The Walking Dead creators threw quite the curveball this week by announcing a spin-off involving Maggie and Negan. At first glance, it seems ill-conceived. After all, here are two characters whose past surely leads to only one resolution – bloody revenge.
Yet the latest – and final – season of the main show has done something brilliant with the pair. While Maggie’s hatred for Negan remains, it has evolved into something different. The pair have been involved in most of The Walking Dead’s best episodes this season and that is no coincidence.
Showrunner Angela Kang has done great things with Negan. To such an extent that we can only wish she had been in control when Lucille first swung into view back in season six.
As for Maggie, Lauren Cohan’s return has rejuvenated a show that was growing stale with too much focus on Daryl and Carol. And this is where things get really interesting.
The Walking Dead’s previous hope for a big spin-off involved the latter pair. But last year’s bottle episodes emphatically proved one thing. For all their history, Daryl and Carol are often boring and so were their ‘adventures’. In contrast, Here’s Negan was arguably the best single episode in the show’s history.
Suddenly the writers had a decision to make. Did they pin all their hopes on people watching a show about Daryl and Carol simply because they are adored by the fanbase? Or do they also try something bolder – focusing on two characters (and two actors) at the top of their game?
Thankfully, they picked both. And now Isle of the Dead will tell the ongoing story of Maggie and Negan in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan.
What will the Maggie and Negan relationship look like?
There are certain things that will always be off limits with this pair. While many fans are desperate for Carol and Daryl to end up together, the same can never be said of Maggie and Negan.
Glenn’s fate means this will only ever be a platonic – and incredibly complex – relationship. And that is no bad thing.
The best scene in season 11 of The Walking Dead was the moment Maggie shot the Reapers in the back. It was bold and terrifying, proving how far she has come since her husband’s demise. It was also a wonderful moment between her and Negan.
He sees so much of himself in Maggie and she in him. As much as she hates that fact, it is now unavoidable.
That is why Isle of the Dead should be fascinating viewing. Finally, we have a Walking Dead spin-off to get excited about.