Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, episode 1, "Power Equals Power".After heavily teasing Negan's return to villainy, Negan becoming a fan favorite. This set up his redemption arc that has been ongoing since season 9 and appears to be continuing in Dead City.

However, with the spinoff show hinting at Negan having a much darker role, there was a big chance the former antagonist would give in to temptation and become a sinister villain once again. Season 2's promotional material continued to hint at the return of evil Negan in The Walking Dead, as Dead City's trailer saw him wielding a familiar weapon and regaining some of the swagger he possessed while leading the Saviors. Luckily, his story is a lot more complicated than meets the eye, and the series perfectly explains why Negan is seemingly returning to his dark past.

Negan Resists Going Evil In Dead City Season 2 Until Annie & Joshua Are Threatened

Negan's Justification For ing The Croat & The Dama Proves He Really Has Changed For The Better

Despite already spending years of his life in a cell after The Walking Dead's All Out War arc, Negan happily embraced imprisonment by the Dama and the Croat, only accepting their plan after his family was threatened. Negan was fed cockroaches and put in awful conditions, yet despite being tempted by gin and freedom, he continued to decline their request for help until Annie and Joshua were mentioned. Dead City season 1 confirmed that Negan and Annie had separated, but this seemed to be for the latter's protection, as Negan wanted Annie and their son to be safe.

He was wanted by New Babylon when he made the decision and was willing to miss out on his son growing up so that he could ensure Joshua wasn't in danger. However, season 2 confirmed that the Dama and the Croat managed to track down Negan's family and planned on bringing them to the island, which is what ultimately convinced the former villain to them. He was willing to resist all the luxuries and temptations the antagonists were willing to throw his way, but he clearly didn't want to take any chances when it came to his loved ones.

Negan's reluctance to help the Dama and the Croat is a sign that he truly is a better man these days, and essentially sacrificing himself for his family further emphasizes this.

Although Negan was given a Lucille replacement in Dead City season 2 alongside the chance to lead once again, he hasn't fully welcomed this, as he looks desperate to avoid repeating history. Additionally, Negan's reluctance to help the Dama and the Croat is a sign that he truly is a better man these days, and essentially sacrificing himself for his family further emphasizes this.

The Walking Dead Avoids Undoing Negan's Past Character Development

Negan's Return To Villainy Aligns With His Recent Walking Dead Journey

Negan's character progression has been one of the best arcs in the entire franchise, and thankfully, Dead City season 2 has brought back his evil side without ruining his development. Considering how entertaining Jeffrey Dean Morgan's charismatic performance was during Negan's Savior arc, it's no surprise The Walking Dead wanted to bring this persona back, but it was important they didn't throw away all his hard work to become a better person. Fortunately, the series has nailed this balance, as Negan works perfectly as a reluctant villain who is doing bad things for good reasons.

So far, he has only had to shock a gang leader and deliver an inspirational speech, but his role will surely get more morally taxing as it goes on. Seeing how he copes with committing similar acts to his darker days while attempting to keep his humanity will be fascinating, and with Lucille set to make a surprise return in Dead City season 2, it looks like Negan will go through an emotional rollercoaster.

Lucille's presence suggests that Negan may hallucinate his former wife while trying to fight off his inner demons, who may act as his moral com. Even if Negan does have some moments of weakness and a few scenes that make us question his true intentions, Dead City seems to be avoiding making him a permanent villain again, which protects the last few years of his character development while giving him a compelling story for season 2.