Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, Episode 5.

Regardless of your feelings towards him, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) undeniably emerged as a pivotal character in The Walking Dead during its later seasons. This transformation was largely fueled by his engaging redemption arc and the exit of Andrew Lincoln from the series. His compelling popularity led to the creation of his own spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead City, featuring the widow of his most notorious victim, Maggie (Lauren Cohan). The contrasting personalities of Negan and Maggie, forced to team up to rescue Maggie’s son, Hershel (Logan Kim), from the villainous Croat (Željko Ivanek) in the devastated landscape of New York City, crafted a captivating narrative in the first season. However, Season 2 has struggled with narrative coherence, presenting a rather absurd scenario that brings Maggie back to the Big Apple and showcases a lackluster portrayal of Negan.

In the latest episode of Dead City, we may be witnessing a resurgence of Negan’s character. Although he is not wielding his iconic electrified Lucille, he is engaging in psychological warfare against both the Croat and the Dama (Lisa Emery). This strategic maneuvering might just be the lifeline needed for both Negan and the The Walking Dead spin-off to navigate out of their current predicament.

Negan’s Character Transformation: From Charismatic Leader to Sullen Survivor in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Season 2

Negan’s journey towards redemption began long ago, especially after Rick decided to spare his life in the original series. His evolving relationship with Rick’s children showcased his capacity for change and growth. Ultimately, he stood alongside our heroes in critical battles. However, Maggie’s inability to forgive him for his past atrocities ensures that their dynamic remains fraught with tension. Their interactions are indeed fascinating, with Maggie striving to work alongside the man responsible for her profound losses.

Unfortunately, Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City has diminished much of that captivating intrigue. A significant reason for this is the loss of dynamic interactions, as Negan and Maggie are frequently kept apart, leading to a sense of isolation. Additionally, the way Negan’s character has been scripted contributes to this decline. His once vibrant charisma has seemingly evaporated, leaving him as a mere shadow of his former self—sullen and largely silent. From a narrative standpoint, his sadness is understandable, considering the Dama’s passive-aggressive threats against his family, compelling him to work for her. However, this prolonged sadness has become monotonous, causing viewers to feel that Negan is losing his purpose as a character.

Negan’s Strategic Maneuvering: Turning the Croat and the Dama Against Each Other

Gradually, Negan’s character development is taking a positive turn. In Season 2, Episode 4, he demonstrates a notable uptick in engagement, interacting more with Bruegel (Kim Coates) and engaging in covert plotting. By Episode 5, titled “The Bird Always Knows,” Negan is actively breaking free from his emotional slump. He confronts the situation head-on, questioning whether his role in persuading the last holdout, Christos (Jake Weary), to ally with the Dama will conclude his obligations. The Dama does indeed offer a glimmer of hope by promising an end to his troubles, but the tide quickly turns. After leading what he believed to be a clandestine attack against the Croat’s methane operation, Christos meets a tragic fate at the hands of the Croat, who brutally executes him and his men, gassing them in front of Negan. The sullen expression on Negan’s face speaks volumes about his crushing realization that escape is no longer an option.

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This transformation awakens the long-dormant side of him that thrived on manipulation and deceit. The Dama, infuriated by the Croat’s ruthless slaughter of Christos and his men, provides Negan with a perfect opportunity to exploit. He envisions a scenario where the two adversaries turn against each other, allowing him to escape and reunite with his family. Negan deftly feigns concern for the Croat, assuring him of his support while simultaneously hinting that the Dama cares more for her pet rat than for her loyal soldier. This strategic provocation causes an already insecure Croat to confront the Dama about the perceived favoritism, all while Negan observes with a knowing smile, reveling in the ease with which he can manipulate these two powerful figures.

Negan’s next move is to eliminate the Dama’s pet rat—an action we do not witness, but its implications are clear. He then patiently awaits the inevitable fallout, which manifests as a heated confrontation between the two antagonists that escalates into violence. The Dama finds herself trapped by flames, desperately screaming for help, but the Croat chooses to abandon her to her fate. The aftermath of this shocking turn of events sets the stage for dramatic transformations in the following episodes, with the Croat facing dire consequences, the Dama potentially meeting her end, and Negan emerging as the new power player without needing to wield his bat.

Anticipating Negan’s Next Moves in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’

Even with the Dama potentially out of the picture and the Croat on the run, the challenges for Negan are far from over. He must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with the Dama’s soldiers and the ever-watchful Bruegel, while simultaneously seeking to reunite with Maggie, locate his family, and assist Hershel. Negan is acutely aware of the psychological damage inflicted on Hershel by the Dama’s manipulative tactics, making him a potentially volatile and dangerous individual. Additionally, there is the looming threat of Ginny (Mahina Napoleon), who is armed and driven by vengeance for her father’s murder.

With only three episodes remaining in The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, the tension is palpable, and anything could unfold. The stage is set for explosive confrontations as Negan faces a myriad of foes and former allies alike. While a fitting conclusion might see Negan sacrifice himself for the greater good or face the consequences of his past actions, it’s important not to hold your breath. The The Walking Dead universe holds onto his character too tightly to let him go so easily. As Negan traverses this tumultuous world clad in his signature leather jacket, one thing is certain: the essence of the old Negan is resurfacing. He has been jolted back to life with new purpose, which revitalizes not only his character but also the audience’s engagement. Dead City Season 2 requires an active and dynamic Negan to remain captivating.