As they're eating his leg in front of him, he reveals he's been bit, causing them to panic as he hysterically screams, "Tainted meat!" over and over. While something similar hasn't happened directly with the characters in Dead City season 2, the Croat recalls a story from his time with the Saviors that parallels the moment. As he, Negan, and Victor are preparing to attack the New Babylon Federation as they come ashore, he begins telling a story similar to Bob and Terminus' interaction, but conducted by Negan instead.
Over 10 Years Later, The Walking Dead's Negan Copies Bob's "Tainted Meat" Moment
Negan's Story Is A More Extreme Version Of What Happened To Bob
Bob's "tainted meat" moment showcased the paranoia of eating meat that's potentially been infected due to the zombie virus. While the episode didn't clarify if eating the meat would turn Gareth and the other Terminus survivors into Walkers, it did signify just how paranoia-inducing the revelation was. This is reflected in the Croat's Dead City season 2, episode 2 story about the Saviors inviting an antagonistic group they defeated to a feast. After setting up the story, he hands it over to Negan, who reveals the feast was actually a trick to get rid of their enemies for good.
Negan explains how they originally presented the group with venison, but quickly switched it out for Walker meat instead. He details what happened next, with all the Saviors' enemies at the feast getting sick from the zombie flesh. It's also implied the rotten meat wound up killing them, with the end result being bigger zombie trenches around the Sanctuary. It's a brutal parallel to Bob's scene from The Walking Dead season 5, episode 3, showcasing Negan's brutality toward those who proved threatening to the Saviors. As their leader, he was willing to do horrible things for their protection.
Being Compared To Bob Means The Croat's Story Isn't As Evil As He Thinks
The Croat Liked What Negan Did For The Wrong Reasons
After Negan finishes explaining what he did to the group threatening the Saviors, the Croat reacts by saying they got what they deserved. However, his reaction is reflective of the glee he feels for tormenting others, something the show previously established was the reason he was exiled from the Sanctuary. At the same time, Dead City season 1 ended by revealing much of his admiration for Negan also stems from these drastic measures he took to protect his people, believing them to be overtly malicious for the thrill of it.
