Jeffrey Dean Morgan is back in action with his iconic bad boy look as Negan in the new series, “Dead City.” Alongside the still angry Maggie and a horde of old, not-so-fresh zombies, Negan takes on the Big Apple in this post-apocalyptic buddy drama.
In the series, Maggie takes the initiative to rescue her kidnapped son from the clutches of the “Croatian” army. This former friend of Negan, played by Željko Ivanek, founded the Saviors with him but was eventually kicked out due to his cruelty. Now, he has formed a questionable community in the abandoned streets of New York.
The first episode of “Dead City” reveals that Manhattan was the epicenter of the zombie crisis during the early days of the apocalypse. The US government closed off the island, leaving the local population to face certain death. Since then, Manhattan has become a no man’s land infested with undead and dangerous individuals. Negan and Maggie embark on a mission to save Hershel from the clutches of the Croat.
However, the series lacks imagination and surprises. It follows a familiar formula, reminiscent of “The Walking Dead” with its Georgia and Virginia zombies. The New York setting, although visually appealing with its dilapidated skyscrapers and deserted streets, remains secondary to the tribulations of Negan.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a performance true to his character, with his signature sardonic look and occasional witty remarks. However, the dynamic between Negan and Maggie feels forced and unconvincing. They bicker and clash as they navigate the dangers of the city, but it fails to bring anything new to the table.
Despite its shortcomings, “Dead City” does offer impressive and gory zombie scenes that raise moral questions about survival in the face of death. It also attempts to justify Negan’s actions, which may please die-hard fans of “The Walking Dead” who are still processing the show’s conclusion. However, for others, the New York stage may not be worth the watch.
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” will premiere with six episodes starting June 19, 2023, on OCS in France.
Does the New York backdrop in “Dead City” provide enough novelty to attract dedicated viewers
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is back in action, showcasing his iconic bad boy look as Negan in the highly anticipated series, “Dead City.” Set in a post-apocalyptic New York, Negan teams up with the still angry Maggie to take on a horde of old, not-so-fresh zombies in this thrilling buddy drama.
In the show, Maggie takes matters into her own hands as she sets out to rescue her kidnapped son from the clutches of the “Croatian” army. Željko Ivanek portrays a former friend of Negan’s who, after being expelled from their group, the Saviors, has formed a dubious community amidst the deserted streets of New York.
The premiere episode of “Dead City” unveils the grim reality that Manhattan was ground zero for the zombie crisis when it initially struck. With the US government sealing off the island, the local population was left to face certain death. Now, Manhattan has become a perilous no man’s land swarming with the undead and dangerous individuals. Negan and Maggie embark on a perilous mission to rescue Hershel from the clutches of the Croat.
However, while “Dead City” visually captivates with its decaying skyscrapers and desolate streets, it largely adheres to the familiar formula of its predecessor, “The Walking Dead,” featuring zombies from Georgia and Virginia. Consequently, the New York setting plays second fiddle to the trials and tribulations of Negan.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan does justice to his character, effortlessly embodying Negan’s sardonic demeanor with his signature look and occasional sharp-witted remarks. Yet, the on-screen dynamic between Negan and Maggie feels forced and unconvincing, failing to bring anything groundbreaking to the table.
Despite its flaws, “Dead City” offers captivating and gruesomely realistic zombie scenes that pose thought-provoking questions about survival in the face of death. Additionally, it attempts to provide justification for Negan’s past actions, catering to die-hard fans still grappling with the conclusion of “The Walking Dead.” However, for those seeking novelty, the New York backdrop might not be enough to warrant dedicated viewership.
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” will premiere on June 19, 2023, with six gripping episodes airing exclusively on OCS in France.
