‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Showrunner Reflects on Finale’s Key Turning Point Between Maggie and Negan

In the season two finale of The Walking Dead: Dead City, fans finally saw Maggie face the moment she had been waiting for since Glenn’s brutal death, a chance to kill Negan. But in a surprising twist, she let him live.

The episode, titled “If History Were a Conflagration,” showed Negan embracing his darker side once again, as he made a move to defeat Bruegel, a new villain played by Kim Coates. The two men were fighting for control over a huge supply of methane made from walkers, which could be the key to bringing power back to New York City.

At the same time, Maggie was under pressure from the Dama, a powerful and dangerous figure played by Lisa Emery. The Dama told Maggie to kill Negan, offering her the closure she had been chasing for years. Pushed by memories of Glenn and by her son Hershel, Maggie tracked Negan down and even stabbed him, but then she stopped.

She realized that killing him wouldn’t bring Glenn back and might not give her the peace she thought it would.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott M. Gimple, the franchise’s executive producer, explained that this decision was never about actually ending Negan’s story. “We wanted you on the edge of your seat,” he said. “But this show is just as much about Negan as it is about Maggie.”

Gimple shared that this moment was a big turning point for Maggie. After years of carrying hate and grief, it was time for her to try and move on. “It’s been eight years,” he said. “I want to see Maggie surmount this thing and evolve from it.”

While Maggie seems ready to let go of her past with Negan, her relationship with her son Hershel becomes more complicated. Hershel, played by Logan Kim, is upset with his mother for not killing Negan. He chooses to stay with the Dama, which puts him on a dangerous path.

Gimple compared Maggie’s decision to a tough parenting moment. “It’s kind of like letting your kid go off and follow a jam band,” he joked. “I don’t approve of this, but it’s your choice.” He explained that if Maggie had killed Negan, she might have kept Hershel close. But that could have cost her a part of herself.

There’s no official word yet on a third season of Dead City, but Gimple hinted that if the show continues, the story will look different now that Maggie and Negan have stopped fighting. “They’re not going to be skipping and holding hands,” he said, “but hate is corrosive to the person hating… I do think this is a happy ending.”

If more episodes come, the show will likely explore what comes next for Maggie, Negan, and Hershel, especially after these big emotional shifts. Gimple said, “Now, it’s time to show you something different.”

I think this finale was a smart way to show growth for Maggie. Letting go of revenge isn’t easy, but it shows real strength. Plus, it sets up more interesting drama between her and Hershel in the future. What did you think of the episode? Are you hoping for season three? Share your thoughts in the comments!