Hershel’s Misguided Hatred for Negan and Its Impact on Maggie Explained

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Heed this notice: The third episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 contains plot details that may reveal key aspects of the story, so if you haven’t watched it yet and wish to avoid spoilers, be cautious.

In the third episode of the second season of “The Walking Dead: Dead City”, Logan Kim illustrates how the encounter between Hershel and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in Central Park impacts Maggie’s (Lauren Cohan) relationship with her son. Previously, in the finale of season 1, Hershel expressed his annoyance towards Maggie’s fixation on Negan, a feeling that has persisted into the current season. This adds complexity to their interaction in episode 3, where Hershel confronts Negan, takes aim with a gun, but fails to hit him.

In an interview with Tatiana Hullender at ScreenRant, Kim discussed the thoughts swirling in Hershel’s mind when he encounters Negan in this episode, as well as implications for Hershel’s bond with Maggie. Kim clarified that his character views Negan as the barrier preventing a healthy relationship between Hershel and Maggie. Hershel wishes to eliminate Negan so that Maggie can move on from her obsession and clear the path for their connection, which Kim analogizes to parental influences in real-life family dynamics. You can read his insights here:

In Hershel’s perspective, Maggie’s relationship with Negan is a major problem due to his personal history with his mother. To Hershel, it’s Negan who stands as an obstacle in this situation. He harbors strong resentment and hostility towards Negan because he believes Negan is keeping Maggie from being free. In other words, Hershel desires to liberate Negan, but not metaphorically – he intends to end Negan’s life. [Laughs]

From my personal perspective, I dislike feeling ignored when communicating with my mom. If she fails to understand or act upon what I say, it leaves me feeling somewhat agitated. However, Hershel’s situation is unique given that his mother was involved in the death of his father. It seems that what Hershel truly craves is a deeper emotional connection with his mother. Despite her efforts to listen and engage, there appears to be a gap in their communication – one that mirrors real-life mother-son dynamics but with an added layer of intensity due to their shared tragic history.

What This Means For The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2

Hershel’s Attitude Toward Negan Is Misguided

Previously, Hershel advised Maggie to let go of her resentment towards Negan. However, it turns out that Hershel himself struggles to follow his own advice, as he attempts to kill Negan shortly after encountering him, despite the fact that Negan had just spared Hershel’s life. Contrary to what happened to Glenn years ago, Hershel’s animosity towards Negan stems from the impact Negan has on his relationship with Maggie.

The narrative between Negan and both Maggie and Hershel is complex; it’s not accurate to think that getting rid of Negan will improve things between Hershel and Maggie, as their issues run deeper than just Negan. Hershel’s troubled relationship with his mother is rooted in problems unrelated to Negan, and Hershel’s death wouldn’t address those underlying complications. Additionally, Hershel fabricates the truth when he tells his mother about what happened concerning Negan.

Our Take On Logan Kim’s Comments

Hershel Needs To Rethink The Situation With Negan

In the second season of “Dead City,” there’s a chance Hershel might take Negan’s life, but it would be disheartening to see such a complex and beloved character’s journey conclude this way. Regardless of his feelings towards Negan, Hershel could gain valuable insights by learning about the numerous sacrifices Negan has made on his behalf. Ultimately, Hershel must recognize that eliminating Negan won’t resolve anything and should instead focus on addressing his issues with Maggie as “The Walking Dead: Dead City” progresses.

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2025-05-19 13:07