😱 Over 100 episodes since Glenn’s death, and Maggie STILL hasn’t taken down Negan! Why?
The Walking Dead just dropped a bombshell reason that’ll leave you speechless. Is it guilt, strategy, or something deeper?
This changes EVERYTHING about their story. 🔥
👉 Click to uncover the truth behind Maggie’s choice!
The Walking Dead franchise has built its legacy on emotionally charged moments, complex character arcs, and moral dilemmas that linger long after the credits roll. Few moments in the series’ history have been as gut-wrenching as Negan’s brutal murder of Glenn Rhee in Season 7, Episode 1, a scene that left fans reeling and Maggie, Glenn’s wife, shattered. Over 100 episodes later, across the main series and the spinoff The Walking Dead: Dead City, Maggie, played with fierce intensity by Lauren Cohan, has yet to exact lethal revenge on Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. This article explores the reasons behind Maggie’s restraint, delving into her character development, the evolving dynamic with Negan, and the broader narrative context of the Walking Dead universe as of 2025.
The Weight of Glenn’s Death
Glenn’s death in the main series’ Season 7 premiere was a turning point for The Walking Dead. Negan, the charismatic yet ruthless leader of the Saviors, killed Glenn and Abraham with his barbed-wire bat, Lucille, in a horrifying display of dominance. For Maggie, who was pregnant with Glenn’s child, the loss was devastating, setting her on a path of grief, resilience, and leadership. Her pain was palpable, and fans expected her to seek vengeance against Negan, whose actions not only took her husband but also fractured her future.
In the seasons that followed, Maggie’s hatred for Negan was a driving force. She declared in Season 9, Episode 5, that she intended to kill him, even visiting him in his prison cell with a crowbar. Yet, she stopped short, recognizing that his imprisonment was a worse punishment than death. This moment marked the beginning of a complex dynamic, where Maggie’s desire for revenge clashed with her moral compass and strategic thinking. Over 100 episodes later, in Dead City Season 2, their uneasy alliance in a walker-infested Manhattan continues to raise the question: why hasn’t Maggie killed Negan?
Maggie’s Character Evolution
Maggie’s restraint can be traced to her profound character growth. Introduced in Season 2 as the optimistic daughter of Hershel Greene, Maggie evolved into a formidable leader, hardened by loss but guided by hope. Glenn’s death forced her to confront her capacity for vengeance, but her responsibilities as a mother to Hershel Jr. and a leader of the Hilltop community tempered her impulses. By Season 9, Maggie’s decision to spare Negan reflected her understanding that killing him wouldn’t undo her pain or honor Glenn’s memory.
In The Walking Dead Season 11, Maggie’s return after a six-year absence revealed a darker, more pragmatic side. Her time with the Wardens, a survivalist group, had made her ruthless, yet she still grappled with Negan’s existence. In Season 11, Episode 9, she admitted to Daryl that killing Negan might not bring peace, suggesting an internal struggle between justice and forgiveness. This evolution carried into Dead City, where Maggie’s mission to rescue her son, Hershel, from the Croat forces her to work with Negan, despite their history.
The showrunners have emphasized Maggie’s complexity. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Eli Jorné explained that Maggie’s choice not to kill Negan is rooted in her need to move forward: “She’s not just driven by revenge; she’s driven by what Glenn would have wanted for their son.” This aligns with Maggie’s growth into a leader who prioritizes survival and community over personal vendettas.
Negan’s Redemption Arc
Negan’s transformation is another critical factor. Introduced as a villain, Negan’s charisma and brutality made him one of the franchise’s most compelling characters. His imprisonment after the Savior War in Season 8 marked the start of his redemption, as he grappled with guilt and sought purpose. By Season 11, Negan had saved Maggie’s life multiple times, earning a begrudging respect, though not forgiveness.
In Dead City, Negan’s arc deepens. Set years after the main series, the spinoff shows him wrestling with his past while forming a fragile partnership with Maggie. His actions—such as protecting Hershel or confronting the Croat—demonstrate a commitment to redemption, even as he wields an electrified version of Lucille, symbolizing his darker impulses. Jeffrey Dean Morgan told Collider in 2025, “Negan’s trying to be better, but Maggie’s pain is always there. It’s a dance they’ll never stop doing.”
Maggie’s refusal to kill Negan reflects her recognition of his change. In Dead City Season 2, Episode 6, their interactions reveal a tense mutual reliance. Maggie needs Negan’s skills to navigate Manhattan’s dangers, while Negan seeks to prove he’s more than his past. Killing him would not only betray this partnership but also deny the possibility of his redemption, a theme central to the Walking Dead universe.
Strategic and Emotional Considerations
Maggie’s restraint is also strategic. In Dead City, Manhattan is a battleground controlled by factions like the New Babylon Federation and the Dama’s group. Negan’s experience as a former leader and fighter makes him a valuable ally against these threats. Maggie’s decision to keep him alive is pragmatic: she needs his help to save Hershel and survive. As Jorné noted in a 2024 AMC blog post, “Maggie’s a chess player. She knows Negan’s worth more alive than dead, at least for now.”
Emotionally, Maggie’s choice is tied to Glenn’s legacy. Glenn was defined by his compassion, often sparing enemies to preserve humanity. Maggie’s restraint honors this, as killing Negan might pull her into a cycle of violence that contradicts Glenn’s values. In The Walking Dead Season 11, Episode 24, Maggie tells Negan, “I don’t want to be the person who kills you,” hinting at her fear of losing herself to vengeance. This emotional complexity makes her decision compelling, even if it frustrates fans craving closure.
The Narrative Role of Their Dynamic
The Maggie-Negan dynamic is a narrative cornerstone of Dead City. Their conflict drives the spinoff’s tension, creating a push-and-pull between hatred and necessity. The showrunners have leaned into this, using their partnership to explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and survival. Scott M. Gimple, the franchise’s chief content officer, told Variety in 2025, “Maggie and Negan are the heart of Dead City. Their story isn’t about resolution—it’s about living with the unresolved.”
This dynamic also distinguishes Dead City from other spinoffs like The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, which focuses on new settings and characters. However, Dead City has faced criticism for relying too heavily on this feud. Its Season 2 Rotten Tomatoes score of 71% reflects mixed reviews, with some calling the Maggie-Negan conflict repetitive. Yet, the decision not to resolve it with Negan’s death keeps the story dynamic, allowing for ongoing exploration of their relationship.
Fan and Critical Perspectives
Fans have mixed feelings about Maggie’s restraint. Posts on X show frustration, with some arguing that Maggie’s failure to kill Negan undermines her strength. One user wrote, “100+ episodes, and Maggie’s still letting Negan live? Glenn deserves better.” Others appreciate the complexity, with a fan noting, “Maggie’s choice shows she’s bigger than revenge. It’s what makes her a great character.”
Critics have praised the nuance but questioned the pacing. A 2025 ScreenRant article argued that Dead City risks stretching the Maggie-Negan conflict too thin, suggesting that a resolution—whether forgiveness or retribution—might be needed to keep viewers engaged. Collider noted that Daryl Dixon feels fresher, making Dead City’s reliance on legacy characters a double-edged sword.
What Lies Ahead
Maggie’s decision not to kill Negan leaves room for future developments. Dead City Season 2, with its focus on Manhattan’s escalating conflicts, could push Maggie to reconsider her stance. If Negan’s actions endanger Hershel or betray her trust, she might finally act. Conversely, a deeper bond could emerge, as seen in moments where Negan shows genuine care for her son.
The franchise’s broader plans offer additional possibilities. Gimple’s hints at a potential Walking Dead Season 12 or crossover could see Maggie and Negan’s story expand, perhaps resolving their conflict in a larger context. The anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead could also explore their past, shedding light on Maggie’s inner struggle.
Conclusion
Maggie’s refusal to kill Negan over 100 episodes after Glenn’s death is a testament to The Walking Dead’s commitment to complex storytelling. Her restraint reflects her growth as a leader, Negan’s redemption, strategic necessities, and emotional ties to Glenn’s legacy. While frustrating for some fans, this choice keeps the Maggie-Negan dynamic alive, driving Dead City’s narrative and setting the stage for future surprises. As the franchise evolves, Maggie’s story reminds us that in a world of walkers and war, the hardest battles are often fought within.
