After nine long years, I still can’t believeThe Walking Deadhasn’t let go of an old storyline that seems like it’s never going to end. Ever sinceThe Walking Deadseries finale,the show has continued its story through various spinoffs. This includes finished series likeThe Ones Who Liveand ongoing ones, like withDaryl Dixonseason 3.
The other continuing spinoff isDead City, showcasing Maggie and Negan’s survival in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan.Dead Cityseason 3was confirmed in July 2025, withcharacters fromDead Cityseason 2expected to make a return. However, the renewal also confirmed an old storyline will be continuing despite nine years of updates I’m starting to get tired of.
The description forDead Cityseason 3’s premise confirmed thatMaggie and Negan will be working together, this time to try and build a new community in Manhattan. However, it also revealed their past struggles will be a core part of the story, that being the tension between the pair sinceNegan killed GlenninThe Walking Deadseason 7.
In the nine years that have followed his death, Negan has attempted reformation, even apologizing to Maggie in the main series.Yet there continues to be friction between them, with Maggie unable to let go of the past as Negan occasionally slips back into his old self. But it’s a storyline that’s also grown incredibly tiresome.
WhileDead Cityseason 2 endedwith the pair on the same side,season 3’s description indicates the story won’t be much different than it’s always been. It’s a plot that’s been happening for seven seasons across two shows, making it uninteresting because of just how much time has been spent on their past impacting the present.
This Should Be The Last Time The Franchise Deals With Their Past
Luckily, I’m hopefulDead Cityseason 3 can utilize its storyline to put Maggie and Negan’s past behind them. They’re building a community together, meaning they’ll have to learn to trust each other if they want to succeed. While their past may play a role in their alliance, the show has an opportunity to finally smooth things over for good.
However, Maggie will likely still be unable to fully forgive Negan, much like the end of the main series. But, if they can find some middle ground that puts their previous conflict behind them, thenThe Walking Deadspinoff has a chance to finally move their story forwardafter nearly a decade of being stuck in the same place.
