I Can't Believe The Walking Dead Still Hasn't Let An Old Storyline Go After 9 Long Years

After nine long years, I still can't believe The Walking Dead hasn't let go of an old storyline that seems like it's never going to end. Ever since The Walking Dead series finale, the show has continued its story through various spinoffs. This includes finished series like The Ones Who Live and ongoing ones, like with Daryl Dixon season 3.

The other continuing spinoff is Dead City, showcasing Maggie and Negan's survival in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. Dead City season 3 was confirmed in July 2025, with characters from Dead City season 2 expected to make a return. However, the renewal also confirmed an old storyline will be continuing despite nine years of updates I'm starting to get tired of.

Negan & Maggie's Continued Rivalry In The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Is Tiresome

Dead City Season 3 Seems Like It'll Be Stuck In The Same Cycle

The description for Dead City season 3's premise confirmed that Maggie and Negan will be working together, this time to try and build a new community in Manhattan. However, it also revealed their past struggles will be a core part of the story, that being the tension between the pair since Negan killed Glenn in The Walking Dead season 7.

In the nine years that have followed his death, Negan has attempted reformation, even apologizing to Maggie in the main series. Yet there continues to be friction between them, with Maggie unable to let go of the past as Negan occasionally slips back into his old self. But it's a storyline that's also grown incredibly tiresome.

While Dead City season 2 ended with the pair on the same side, season 3's description indicates the story won't be much different than it's always been. It's a plot that's been happening for seven seasons across two shows, making it uninteresting because of just how much time has been spent on their past impacting the present.

How Dead City Season 3 Can Move On From Negan & Maggie's Conflict

This Should Be The Last Time The Franchise Deals With Their Past

Luckily, I'm hopeful Dead City season 3 can utilize its storyline to put Maggie and Negan's past behind them. They're building a community together, meaning they'll have to learn to trust each other if they want to succeed. While their past may play a role in their alliance, the show has an opportunity to finally smooth things over for good.

However, Maggie will likely still be unable to fully forgive Negan, much like the end of the main series. But, if they can find some middle ground that puts their previous conflict behind them, then The Walking Dead spinoff has a chance to finally move their story forward after nearly a decade of being stuck in the same place.