I Have A New Favorite The Walking Dead Character & They Still Haven't Said A Single Word

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, episode 1, "Power Equals Power".

The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 has added a variety of exciting new characters to the cast, and one debutant has stood out without saying a single line. With the series setting up a battle between the Dama's community and New Babylon, it seems like Maggie and Negan will be forced into separate sides of this conflict, which features countless fresh faces. New Babylon has introduced unique characters such as Lucia and Benjamin to Dead City season 2's cast, while the Dama established a variety of new factions, which are all led by very different individuals.

Although we've already gotten a glimpse into Lucia and Benjamin's personalities, "Power Equals Power" didn't spend quite as much time exploring the leaders of Manhattan's new groups. We did get a look at Christos' confrontational and hostile attitude when Dead City introduced Negan's electrified Lucille replacement, but the other leaders remained fairly mysterious. However, one of them managed to make an instant impression in season 2's premiere despite not uttering a single word, making me all the more curious to find out what the spinoff show does with the character, alongside how they fit into the overarching narrative.

Bruegel Is Already A Standout Character In The Walking Dead: Dead City

His Mannerisms & Dress Sense Make Him Instantly Engaging

Despite Bruegel remaining tight-lipped in season 2's opening episode, the ominous gang leader has already become my favorite new addition. Having had stellar performances in Sons of Anarchy and Bad Blood, Kim Coates' American Primeval role set up his Dead City introduction, and his new character has already captivated me. Although the show hasn't told us much about Bruegel, he was first spotted running some sort of zombie-fighting competition where people can gamble on the results, making him instantly feel powerful. However, it was his role during Negan's church speech that really sold me on the character.

Most notably, Bruegel's mannerisms and expressions helped display aspects of his personality without even having to speak. While the audience waited for Negan's arrival, Bruegel was checking his watch, making it clear he values his time. He then smirked and grinned throughout Negan's monologue, hinting that Bruegel admires the protagonists' charismatic personality, even if he is a threat to his gang. Despite all this, he showed signs of concern when the Burazi flexed their weapons and seemed in awe at Manhattan being lit up, suggesting he isn't a one-dimensional character either.

Just from his first impression, Bruegel looks like he will be a smarmy and confident leader who thinks highly of himself, yet he seems somewhat charming, despite possessing a cowardly nature. Getting all these signals without the character having any dialog is a testament to Coates' performance, and I can't wait to see more of him.

Bruegel Not Saying A Word During His First Episode Makes Him Much More Intriguing

Despite Remaining Silent Throughout Negan's Speech, Bruegel Was Able To Capture The Spotlight

The decision not to give Bruegel any dialog during his first appearance seems very deliberate, as it builds even more intrigue to his character. He is clearly one of the most unique and eccentric characters in the franchise, as his fancy dress sense and stylish hair suggest he isn't like any other survivor in The Walking Dead universe. Bruegel clearly loves the chaos presented by the apocalypse as evidenced by his fighting event alongside his interest in Negan's rather bold speech, but I'm convinced there is much more to his story, making his silence all the more memorable.

Whereas other characters spoke out against Negan, Bruegel showed his emotions without saying anything, which had a much bigger impact than simply interrupting. Additionally, with Negan's evil personality slowly returning in The Walking Dead spinoff, I can't wait to see how Bruegel interacts with Jeffrey Dean Morgan's character. It's not just what he has to say that I'm excited about, but I'm curious to see how he speaks to Dead City's leading man, as it will reveal a lot about the villain, making it a genius move to postpone this interaction since Bruegel already feels extremely important.

What Bruegel's Role In The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 Could Be

Bruegel May Cause Negan Problems Despite Admiring The Former Villain

Other than knowing he is one of the three new gang leaders in Dead City, the show hasn't offered much insight into what sort of role Bruegel will play, but Coates himself has teased some aspects of his character's story. During an interview with Kim Coates about his Dead City season 2 role, Screen Rant learned that Bruegel will be a frenemy of Negan, which offers an idea of what's to come. It already seemed like the villain liked Negan from his first few scenes, but Coates' comment further emphasizes this, even if the characters have different ideologies and goals.

Considering Negan isn't fully in on the Dama's plan, I would presume there will be tension between him and Bruegel, despite the latter's admiration. Therefore, I imagine Coates' character will eventually embrace the Dama's plan, but he will be looking to use this arrangement to his benefit, cementing him as a conniving antagonist. He may not be Dead City's leading threat, but Bruegel's smart yet cowardly nature could see him double-cross Negan if the chance arises while he attempts to talk his way out of trouble, indicating that he'll be one of the most entertaining parts of season 2.