Spoilers for ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Negan and Maggie’s journey has begun in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ and despite their differences, they are working toward a common cause, at least for now. As the episode progresses, the focus remains on Maggie who wants to find her son Hershel. He has been taken away by the newest villain in the franchise -- The Croat.

‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 has a few interesting talking points, but it all leads to the last ten minutes of the episode, and possibly the most-anticipated too. While Maggie and Negan’s character arcs and relationship are crucial. For now, it’s time to talk about The Croat, who appeared at the end of the first episode, elevating the entire experience.

The Croat finally appears

As of now, his real name is unknown, so in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 he is addressed by his alias ‘The Croat' and is mentioned a lot. Frankly, as more than half the episode finished without an actual appearance from this villain, we couldn’t help but wonder if they were saving him for the next episode, that would be some build-up! Nevertheless, the last ten minutes of ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 were dedicated to The Croat, who has captured Maggie’s son. Calling his demeanor and appearance creepy would be an understatement, but that gives a gist of the character, and what we can expect from him in the future.

Hershel is trying his best to hold his own and not let his fear show, mirroring traits he has picked up from his mother. The Croat is currently using Hershel as ransom, while Maggie begrudgingly takes Negan’s help to get to him. The Croat’s character is established well in ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1, especially when one of his other prisoners tries to escape and The Croat cut the rope, watching the man plummet to his death with a menacing smile on his face. The Croat is almost a little Joker-esque, which only makes it more exciting.

Zeljko Ivanek has done a phenomenal job playing The Croat in the first episode of ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ and has set the bar high. Hershel continues to remain captured and The Croat’s ruthlessness will be proven in the later episodes, but the tone has been set.

If you were expecting The Croat to be a big, broad man without watching the promos or trailers, you might want to reconsider that. ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 ends with The Croat pleased about his latest kill, and we are certain he’s already plotting the next.

You can watch ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Episode 1 on AMC and AMC+ from June 18, 2023.