The newest episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City takes place in the immediate aftermath of last week's exciting installment, which saw the shocking deaths of Major Lucia Narvaez and the Dama. Let's dig in, but be warned, we will be revealing SPOILERS!
First and foremost, the outstanding element of this episode is the relationship between our two central characters: Maggie and Negan. The two characters don't meet much, but when they do happen upon each other, it means something. The emotional turmoil and history between them is almost palpable, and it has wide-ranging effects across the series, like on how Maggie and her son Hershel interact. And of course, their interactions massively impact how Negan chooses to protect his wife Annie and son Joshua, which is more notable in this episode than any other.
Maggie has a falling out with Hershel. Typical of any teenager, he becomes rebellious. He's also infatuated by the Dama and her plans for Manhattan. As Maggie says multiple times: the city has got a hold on him. Watching this storyline develop is super-interesting. The way Hershel accuses her of almost protecting Negan (which is understandable, given their shared stance on family) is fascinating.
As for Negan, he too looks out for his family in a different way. With the Dama out of the picture, he chooses to keep them away from Manhattan for their safety. He knows that trouble follows him. This season, and this episode especially, dive into his moral center more personally then we've seen in The Walking Dead franchise so far.
Another duo I'm increasingly interested in is Negan and the Croat. The Croat is a former member of the Saviors, so the two have a history. There's been times throughout the season when they've been a funny duo, almost like brothers. But in this episode, after the Croat learns that Negan was manipulating him into killing the Dama, things reach a boiling point. Lucille is swung and there are a few punches thrown, but no one dies. Ultimately, Negan ostracizes the Croat and becomes de-facto leader... against his wishes. But given his manipulations, it was obvious he'd always end up in the leadership position.
While this episode, "Bridge Partners Are Hard to Come by These Days," has way more emotional depth than the others this season, it still has plenty of action. The main action comes when Maggie encounters a (hilariously CGI) grizzly bear and has to battle it. Is this fight absolutely nesessary? No, Maggie could quite easily run away, but where's the fun in that? I did enjoy it a lot, I can't lie. There was something very Resident Evil about the whole sequence.
Looking ahead to the final two episodes of the season, it's all set up to be a pretty epic showdown. With the Croat ostracized and Hershel missing, the stakes are rising. Kudos to Lauren Cohan for her work directing a fantastic episode!
Episode Grade: A
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