Note: This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, episode 3, titled “Why Did The Mainlanders Cross the River?”
Analyzing Hershel’s Loyalties in The Walking Dead: Dead City
The Walking Dead: Dead City actor Logan Kim sheds light on the complex loyalties of his character, Hershel, in the latest season. Despite undergoing a traumatic experience at the hands of the Dama (Lisa Emery), who kidnapped him and inflicted pain by removing one of his toes, Hershel has shown more allegiance to the Dama than to his own mother, Maggie (Lauren Cohan). This internal conflict escalated when Hershel ignited a fire at the docks, signaling the Dama and her cohorts about the advancing New Babylon Federation, all while attempting to conceal his true intentions from Maggie.
In a conversation with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender, Kim elaborated on whether Hershel can balance protecting his loved ones while simultaneously aiding the Dama. He suggests that an inevitable choice lies ahead for Hershel between loyalty to Maggie and allegiance to the Dama. Through Kim’s insights, we learn of Hershel’s growing appreciation for Maggie’s willingness to listen and understand him. However, the Dama’s nurturing yet manipulative influence has also taken a strong hold over him. Kim further indicates that Hershel’s relationships will experience significant evolution throughout the season, hinting at dramatic changes to come.
Well, that’s the big conflict, right? Because he’s got to choose somebody. His mom has been opening up more and listening to him more. At the same time, the Dama got in his head already, and so he is getting pulled one way or the other, and he doesn’t even know how to deal with that, really.
I think the Dama becomes a motherly figure to him. She’s very gentle – and very manipulative, but he doesn’t really see that. She really listens to him, and he starts trusting her. I do think there’s definitely a motherly dynamic there.
I think we’ve seen a little bit of this already, but Hershel’s relationship with both the Dama and Maggie changes drastically this season. Whether they improve or decrease, I just think there’s such a big shift there. It’s really exciting, and that’s something to look forward to, for sure.
Implications for The Walking Dead: Dead City
The Crucial Choice: The Dama or Maggie?
Kim’s insights regarding the Dama’s role as a “motherly figure”gain additional context following flashback sequences in season 2, episode 3. Hershel seems to perceive the Dama as someone who validates his emotions and genuinely sees him, filling a void that Maggie hasn’t addressed. This emotional validation has blinded him to her manipulative nature, leading him to consider betraying his own mother by becoming a confidant for the Dama.
Despite his frustrations, Hershel still desires a nurturing relationship with Maggie and does not wish her harm. However, the conflicting emotional needs from both figures cannot coexist indefinitely. This tension will likely culminate in a pivotal moment when Hershel finds himself face-to-face with the Dama in New York City, setting the stage for the “big shift”that Kim anticipates later in the season.
Perspectives on Logan Kim’s Insights
Recognizing the Dama’s Manipulations
Since the conclusion of Dead City’s inaugural season, Hershel has evolved into a character with notable depth, particularly as an ambiguous figure in service to the Dama. It is my hope that this “big shift”will see Hershel reaffirm his loyalties to Maggie and unveil the Dama’s ulterior motives for her manipulation. Given the current circumstances unfolding in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, the opportunity for Hershel to navigate a path toward reconciliation with his mother may enable him to discern the manipulation at play.