Movies

The Walking Dead Officially Confirms 1 of Dead City’s Biggest Fan Theories (But With a Twist)

BBG News

Critics have generally praised Walking Dead spin-off Dead City, but many viewers, particularly dedicated fans, seem unimpressed, raising doubts about its worthiness as a continuation for beloved characters like Maggie and Negan. Viewers question whether it lives up to expectations, given the surprising plot twists of previous installments in the Walking Dead universe. Unfortunately, Dead City has failed to leave most fans feeling surprised or uncertain, as few of the popular fan theories have been validated.

A significant fan speculation about Dead City Season 2 proposed that Hershel Rhee might embrace a sinister path. This conjecture was validated in the most recent episode of Dead City, but the chilling twist adds fuel to the belief that the series could continue to surprise us with its innovative and unpredictable narrative.

Fans Suspected Hershel Was a Villain

Dead City Season 2 Confirms This Theory

Ever since its debut, “Dead City” has emphasized villains, but Season 2 has shifted more attention towards complex characters who straddle the line between right and wrong. One of the most contentious elements of “Dead City” is its scarcity of clear-cut heroes, a characteristic that was more evident in other “Walking Dead” series. However, what’s truly startling about Season 2 thus far is the revelation that . By the end of Season 1, viewers had suspected Hershel and the Dama shared a complex bond, as he appeared to be drawn to her despite her keeping him captive in order to control his mother and gain proximity to Negan.

Despite only a handful of instances where it has been made clear where Hershel stands, his actions suggest he aligns with the Dama and supports their vision for the future. His deep affection for Maggie compels him to protect her and prevent harm to those dear to him. However, he has taken proactive steps to prevent New Babylon from interfering in the Dama’s plans. The audience first learned of Hershel’s alliance with the Dama and the Croat when the series Dead City revealed that he had started the fire, signaling that New Babylon’s forces were planning to cross the river into Manhattan.

It is not justifiable to defend his actions because Hershel, being aware of the Croat’s brutal nature, believed that sabotaging the New Babylon ship was necessary to protect innocent lives, including his mother and others, from the impending danger they would face if the ship sailed into Manhattan.

Hershel’s Shocking Backstory Further Supports This Theory

The Dama Mentored Hershel

In the story titled “Why Did the Mainlanders Cross the River?,” it is made clear why Hershel feels so drawn to the Dama and her cause. When he was being tormented and kept seated by the Croat, the Dama demonstrated her kindness and empathy. At that crucial moment, she didn’t merely provide him with better living conditions like a bed and food. Instead, she personally offered him food from her own hand, even removing her cloak to do so, conveying to the mistreated boy that she genuinely cared about his welfare.

After discovering that Hershel harbors a strained bond with Maggie, stemming from her father’s tragic demise and her fixation on Negan, the Dama takes it upon herself to provide the care and nurturing he has been missing in his upbringing. Apart from providing essential items, she also equips him with art supplies and later praises his artistic talents during a visit. This strategic move by the Dama aims to demonstrate that she is not merely harsh and overbearing, but also shares interests that resonate with Hershel. When Hershel manages to leave his room and the Dama protects him from threatening walkers, it becomes apparent that her actions were part of a well-thought-out scheme to show him she cares for him deeply.

The relationship between Dama and Hershel was significant in shaping Hershel’s viewpoint, as Hershel wasn’t merely a captive who formed a bond with his oppressor due to trauma. Instead, Dama served as a mentor for Hershel, providing him with a conducive environment and encouraging his ongoing endeavors aimed at envisioning a vibrant and revitalized future for Manhattan. By imparting her perspectives on life and accepting the world as it is, Dama managed to influence Hershel into thinking that she finally recognized his true character and abilities.

The Dama’s Manipulation Can Have Serious Consequences

This Has Already Caused Hershel Harm

This doesn’t imply that she is an uncomplicated character who is solely a manipulator; instead, her actions demonstrate a complex nature. When her vision of the future was under threat, she appeared ruthless and murderous. However, she also showed a yearning to embrace the new world and mold it into something fresh, without being shackled by the past. Some viewers might find this isn’t so different from Negan’s character when he led the Saviors, leading them to ponder if this villain too possesses layers and the potential for redemption.

Regardless of any intricacies surrounding the Dama, it is clear that she aimed to control Hershel for her purposes. In fact, she promised him that when he returned to the Bricks, he would continue working towards their dream of a transformed Manhattan – a revolution in disguise. It’s possible that she genuinely admired Hershel’s passion for art and the post-apocalyptic future, but using this connection as leverage to outmaneuver New Babylon was a calculated strategy. Moreover, her willingness to eliminate anyone who opposes her suggests that Hershel may be on the list of potential targets.

I can’t help but feel disheartened as I witness Hershel, a fellow film enthusiast, being ensnared by the Dama’s deceitful machinations. The consequences have been dire indeed; the New Babylon army suffered heavy losses during their ill-fated assault on Manhattan, a tragedy that still echoes in my mind. As it stands, Hershel finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his loyalty to the Dama and his deep affection for Maggie and Ginny. He dreads the thought of them being hurt, yet he remains committed to the Dama’s cause. This tangled web of loyalties and conflicting emotions is bound to continue causing turmoil in Hershel’s life, and I can only anticipate more complications ahead.

The Walking Dead Will Never Be the Same

Dead City Confirming This Theory Has Injected Fresh Life Into the Franchise

At present, the show is finding itself in a challenging position, receiving mixed reviews from critics and the audience. This is due, in part, to its unique approach of focusing on Maggie and Negan, former sworn enemies since Negan killed Glenn in “The Walking Dead.” However, this focus on villains has resonated with some viewers, who find it adds depth and complexity to the storyline. It may also rekindle the enthusiasm of dedicated fans for the spin-off series.

Characters like Maggie have grown progressively morally ambiguous over time, but what truly stunned viewers in Season 2 of Dead City was the transformation of an apocalypse child into a villain. Given that Hershel is the son of two cherished and esteemed original characters, fans anticipated he would embody the heroic qualities shown by characters like Carl and Judith Grimes, who consistently stood for righteousness and fairness. Instead, Hershel has deviated from the traditional path of a legacy character by displaying behaviors contrary to expectations.

Due to the divided opinions among fans about the storyline of “Dead City” in “The Walking Dead”, the creators are venturing into uncharted territory by making Hershel Rhee a morally ambiguous character, engaging in questionable actions and forming allegiances with potentially villainous figures. This daring move to validate a popular fan theory while adding an unexpected twist could be exactly what it takes to make this contentious spin-off compelling.

Read More

2025-05-24 02:06

Previous post Error during authentication for model o1: Rate limited by Puter.js API. Try again after 60 seconds.
Next post John Travolta’s Shocking Reason for Quitting ‘American Gigolo’ Revealed!