Walking Dead: Did Negan's redemption arc reveal his true nature or just a path to survival?

One of the most controversial characters in The Walking Dead universe is Negan Smith. First introduced in the season 6 finale, Negan served as leader of the Saviors, a group that followed his every command without question. Throughout the series, Negan makes a drastic transformation, which many viewers believe redeemed him from his past sins. While he did appear to make significant changes, were these legitimate, or was it all a ruse in his path as a survivor?

Many viewers will never forgive Negan for the brutal killings of Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) and Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz). Not only did he bludgeon them to death with his barbed wire wrapped bat, affectionally named Lucille after his deceased wife, but enjoyed the process. During seasons 6-7, Negan to great pleasure in terrorizing Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and the residents of the communities.

In season 8, Rick imprisons Negan for his crimes, and he remains there for over seven years. When Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) doesn't secure his cell door, he escapes to find the outside world has been greatly altered and chooses to return to his cell. By this time he has also formed a bond with Judith Grimes (Cailey Fleming). Of all the terrible things Negan is, he always has a soft spot for children. This was seen with Judith's brother Carl (Chandler Riggs) and others and is seen in the first season of Dead City with Ginny (Mahina Napoleon).

During the Whisperer War, Negan was mysteriously released from his cell. This allowed him to infiltrate the Whisperers' camp and become one of them so he could get close to Alpha (Samantha Morton), which gave him the opportunity to kill her. He eventually brings Alpha's head to Carol (Melissa McBride), who orchestrated the whole scheme.

While that act alone could redeem him to many, he did many other things to show that he was truly a changed man. By the end of The Walking Dead, Negan was remarried to Annie (Medina Senghore), who was expecting their child. He removed himself from the communities, believing it was only a matter of time before Maggie (Lauren Cohan), wife of Glenn, took her revenge on him.

The Walking Dead: Dead City season 1

Dead City begins with Maggie seeking Negan out to assist her in the rescue of her son Hershel (Logan Kim), who was abducted by one of Negan's former Saviors, The Croat (Željko Ivanek). It would later be revealed that Maggie betrayed Negan as she promised to exchange her son for Negan.

While they searched for her son, Negan had a chance to revert back to the "Old" Negan, and it was a very easy role for him to slip back into. In the second episode of Dead City, "Who's There?" they meet a group known as the Tribespeople, and in order to save them and Maggie, Negan comes against The Croat's Burizi. In true Negan form, complete with a Knock, Knock joke: "Knock, knock. Who's there? Butter. Butter who? Well, you butter get out your umbrellas, 'cause it is about to GD rain." He then slits open the man's neck, showering those below with his blood.

It wasn't difficult for Negan to revert to this type of behavior but the question remains. Was his redemption arc true or did he only do what needed to be done to survive?

The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2

The second season of Dead City will premeire in 2025 and feature Negan in the custody of the Dama (Lisa Emery), a colleague of The Croat. At the end of season 1, she told Negan she required his help in taking over the city of Manhattan. The teaser for the upcoming season that was revealed at SDCC featured Negan, complete with Savior whistle, a new Lucille, and his iconic leather jacket, where he looks as if he is about to address a group of people, not unlike something he did at the Sanctuary.

Now, he could be showing his true colors, stepping back in to this role he has long suppressed or the threat the Dama made on Herhsel could be his driving force. During the first season, after Hershel was released, the Dama showed Negan that she took his pinky toe, with the promise she could always go back for more. This could be what forces Negan to side with her and become the man he let go, years ago. Viewers know of his affinity for children but he may also feel he owes Hershel since he killed his father.

The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 will be an exciting new chapter in the stories of both Maggie and Negan. Watch for it on AMC and AMC+ in 2025.

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