'The Walking Dead: Dead City' Episode 1 Review: AMC spinoff explores familiar lanes of horror, gore and hope
Spoilers for ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City', the newest spin-off series of the ever so popular ‘The Walking Dead’ franchise has finally begun. ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 doesn’t hold back on the gore, blood, and killings, so the fans are definitely going to be satisfied after this episode. Although, because this is a spin-off series that focuses on Maggie and Negan, there will be new characters introduced, especially which add to their existing character arcs.
One such new addition is Ginny, who will be one of the main characters, alongside Maggie and Negan, and of course, The Croat. Ginny has been introduced in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 and the one thing this episode has established is the fact that fans will love the bond shared between Negan and Ginny, which mirrors the bond between Ellie and Joel from the popular series ‘The Last of Us.’
Negan and Ginny’s bond feels a little familiar
One of the most popular tropes in movies and tv shows is that of a found family. It is heartwarming, endearing, and hopeful. As ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 introduces Ginny, who accompanies Negan, amidst all the gore, blood, and head smashing, there’s a little element of comfort. Negan has taken Ginny under his wing, as someone he cares for, and will continue to for the rest of this series, already giving the fans something to look forward to. Now, this bond might seem a little familiar, especially to those who have watched ‘The Last of Us'.
While ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ have very different premises, the gist mirrors each other. And now, with Negan and Ginny in the focus, one can’t help but remember Joel and Ellie from ‘The Last of Us.’ In no time, fans will be comparing Jeffery Dean Morgan and Pedro Pascal, trying to decide who is a better father figure.
In ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1, Ginny hasn’t spoken a single word, and Negan tells Maggie it’s because of certain events that transpired when she watched her father turn. This hints towards PTSD, and the tone of how Ginny’s character will grow as the series progresses, with the help of Negan. Again, this feels like ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ has taken a page from ‘The Last of Us’ but that doesn’t mean it won’t work in its favor!
Does Maggie hate Ginny?
As far as ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 goes, Maggie has a lot on her plate because Hershel has been taken away by The Croats. However, there’s a sense of jealousy and almost resentment when she sees Negan’s bond with Ginny, and it could stem from her potential loss of her own son. Nevertheless, with Ginny added to the character list of ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ there will be plenty of opportunities for Maggie to bond with her!
You can watch ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 on AMC+ from June 18, 2023.
