With ‘Star Wars’ and the MCU both feeling good about their recent respective successes in “Andor” and “Thunderbolts*”, TWD was hoping to get their franchise headed in the right direction with ‘Dead City’ season 2, which premiered on May 4th. So far, the critics have not raved about the premiere, but they haven’t bashed it either.
TWD’s once mythical level fanbase has dwindled over the years, for a variety of reasons. After the flagship was abruptly cancelled with many storylines left unfinished, the series branched out with multiple spin-offs while wrapping up the old ones. So far, TWD-U has not managed to bring back the viewership it had, well…prior to Negan coming on board in the first place. The lukewarm reception of the big-budgeted and highly anticipated ‘The Ones Who Live’ seem to have zapped any remaining confidence that casual fans had in the franchise – leaving only die-hards and completionists. The premiere of ‘Dead City’ definitely started with a strong concept, which matched the episode title “Power Equals Power” and we got to see that philosophy in action throughout the hour. Warning, beyond the post there will be light spoilers for “The Walking Dead: Dead City” season 2 premiere as well as TWD Universe spoilers in general.
So far, the critics have not raved about the premiere, but they haven’t bashed it either.
Overall, this episode is a step in the right direction for the franchise, but it mostly feels like a baby step. We do get to see some colorful new characters as well as resonant chemistry from the few returning Season 1 characters, but it does feel like a missed opportunity not to find a way to work in a moment between Maggie and Negan, like a Tarantino-esque scene from later in the season. Aside from that though, both respective characters got a chance to shine and show why they are the apocalypse elite.
Maggie has her peace and quiet interrupted by New Babylon trying to extort her community members into military service, which is a little strange to see happening, knowing that Rick Grimes has been back. How could Rick let Maggie and her people get bullied? Hopefully we get an in universe explanation at some point. One of the highlights of the episode was Megan’s big moment with Lucile 2.0, and he doesn’t disappoint. Neither does Lucille, who is sure to shock someone else soon.
Maggie’s relationship with the freshly damaged Hershel is a high point of the episode, but to seems like we won’t see the two together for most of the season which kind of feels like a missed opportunity. Overall, the episode was very entertaining, but it didn’t feel like TWD season 5. We are optimistic after watching the weeks to come trailer, which promised some intense action. What about those cameos though?
We are waiting to see the bear from the traielr and to see how Negan handles his conflicted position. Will Ginny want revenge on Negan? What is the deal with Kim Coates? His character seems like the smartest in the room of New York Gangs, but that isn’t saying too much. His “Sons of Anarchy” days make him hard to forget and we hope this character can resonate that same multi-dimensional outlaw type that the actor seems to excel at.
What did you think? Will this season be a nail in the coffin of the TWD Universe? Or a teeping stone to their version of ‘Endgame’?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
