The season 2 opener of The Walking Dead: Dead City focused on two primary subjects, Maggie's visit from New Babylon and the meeting of the gangs in Manhattan. Both stories revealed that the eight-part season will see a focus on the battle for the island, where walkers are used for the production of methane. One question viewers had going in to this season, is why does Negan revert to his old ways after trying so hard to redeem himself? The answer was revealed in the episode.
This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead: Dead City ep. 201, "Power Equals Power."
The premiere episode of season 2 of Dead City, "Power Equals Power," was written by showrunner Eli Jorné and directed by Michael Satrazemis, longtime director for TWDU. The episode was quick to lay out the gist of things for the season, both Maggie and Negan are forced into an alliance with groups they would rather not be aligned with.
The promotional materials for the season didn't hide the fact that Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) would return to his ways as a leader, like he was previously in the mains series with the Saviors. The main question on everyone's mind, was this change a result of the Dama's (Lisa Emery) threat to Hershel (Logan Kim), or was there more to it?
Dead City season 2 - Why Negan agrees to help the Dama
Early in the episode, Negan is seen in a cell at the Dama's headquarters. The Croat (Željko Ivanek) arrives and tells Negan he is disappointed that he hasn't come alongside them. He reminds Negan of the threat to Hershel but Negan counters that his mother is a mama bear who would devour the Croat if he tries to harm the boy. He takes Negan to visit the Dama who reveals another important reason Negan will want to join them.
While laying out their plans for coming against New Babylon, who desire to gain control of the methane production in Manhattan. As they try to encourage Negan to join them, he reminds him that his answer remains the same, "Hell no." The Croat continues his monologue as the Dama listens. Then she tells Negan of a settlement her people located in Tennessee that is home to a woman and child, Annie and Joshua, Negan's family.
She explains that the wagon train he put his family on was rerouted to Memphis as the Mississippi was flooded and never made it to Missouri as planned. She then revealed a surprise, Annie and Joshua were enroute to Manhattan as they speak. If looks could kill, the Dama would be dead where she stood.
The Croat visits Negan again, this time gifting him with a new and improved Lucille, just like the old days when he ruled over the Saviors. Negan then addresses a crowd of gang members with the sermon below.
Negan is back, and this time he must fight to keep not only Hershel safe, but his wife and son as well.
The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 airs new episodes each Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.
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