The new Walking Dead Redemption arc is the story Negan should have had

The last episode of Fear the walking dead proves for the second time that Troy Otto had one of the best villain redemption arcs in the entire franchiseand moreover, that The Walking Dead Negan should have had something similar. Fear the walking dead recently completed its eighth and final season, bringing The Walking Dead very first spin-off at its end. The final season was full of shocking twists and turns, including the return of Troy Otto after his supposed death in season 3, and in turn, the resumption of his intense feud with Madison. Ultimately, it was this conflict that brought the series full circle.

The Walking Dead The franchise has had many villains in its time, some of them incredibly memorable and others less so. On the one hand, the return of Troy Otto to Fear the walking dead was exciting because of his history with Madison and the long-held belief that he was dead. Additionally, the series gave him a satisfying redemption arc for both heroes and villains. Unfortunately, others The Walking Dead the bad guys weren’t as lucky as Troy. For example, the big villain of the franchise who became a hero, Negan had a chaotic villain arc that, in some ways, still continues today..

The problems with Negan’s redemption story in The Walking Dead

It’s true that Negan was bought by The Walking Dead franchise, but his redemption arc hasn’t been as clear as Troy’s. In fact, the question of Negan’s redemption sometimes still seems to be up for debate, even in The Walking Dead: Dead City. Just when Negan seems to be the hero of the story, he reverts to his questionable ways, constantly switching back and forth. In this way, Negan’s redemption arc failed him because it was too vague and too long.. Considering he’s been with the franchise since 2016, he really should be decidedly good or bad these days.

Additionally, Negan’s villain arc failed because it hasn’t been updated in a long time. Although it took a while for her redemption to truly begin, she hasn’t changed much since the beginning. Negan tries to be good, especially regarding his relationship with Maggie, but ends up reverting to his old ways.. This is demonstrated when Negan attempted to kill Maggie at the beginning of The Walking Dead season 11. The franchise has also had plenty of opportunities to refresh Negan’s villain arc, including with his son and wife. But The Walking Dead has apparently given up on defining Negan.

What Fear TWD’s Troy Redemption Arc Gets Right (What Negan Didn’t)

The main reasons why Fear the Walking Dead Troy’s redemption worked much better than Negan’s. Troy’s arc was simple and ended clearly. Although Troy has technically been redeemed twice on the show, both times it was executed in a way where it’s obvious Troy wants to do better, and then he meets his destiny via Madison. Even though some may be disappointed by Troy’s death, at least the audience is convinced that Troy wanted to change. For both Nick and his daughter Tracy, Troy decided to change and unfortunately, Madison wouldn’t let him.

In reality, this type of redemption arc could have happened for Negan as well. According to The Walking Dead comics, his relationship with Maggie has a similar vein to that of Troy and Madison, in which Negan apologizes and promises to be better and Maggie gets the chance to end him for good. Unlike Madison, she decides to spare him, believing that a sad and lonely life would be a better punishment. From here, Negan’s villain arc is essentially over and the two can move on. Unfortunately, the TV series did not follow this course and Negan suffered in return.

Troy’s death makes his FTWD redemption even better

In a way, the death of Troy at the end of Fear the walking dead actually makes his redemption arc better. While it might have been satisfying to see Troy keep his promises to be a better person, the fact is that Fear the walking dead was coming to an end. Even if Troy had lived, the likelihood of his hero’s arc actually playing out would have been minimal. SO, killing him is instead a more dramatic option. This turns him into a martyr. Plus, it gives Madison the satisfaction she deserves after Troy manipulated her with Alicia’s potential death.

The greatest thing about Fear the Walking Dead The end of Troy is that it puts a definitive end to its history. Although he started out as a chaotic and violent person in season 3, he ended his time on the show in a new place. His daughter and wife inspired him to be better, to believe in second chances and mercy. And although Troy doesn’t experience this truth, his new ideals solidify him as a good person, and therefore an incredible villain. With nothing else to say or do, Troy’s reputation ends with Fear the walking dead season 8, avoiding the trap Negan fell into.

Troy will be remembered as one of the best Walking Dead villains (across all series)

Ultimately, Troy’s redemption arc means he will be remembered as one of The Walking Dead best villains of all time. He perfected the balance between unleashed violence and heartfelt redemption.. He secured his spot on the show through his rivalry with Madison, which was so strong that she was able to return without question after five seasons. He grew with time and had reason to improve, but he still had to pay his dues. He dipped his toes into the best of bad and the best of good, and ended his arc on a very final note, meaning it will be presented in this ideal way forever.

Overall, Troy got the best of both worlds, which is why he’s a perfect villain. It received the best pacing, best choices, and best ending. Clearly, Negan has missed every opportunity, and at this point he’s still trying to get out of the bad guy trenches. Hopefully after Troy’s success Fear the walking dead bow, The Walking Dead may try to give Negan the same kind of treatment. Ultimately, he must abandon his long villainous past in favor of something better.