When I looked back at Walking Dead: Dead City two years ago, we pretty much agreed that the show seemed aimed at die-hard franchise fans. It feels a lot like the original series but shifted to more urban settings. Honestly, our opinion hasn’t shifted much. While there are some fresh elements in this new season, the returning characters like Maggie and Negan make it seem more like a strategic game of risk rather than a compelling story.
Opening shot: An apocalyptic version of Manhattan, where city dwellers wander past a trash can, and “New York Groove” plays in the background.
Key Points: After leaving the truck, two characters eliminate a Walker before unloading it. Those inside the truck are taken to a lab where their clothes are stripped off and their bodies disposed of. The methane from these bodies is beginning to power several locations in Midtown, including Radio City Music Hall.
Maggie (Lauren Cohan) returns and teaches her son Herschel (Logan Kim) how to hunt. They are accompanied by Ginny (Mahina Napoleon), a teenage girl who travels with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Negan, still in Manhattan, is engaged in trade with Herschel, who, for some reason, is a Brazilian prisoner. Maggie discovers that moths are devastating corn grown in parts of New Babylon, which is being used to produce ethanol for vehicles and generators.
A new faction of Babylonian soldiers arrives, led by Charlie Byrd (Jasmine Walker), along with her deputy Lucia Navares (Daska Polanco) and Colonel Pearly Armstrong (Gaius Charles). New Babylon aims to recruit more people from Manhattan. Aware of the risks in Manhattan, Maggie is contemplating a deal with Armstrong to spare everyone—including Herschel and Ginny.
In Manhattan, Negan is removed from his cell while enjoying a plate of cockroaches by Kroto (Jerugco Ivanek). Kroto takes him to meet Dama (Lisa Emery), who wants to recruit him to unite various groups in Manhattan. They believe New Babylon is mainly interested in manipulating methane. Although Negan initially declines, the mention of Ginny’s whereabouts prompts him to reconsider. Additionally, Kroto has managed to improve upon Negan’s cherished Battle seal.
What shows does it remind you of? The entire Walking Dead franchise.
Our View: As I mentioned earlier, it feels more like a game with Walking Dead: Dead City rather than offering fresh perspectives on the characters. Instead of working together, Maggie and Negan find themselves on opposite sides again. Although Negan is grudgingly cooperating with a relentless group, he still manages to manipulate other Manhattan residents to showcase Burj’s “trade.”
Honestly, while we’re big Morgan fans, we’re less thrilled with Negan’s journey of regret. Even when he adopts a church-like persona, reminiscent of his days in the original series, we can sense he’s just going through the motions. It feels off. We’d prefer to see him as the menacing figure who bashed Glenn’s head rather than someone grappling with doubts.
The most interesting aspect for us might be how Maggie seeks to mend her relationship with Herschel after their time in Manhattan. He has a building and a painting of Dama, and Maggie seems unaware of what they’ve done to him. Given that she’s heading to Manhattan to broker a deal to protect everyone in Brick, it’s unclear how much we will see of their relationship this season.
Sex and Skin: None.
Farewell shot: Herschel looks at photographs that give his view of Manhattan through various buildings, blending into a gritty scene of the real Manhattan, where a Walker groans and then roars.
Sleeper Star: We’re excited to see Dasha Polanco as Navares. Kim Coates also joins the cast as Brugel, a gang leader likely to pose a challenge for Negan.
Most pilot Y-line: The CGI lighting at Radio City was the least convincing.
Our Call: This time, I might just skip Walking Dead: Dead City. It doesn’t really bring anything fresh to the Walking Dead franchise. But if you’re insistent, go ahead and stream it.
