Rating: ★★★☆☆

The Walking Dead: Dead City takes us on a new journey in the zombie apocalypse, offering both familiar characters and fresh faces in an exciting change of scenery. The show’s first episode introduces us to the enigmatic New Babylon and the bustling streets of Manhattan, injecting a renewed sense of danger and mystery into the beloved franchise. While the series exhibits several strong points, there are also a few aspects that may leave viewers wanting more.

One of the highlights of Dead City is the inclusion of main series characters Maggie and Negan (played by Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as the show’s leads. Fans of The Walking Dead will be delighted to see these familiar faces take center stage. This shift allows us the opportunity to delve deeper into their personalities and motivations as the season progresses. Furthermore, their well-established backstories enable the show to dive straight into the action without the need for extensive exposition.

The exploration of new locations, such as New Babylon and Manhattan, is a refreshing departure from the familiar settings of Alexandria and Hilltop. New Babylon, in particular, piques viewers’ curiosity with its strict enforcement of laws, raising questions about its similarities to other communities encountered in the past. On the other hand, Manhattan provides a thrilling change of pace, with its towering buildings and millions of walkers, presenting our characters with constant peril and adding a new level of intensity to the series.

In addition to the familiar faces, Dead City introduces compelling new characters portrayed by talented actors. Željko Ivanek brings his notable acting prowess to the role of The Croat, the man responsible for the abduction of Hershel. His encounter with Maggie early on in the story sets the stage for an intriguing plotline. Gaius Charles, known for his work in Grey’s Anatomy and Friday Night Lights, delivers a captivating performance as Marshall Perlie Armstrong, charged with maintaining law and order in New Babylon.

True to its roots, The Walking Dead: Dead City ensures that zombies remain an integral part of the series. The premiere episode showcases some of the best zombie effects the show has seen in years, serving as a constant reminder of the world’s dire circumstances. The presence of hordes of zombies raises the stakes and contributes to the overall tension and sense of urgency in the storyline.

The pacing of Dead City is commendable, as the show wastes no time in plunging viewers into the action. Maggie and Negan’s urgent quest to find Maggie’s kidnapped son, Hershel Rhee, keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

However, amidst the series’ strengths, there are a few notable drawbacks. Maggie, while a beloved character, may not be the ideal choice to take on a lead role. Throughout her journey in The Walking Dead, she has primarily been defined by her relationships with other characters (daughter, sister, widow), struggling to develop a distinct persona of her own. Now, as a lead, she risks becoming defined solely as the mother of the kidnapped child, which could limit her character development.

Another letdown comes in the form of Negan, once a charismatic and captivating villain. After years spent in Alexandria’s jail, the character has undergone a significant transformation, showing a more subdued and contemplative side. While his redemption arc was intriguing, it has left us with a less dynamic and engaging character to follow.

One aspect that hinders viewers’ investment in the storyline is the limited understanding of Maggie’s motivation as a mother. While it’s clear she loves her son Hershel, the recasting of the character with an older actor makes it challenging for the audience to connect with him on a deeper level.

The stage is set for an exciting six-episode first season, but it will require good writing and direction to keep viewers interested in anything other than the zombie carnage.