The Walking Dead Finally Answers One Of Its Biggest Unresolved Mysteries

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, episode 3, "Why Did the Mainlanders Cross the River?"The Walking Dead has had plenty of lingering questions over the years, but Dead City finally answered a recent mystery that fans of the spinoff show have been desperate to uncover. Although Dead City season 1's ending helped conclude most of the action, it also left a few storylines unfinished. Maggie and Negan's feud was never really settled in the finale, while Hershel and Maggie's relationship became extremely tense after the teenager's time in New York, suggesting season 2 would have a lot to unpack. Interestingly though, there was a far bigger mystery that viewers were concerned about.

The decision to advance Dead City's timeline even further in season 2 meant that a few months had gone by in between seasons, allowing for the introduction of new threats such as New Babylon and the gangs of Manhattan. Still, it was the Dama who remained the most fascinating villain in the series, as her ominous nature continues to have the audience unsure about what she'll do next. She has already used Negan to further cement her control over the island, but Dead City has finally revealed the truth about her connection with Hershel, which has been an intriguing secret.

The Walking Dead Explains The Dama & Hershel's Relationship After Season 1 Left It Mysterious

Hershel's Time In New York Saw Him Develop A Strong Connection With The Dama

Ever since season 1's finale set up an unsettling link between the Dama and Hershel, I've been eager to find out the truth about their relationship, and Dead City has finally delivered. The closing moments of "Doma Smo" highlighted that Hershel had drawings of the Dama and New York, making it clear that his time in the city had a real impact on the teenager. Considering he was the Dama's prisoner, I would've expected him to resent the villain, but instead, Hershel seemingly admires the Dama in season 2, with episode 3 unveiling the reason behind this.

Although he was initially kept tied to a chair inside a cold room, Hershel was eventually treated with care by the Dama, who admired his artistic vision. Not only did she give him a pencil and paper to draw, but she even provided him with a personal room to let his creativity run wild. She seemed to view him as a visionary for New York's future, and while it's impossible to know if her feelings were genuine, the Dama did manage to recruit Hershel as part of her plans, given that he started the fire in episode 2.

While there are still questions about whether Hershel will choose the Dama over Maggie, he clearly sees her as a mother figure, which at least explains Hershel's strange behavior and his fascination with the Dama. The flashback sequences were an indication that the two got on rather well and that the Dama could relate to Hershel's loneliness, setting up an interesting dynamic between them throughout season 2.

Hershel's Connection To The Dama Was Dead City's Only Real Mystery In Season 2

The Rest Of Season 2's Storylines Seem Relatively Straightforward

Naturally, there are still plenty of reasons to watch Dead City as the story remains entertaining, but the Dama and Hershel's relationship was the only real mystery in season 2. Finding out why Ginny has a gun in Dead City is still a thrilling prospect, but it looks certain to revolve around her last conversation with Negan. Therefore, the resolution lacks the urgency and unpredictability that the Dama and Hershel's storyline possesses, meaning it isn't a true mystery. I'm also excited to learn more about Manhattan's gangs, but seeing them again feels inevitable, and they don't currently hold any secrets.

As a result, Dead City season 2 doesn't have many important questions that remain unanswered, which is rare for a Walking Dead project. We'll undoubtedly see more of Maggie and Negan working together, as the promotional material confirmed they will cross paths again. Additionally, New Babylon looks destined to battle the Dama and the Croat's community throughout Dead City season 2, but everyone's intentions are pretty clear, making the action much more compelling than the drama. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing what's ahead for the spinoff show, and it's possible that new mysteries could still emerge in the future.