The Walking Dead: Dead City

Just watched episode 1. The show and pairing makes little sense but ANC does a solid job with casting and getting talented actors, possibly second only to HBO. That stated, there are a lot of holes in the story so far when paired with the end of TWD, but that show was hard to get through (at least the last 3 seasons). I thought after a break from that show it might be a decent time to start up a spin off. Hopefully this picks up a little. The scenery and sets are solid, so it feels like they did put some decent money behind the show. People giving this at 10? Come on. How do you compare it to the greatest shows ever and believe this series is on the same level? If that's you think before you start handing out more 10/10's in the future - please.

Firstly I think the cgi and production is better than the original walking dead or fear of the walking dead. The colors pop more and it ain't as shadowy, while still being bleak and dystopian. Vfx is better and colors are more vibrant.

We get to see that the old Negan is still there, after seeing his character arc in twd into becoming the antihero. Jeffrey Dean Morgan definitely perfected Negan. There's still pretty good and gory zombie skull bashing, still has rival survival groups at war reminiscent of the parent show. It honestly feels like an extended filler episode of Maggie and Negan, the way twd used to, except this time it's a whole season. Those were used for character development and that's what it feels like now, character study into Maggie and Negan's relationship as they're somewhat forced to work together but for longer this time around.

I think, almost obviously, they're what carries the show since they are fan favorites, I haven't had my mind blown away but so far so good, only six episodes in so it doesn't have much time to get you invested. I don't think being a new fan or someone whose already watched the original makes that much of a difference, I'd still recommend doing that first, just that that's 11 seasons to go through. It'll definitely help understand Maggie and Negan's history.

I wouldn't say it's super promising but it's capable of becoming something good. I'm always looking forward to the next episode and hoping it only gets better while learning from the mistakes of twd.

My only concern would be having a burnout, as I said there's an 11 season original, 8 season sequel, another 2 season sequel, another one season sequel, and more sequels in the works other than Dead city.

So this has to be really good and avoid repetitiveness to captivate audiences again for something they've already watched for 22 seasons and counting.

The Walking Dead: Dead City was so much better than I expected. I've watched everything from the Walking Dead Universe, the good like The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead (some seasons at least), to the mediocre like Tales of the Walking Dead, to the downright awful like The Walking Dead: World Beyond. I've seen them all and this is one of the good ones. It's not as good as the early seasons of The Walking Dead or early Fear the Walking Dead but it's right below that. Everyone loves both of the lead characters in Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and they are as good as ever here. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is especially great as Negan. He's perfect for this role and the arc that Negan has gone through has been as good as any character on tv in a while. He went from one of the worst bad guys on a show to a guy you root for. Can't wait for next season!

So, I finally binged through TWD - Dead City, and I have to admit, I'm somewhat conflicted about it. As a fan of the original series, I was eagerly looking forward to this new installment, but I can't help feeling a bit let down. I'd rate it around 6 stars out of 10, and here's why.

The series seems to be lacking that old charisma and depth that drew me into The Walking Dead universe in the first place. The character development, which used to be a hallmark of the show, feels a bit rushed and shallow this time around. I didn't find myself connecting with the new characters as strongly as I did with the original group, and that was a bit disappointing. Also the zombies are not even the main aspect of the show now, its more like a drama rather than horror!

Moreover, the storyline left me wanting more. It seemed to tread familiar ground, and even though I get that the zombie apocalypse isn't exactly a realm of endless possibilities, it still felt repetitive. I was hoping for a more unique spin on the narrative that would reignite my excitement for the series, but that didn't quite happen.

Honestly, I hate to say it, but parts of Dead City felt a bit dull and boring. There were moments when I found my attention wandering, which is a shame because I used to be fully engrossed in the world of The Walking Dead. I even found it disheartening that they introduced a couple of new characters only to kill them off without giving them much time to develop. It felt like a missed opportunity.

That said, if you're a die-hard fan of The Walking Dead series, I can see how you might find redeeming qualities in Dead City. The nostalgia factor alone might keep you engaged, and if you're heavily invested in the overall universe, you could potentially overlook some of the shortcomings.

Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City hits harder, digs deeper, and proves beyond a doubt that this spin-off has real staying power. What started as a risky experiment putting Negan and Maggie together in the ruins of Manhattan has transformed into one of the most compelling chapters of the Walking Dead franchise. Season 2 doesn't just continue the story; it elevates it with sharper writing, bolder risks, and unforgettable emotional moments.

First off, the character development is phenomenal. Negan, once the franchise's most notorious villain, continues to walk the narrow line between redemption and damnation. Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a powerhouse performance that balances Negan's brutal instincts with rare moments of vulnerability. Meanwhile, Lauren Cohan's portrayal of Maggie is equally gripping - hardened by loss, driven by purpose, yet clearly haunted by her past. Their dynamic, filled with tension, mistrust, and strange mutual respect, forms the emotional backbone of the season.

One of the biggest triumphs of Season 2 is how it humanizes both leads without softening them. These aren't caricatures or recycled versions of their former selves. They're two survivors who have been through hell and are trying, in their own broken ways, to carve out something resembling peace or at least justice.

The setting a crumbling, walker-infested Manhattan remains a character in its own right. The vertical landscape, abandoned skyscrapers, and underground passages add a fresh layer of tension. This isn't the open wilderness we're used to it's claustrophobic, unpredictable, and constantly threatening. The production design does a brilliant job capturing the eerie beauty of a city overtaken by decay. Every alleyway and rooftop feels like a potential death trap.

Season 2 also raises the stakes with stronger antagonists. Rather than just another power-hungry leader, we get a more complex, almost cult-like opposition that challenges the morality of both Negan and Maggie. The villains aren't just bad for the sake of being bad they're ideologically driven, unpredictable, and in some cases, disturbingly charismatic. This adds a whole new layer to the conflict.

The action is tighter, more cinematic, and more meaningful. It's not just zombie slaying for shock value it's always tied to character stakes or plot progression. When violence erupts, it matters. And yes, the gore is still top-tier, as you'd expect from the franchise, but it never overshadows the storytelling.

Another area where Season 2 shines is its pacing. While The Walking Dead franchise has often been criticized for dragging its feet, Dead City avoids that trap. Every episode feels purposeful. The story moves quickly but doesn't rush, and it gives enough breathing room for key emotional beats to land. The tension builds naturally, and there's always something at stake.

Fans who may have drifted away from The Walking Dead over the years should seriously consider giving Dead City a chance especially this season. It captures the grit and horror that made the original show great, while adding a fresh, more intimate focus on character psychology and moral ambiguity.

That said, it's not perfect. A few side characters could use more development, and there are moments where the show teeters on familiar tropes. But even then, it often subverts expectations just enough to stay fresh.

In the end, Dead City Season 2 is proof that this universe still has life and plenty of it. It's raw, tense, and emotionally layered, driven by two unforgettable performances and some of the best writing in The Walking Dead world in years. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a lapsed viewer, this season is absolutely worth your time.