By The End Of Dead City Season 2, The Walking Dead's Longest-Running Feud Better Be Over

The Walking Dead: Dead City will return for its second season in 2025, but the spinoff's next outing must put an end to The Walking Dead's longest-running feud. Ever since The Walking Dead began, personal grudges have been a prominent part of the narrative, as Rick and Shane's deteriorating friendship was integral to the first few seasons, while Daryl and Dwight's parallels made them bitter rivals; however, no feud has lasted as long as Maggie and Negan's. Negan has killed several major Walking Dead characters during his time in the franchise, but murdering Glenn had the biggest impact by far.

Not only did it permanently scar the audience and even lead to some viewers giving up on The Walking Dead, but it also had a long-lasting effect on the characters. Understandably, it caused resentment among the main group, which never went away for some survivors, but watching her husband being beaten to death permanently changed Maggie, and she has never let go of her anger. Even after Negan helped save Hershel in their Walking Dead spinoff, Maggie still never forgave him, but their feud needs to come to an end, regardless of how unforgivable Negan's past actions are.

The Walking Dead's Negan & Maggie Feud Run Its Course A While Ago

The Duo's Long-Running Rivalry Has Started To Become A Bit Overdone

Glenn's final scene remains one of The Walking Dead's most haunting deaths, not just because of its brutal nature or the fact he was a fan favorite, but Lauren Cohan's acting really sold how devastating the moment was. It cemented Negan as the show's most despicable villain and ignited the feud between him and Maggie that has been going on since 2016. Despite how much has changed over the past nine years in the zombie universe, Maggie's refusal to forgive Negan for what he has done remains a constant, even though the former antagonist has since found redemption.

While it's completely fair that Maggie is unable to let go of her resentment, The Walking Dead has continued to make her story overlap with Negan, as they were forced to team up several times throughout seasons 10 and 11. Even though there was a lingering hatred, the two practically became a duo - albeit with very serious trust issues. Still, after everything they'd been through, it seemed like they were about to finally bury the hatchet in season 11 as they had a tender conversation, but Maggie explained she'd never be able to truly forgive her husband's killer.

The two appeared to at least have a bittersweet understanding after seasons of disputes, meaning even though they'd never be friends, their paths would at least remain separate. However, Dead City changed this by forcing them to work together yet again, bringing their baggage to the surface one more time. While there is no denying that Cohan and Morgan have good chemistry, their characters' interesting dynamic has started to become a little overdone after so many episodes in the spotlight together and their feud has officially run its course, proving it has to end once and for all.

How Dead City Season 2 Can Bring Negan & Maggie's Feud To A Close

Negan & Maggie Can Finally Make Amends Or Go Their Separate Ways For Good

With how long Maggie and Negan's rivalry has been going, Dead City has to make sure it does the storyline justice if it brings it to an end, but there are several ways it can do so. Considering Dead City takes place years after The Walking Dead season 11's ending, it has the luxury of making some bold decisions that won't impact the current timeline. Therefore, season 2 could wrap up Maggie and Negan's story by having them make amends and let go of the past.

Negan's dedication to being a better man was highlighted when he gave himself up in exchange for Hershel's freedom, something Maggie is undoubtedly grateful for even if she hasn't yet shown it. When she returns to New York and inevitably reunites with Negan, they will presumably take down the villains together, meaning they could potentially bury the hatchet. Additionally, they could return to their previous understanding and go their separate ways, with Negan either heading to the Commonwealth or leaving on his own, whereas Maggie can return to Hilltop, suggesting they wouldn't need to worry about each other anymore.

Of course, this would require The Walking Dead to resist the urge to have their paths cross again in a future project, but considering the spinoff takes place in the future, this seems possible. Some less conventional options would be killing one of them off or starting a potential romance angle between Maggie and Negan, but neither seem likely nor are they popular choices. Instead, Dead City should focus on resolving their conflict more mutually so that their never-ending feud can finally be put to rest.

Dead City Season 1's Ending Hinted That Maggie Was Ready To End Her Fight With Negan

Maggie Returning To Manhattan In Season 2 Is Sparked By Her Desire To End The Feud With Negan

It may have taken a long time, but Maggie does seem ready to put an end to her feud with Negan as Dead City season 1's ending teased her going back to New York to save him. Although she was more than happy to leave her rival with the Croat and The Dama, which would potentially doom New York and revert Negan back to his villainous ways, she soon changed her mind. Maggie realized that her inability to let go wasn't just a problem with Negan, but it was even impacting her relationship with Hershel, hence the change of heart.

Dead City's first season ends with Maggie claiming "This thing with Negan... I'm gonna finish it", indicating that no matter what happens, something has to give between the duo. While Maggie's dialog could be interpreted to mean she plans on killing her long-term foe, it makes more sense for both characters to finally resolve their issues and move on. Assuming the spinoff was suggesting she is ready to end their feud for good, Dead City season 2 becomes even more interesting, and it could finally give Walking Dead fans a moment that is almost a decade in the making.