Negan’s Shocking Return: Why He Takes Back Power in Dead City Season 2 Premiere

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In continuation of “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” the narrative focuses on the characters Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan), who find themselves in New York City, long after the conclusion of “The Walking Dead.” Against their initial preferences, they join forces to rescue Hershel (Logan Kim). In an unsurprising turn of events, Maggie deceives Negan, leading to his capture by a Manhattan-based group. However, whether this development is advantageous or not for Negan hinges on the viewers’ and character’s perspectives.

In the final episode of Season 1, entitled “Doma Smo,” Negan discovers the real reason they wanted him initially, and it wasn’t for torture or execution. Instead, someone named Dama (Lisa Emery) presents him with an opportunity to regain his power. Will he seize this chance? This question is answered in Season 2, Episode 1, titled “Power Equals Power.

What Negan Initially Decides Might Surprise You

In the final episode of Season 1, The Dama proposes to Negan. Her aim is to enlist his aid in bringing together the various factions within Manhattan to safeguard her valuable assets and ward off aggressions from the New Babylon Federation. Essentially, she wants him to recover his lost power and lead them, as she finds a strong leader necessary for this task.

It appeared as though making this decision was straightforward for Negan. He had sworn an oath to himself, vowing never to revert back to his old self, even going so far as to destroy his barbed wire bat Lucille symbolically. However, The Dama isn’t merely asking him; she’s commanding him. And she holds the power. She presents him with a small box as a token, and upon opening it, he finds Hershel’s severed toe – a grisly souvenir from when The Dama held him captive. This gruesome gesture is intended to convey her determination. Now, Negan realizes that if he does not comply, she will inflict pain on Hershel. Despite his villainous nature, Negan would never stand by and watch a child suffer, especially Maggie’s child.

Due to the gruesome way he took Hershel’s father’s life, Negan has a deep connection with Hershel. On top of that, he hasn’t been able to gain Maggie’s forgiveness yet. Any harm coming to Hershel because of his actions or inactions is out of the question for him. As the story continues, surprisingly, Negan hasn’t agreed to their proposal as of now. It’s not that he doesn’t care, but rather because he understands that Maggie would defend her son fiercely before allowing anyone near him. He believes Maggie is capable of protecting herself and doesn’t need his help. The price of resurrecting his old self is too great for him to bear.

Consequently, Negan is confined in a subterranean cell, given insects as sustenance with only a solitary young guard for occasional companionship. Despite this, he appears unfazed. For those acquainted with The Walking Dead, Negan has spent years imprisoned in Alexandria, enduring nothing but remorse and disgrace. Hence, this is a trivial matter for him. He’s ready and capable to persevere for as long as required. Eventually, The Dama recognizes this. Yet, she harbors a secret weapon.

How The Dama Gets Negan To Change His Mind

In this community of Burazi, The Dama serves as the symbolic head, but it’s The Croat (Željko Ivanek) who truly leads – he organizes both men and women. Moreover, The Dama didn’t invent the method of extracting methane from deceased bodies for energy; that was also The Croat’s doing. To put it another way, The Dama is more like a ceremonial leader. She holds a position of authority, but her leadership skills aren’t as captivating or effective as those exhibited by Negan. And she acknowledges this.

She comprehends this situation due to The Croat’s account about Negan. The Croat respects Negan despite his past actions like killing a minor and attempting to kill him personally. He is well-aware of Negan’s potential for cruelty, having witnessed his horrendous deeds. Moreover, he believes that Negan is the ideal choice, the sole option.

Based on the situation, The Dama is in a dire state and is prepared to go to great lengths. In a subtle manner, she hints to Negan that Annie (Medina Senghore) and his son Joshua are currently traveling towards the island during their conversation. It was disclosed in Season 1 that Negan had sent Annie and Joshua on a wagon train to Missouri following an incident as a means of protection. Given that The Dama has recognized them, and they are heading back, Negan’s primary concern will be to make sure they reach safely and receive warm welcomes instead of harsh treatment.

It’s clear that The Dama is suggesting that Negan should comply with her demands if he wants to ensure the safety of his wife and child. In response, Negan recognizes that in order to safeguard his family, he must don his leather jacket again, arm himself, and perform as needed. He carries out these actions, and The Croat delivers a new barbed wire bat to him, symbolizing the return of “the classic Negan” whom they once revered. However, viewers are split on whether this is truly the original Negan or just a facade, despite their desire for it to be genuine.

Is This Really the Old Negan?

Regardless of whether Negan wields power and influence, owns a leather jacket, or carries a bat, these factors are immaterial in this situation. Instead, the focus is on utilizing his negotiating and manipulation abilities to persuade other groups on the island to unite against a shared adversary. It’s plausible that Negan could contribute without resorting to violence as he once did, especially towards individuals friendly with Maggie.

Concerned fans anticipate another encounter between him and Maggie, as it seems unavoidable. The New Babylon Federation is preparing for an offensive against Manhattan, conscripting soldiers, including those from Maggie’s community. Given her past with Perlie (Gaius Charles), Maggie desires his approval to fight and protect others while sparing them any harm.

In a turn of events, Ginny expresses her desire to join Maggie in the battle against walkers, driven largely by her thirst for revenge against Negan for his deceit. This decision angers Maggie, but with Ginny now involved, there’s no turning back. The duo successfully fends off the walkers, thereby securing their place on the mission.

Fans envision that, despite Negan potentially reverting back to his previous self, they believe he wouldn’t intentionally harm Maggie or Hershel in The Walking Dead. However, the predicament lies in the fact that his redemption storyline has been so compelling that fans don’t want it compromised by a return to his villainous past, even if it could lead to more engaging television. Essentially, Negan as an antagonist is intriguing. Nevertheless, Negan might revert to “the old Negan” only when necessary for the plot resolution.

In a surprising turn of events, Maggie, who is fighting for the New Babylon Federation, has become a threat that Negan must confront. His own family’s safety hangs in the balance, and it’s a tricky situation indeed. You see, Negan used to destroy the family of this same woman he now faces – a woman he had vowed never to hurt again. He spent years trying to make amends for his past actions. So, we’re left wondering how (and if) Negan will come out on top in this predicament, and at what personal cost. By the way, don’t forget to catch “The Walking Dead: Dead City” on AMC+!

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2025-05-04 21:37