for this endeavor. Presumably, she had learned about Negan through The Croat's tales and believes that with the world slowly rebuilding and encroaching upon her territory in the post-apocalyptic era, she requires individuals like The Croat and Negan to hold onto power.
Dead City Episode 5's Villain Reveal Sets Up A Big Season 2 Story
Given the late introduction of Dama in The Walking Dead: Dead City, it is likely that she will not be a prominent figure until the second season. The mention of New Babylon marshals arriving on the island by Croat indicates that the threat of civilization is quickly approaching. It can be inferred that Dama wants Negan to revert to his previous ways, as "Stories We Tell Ourselves" reveals that Croat did not capture Hershal to exchange for The Bricks' grain; he wanted Maggie to locate Negan and bring him to the island.
This explains why Croat appeared excited to see Negan again and did not attempt to kill him during their reunion in the fourth episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City. Additionally, "Stories We Tell Ourselves" suggests that Dama has an interest in history, as evidenced by her reading of Frontiers of Historical Imagination: Narrating the European Conquest of Native America. It also hints at her potentially having greater ambitions beyond claiming New York for herself. However, all of these ambitions seem to hinge on convincing Negan to join her side.
Is Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 Happening?
The Walking Dead: Dead City has taken extensive measures to reinterpret Negan during his time with the Saviors, portraying him as more of a desperate survivor who puts on a show for the sake of his community's safety, rather than a monstrous figure. However, this approach actually undermines Negan's journey towards redemption, as it was his status as an irredeemable villain attempting to make amends that made him so captivating. As Dead City unfolds, we witness elements of the old Negan resurfacing, and when he discovers that Maggie deceived him in leading him to the city, there is the possibility that he may be tempted to embrace his former persona and once again become an antagonist in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2.
With only one episode remaining, it seems highly unlikely that The Walking Dead: Dead City season 1 will tie up all loose ends before the miniseries concludes. However, the confirmation for season 2 is yet to be announced officially. In an April 2023 interview with Midweek, Mahina Napoleon, known for her role as Negan's young pal Ginny on Dead City, mentioned upcoming projects, one of which includes returning for a second season.
The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 needs to break away from the repetitive formula of the franchise and offer viewers a fresh and unique experience. While the setting and new villain provide some excitement, it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the repetitive nature of the show. Season 1 was enjoyable, but for the show to have longevity, it must take risks and offer audiences something completely new.
