Dead City's 'What If' Episode Brings Maggie and Negan Together in a World Without the Apocalypse
The Walking Dead: Dead City is preparing to air what AMC has teased as its most unique episode yet, an alternate universe installment where the zombie apocalypse never occurred. The episode, which airs this Sunday on AMC in the US, sees Maggie and Negan meeting in a world untouched by the undead, a premise that has already generated significant buzz and skepticism among fans.
According to a trailer released by AMC, the episode begins with Negan in the real world, seemingly about to be confronted by Renata's promised army, before cutting to Maggie in a populated Manhattan, visiting the city with Beth by her side. At the end of the trailer, Maggie shakes hands with Negan, meeting him for the first time in this universe. The episode is the sixth of season 3, following the harrowing fifth episode in which Negan shot and killed Fabian in front of Renata, who threatened to arrest him for the murder.
The show previously hinted at this premise when Negan said he and Maggie may have been friends in another life. This what-if style episode explores what would have happened if the pair had met without any of the weight that currently exists in their tense alliance. Negan killing Glenn was the catalyst for Maggie's anger toward him, while Negan's ruthless personality was cultivated after the death of his wife, Lucille, and his own post-apocalyptic experiences.
The alternate universe episode also brings back Beth, Maggie's sister, played by Emily Kinney, who died 12 years ago in season 5 of The Walking Dead when she was accidentally shot in the head. The episode has drawn comparisons to Lost season 6's flash-sideways, which were revealed to be part of the afterlife. However, given the lack of sci-fi elements in The Walking Dead universe beyond zombies, it seems more likely this is part of some dream or fantasy rather than an actual alt-universe, though that won't be confirmed until the episode airs.
Fans have reacted with a mix of confusion and curiosity. One Twitter user wrote, "I haven't caught up with The Walking Dead, where are the zombies?" while another referenced Riverdale, saying, "You either end as Breaking Bad or live long enough to become Riverdale." Some fans who have kept up with Dead City season 3 believe it's "very clearly a Dream Sequence," while one fan praised the show, saying it has been "pretty good this season" and lauding the creative choices.
The Walking Dead universe has been running for almost 16 years, with 29 seasons and 360 episodes across its various shows. The franchise has previously dipped into similar territory, with Michonne hallucinating a normal life, a scene with Glenn with a child, and a peaceful Old Man Rick future. However, this episode marks the first time a full alternate universe has been explored in such a direct manner.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan, has been vocal about the character's evolution. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he discussed the recent episode, noting that Fabian's fatal mistake was threatening Maggie, and that the scene establishes that "there is still nothing soft about Negan." He also praised director Sylvain White, who directed two episodes, and mentioned the production pace of shooting "crazy like nine pages a day."
Morgan noted that Negan and Maggie's relationship is softer now, and they can communicate, which is a first for the characters and actors. He also mentioned that he is "always fighting for" the loose cannon aspect of Negan. The actor was reportedly almost ready to leave the show after not liking how Negan was written in season 2.
Looking ahead, Scott Gimple has said more Walking Dead shows are coming, and Daryl Dixon will end with season 4. As for Dead City, it remains unclear whether the show will continue past season 3. The upcoming alternate universe episode may have thematic resonance with the main timeline, but its long-term implications remain to be seen.
The episode airs this Sunday on AMC, and viewers will finally see whether Maggie is aware she is in an alternate reality and how this world without the apocalypse shapes her relationship with Negan.