Tensions have been brewing since the season 2 premiere of The Walking Dead: Dead City. And finally, in Episode 5, things begin to reach a boiling point. This episode has a bit of everything, not least of all shocking moments!
Beware of SPOILERS below!
Let's start with Negan's side of things. After successfully recruiting Bruegel to the Dama's army defending Manhattan against the New Babylon Federation, Negan is sent to meet another gang leader, Christos, a man he didn't exactly get along with when they met in the season premiere. The tension between them is pretty palpable. It's rare to see Negan in such a vulnerable state when he is surrounded by all of Christos' men.
For all his intimidation, however, Negan soon realizes why Christos puts on such a facade; he's got children to keep safe. We all know how Negan lets his guard down when it comes to children, and the two strike up a healthy relationship. That's until the Croat decides to enter the scene and kill everyone, sparing Negan.
The constant clash of personalities is something I'm really enjoying this season so far. Whether it's the leadership triangle between the Dama, the Croat and Negan, or the spats back at New Babylon between Maggie, Narvaez and Perlie. No matter who it is, or whatever angle the show takes, there's always a fascinating clash of egos.
This is probably emphasized the most when Maggie sneaks into the quarters of oppressive, cruel New Babylon Major Narvaez and attempts to kill her. Her attempt at a sneak attack is ultimately quelled by Ginny, who intervenes to save Narvaez. Given that Ginny and Maggie were so close at one point (almost like mother and daughter), I was so shocked by this turn of events.
As a result of this, Maggie is sentenced to death by hanging. The entire hanging sequence is absolutely flawless. The dark atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat. Sure, I knew Maggie would survive, but even so, there were moments when I was unsure. Even with the idea of killing off Maggie being untenable, the raw emotion between herself and Hershel was palpable. The moment still landed.
Naturally, Narvaez doesn't make it out alive. With her death, there will no doubt be enormous ripples across Manhattan. It's not just the New Babylon team leader who dies in this episode, either. Later on, the Croat turns against the Dama after a heated discussion with Negan. Of course, it's really the Croat who is the scientific mastermind behind the methane power in Manhattan. What does the Dama actually do beyond sit on her throne and point fingers? A (perhaps way too fast) ending scene sees a confrontation between the Croat and the Dama, where he leaves her to die.
With the deaths of two of the most powerful people in the show, Dead City has shifted entirely in the space of one episode. How will the war progress? Will Negan use the opportunity to escape and find his family? Will the Croat assume leadership? Conversely, will Maggie turn away from the war with Hershel? What's funny is that both Maggie and Negan find themselves in similar dilemmas.
This was my favorite episode of the series so far. There's so many excellent, unexpected twists and turns. This is what the entire series has been building towards. Onward to next week!
Episode Grade: A
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