The Walking Dead (TV Series) Here's Negan (2021) User Reviews

One of the best episodes of the entire series

[thesunshinestte · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

I had waited many years to see Negan's backstory, and for this reason I had sky-high expectations. But they delivered. They delivered far above what I expect. Although I've enjoyed the last couple of seasons, it's been a while since The Walking Dead really left me speechless. When the episode was over, I just sat there for two minutes and reflected on what I had just witnessed. "Wow", I said to myself.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers his best performance to date as Negan, accompanied by Hilarie Burton as Negan's cancer-stricken wife Lucille. These two worked so incredibly well together, a true joy to watch. We follow Negan in a series of flashbacks, some of which take place before the apocalypse begins. These scenes provide a lot of depth to Negan's character, and give a better understanding of why he became the person we saw during All Out War. The scene where Negan sings "You Are Beautiful" has to be one of the most emotional I've ever seen, such a powerful moment. Not to mention his amazing monolouge towards the end of the episode after he took out a whole MC gang all by himself.

The dialogue is perceived as good and realistic, the music choices and soundtrack are strategically very appropriate for the thematic angle and the cinematography is brilliant. It was also cool to see Laura again, who was one of Negan's most trusted lieutenants in The Saviors era. I do not think I am alone in believing that a sequel to "Here's Negan" is highly desirable in form of a miniseries, or as a part of the Tales of The Walking Dead anthology series.

The end of the episode makes me ask myself whether Negan will return to his true self, or if he is becoming a critical resource and leader figure as we enter the series' final season. If this episode does not make you excited, hyped and ready for season 11, then I do not know what will. 10/10 - a perfect end to season 10.

Deep dive into a sad past

[tristan_19 · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Here's Negan is a meaningful episode, and one of the best in the series. We get to explore Negan's past in a wonderful manner, as the relationship between Lucille and Negan is portrayed in a realistic way. The progression is really good, so is the execution. The time jumps actually work really well in this episode and they even enhance the experience a lot, as we get a well deserved payoff near the end of the episode where Negan uses the infamous bat for the very first time.

We also get a neat cameo from Laura, who happens to be the one giving the bat to Negan at the beginning. The viewer really feels Negan's desperation to get medicine for Lucille's treatment, as he goes through multiple misadventures. Hilarie Burton and JDM both provide outstanding performances, and we witness one of the saddest episodes yet, as Lucille passes away.

The emotion is felt all throughout, and the episode leads to Negan putting his bat to rest at the end, burning it completely. The last couple of shots of the episode involving Negan and Maggie are so tense and exciting. You won't be able to wait for the next season !

What a powerful episode... Great performances, all sorts of emotions, plus a fantastic relationship, with natural progression and execution make Here's Negan one of the best episodes ever.

Also, the episode succeeds in showing how Negan is now embracing the reality of the apocalypse with the scene where Negan talks to the gang member about his little bar fight, and how there isn't anyone to reprimand these types of situations anymore. Stunning piece of dialogue.

Overall, I would give the episode a 9.8/10.

Negan's origin story: amazing, dark and very touching

[Shadowboy_25cm · 9/10 · 21 March 2022]

Filmded during the Covid 19 pandemic this is the last of six extra bonus episodes after season 10.

Based on Robert Kirkman's Here's Negan one-shot comic, this episode is among the finest hours the show has produced.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan was surprised and excited to do this episode, he was also pretty intimidated, because the mythology of Lucille has been built up so much over the years. Because it mattered a lot in the Negan mythology, Jeffrey Dean Morgan wanted it to be great. And this episode is great.

Amazing performances by Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan and by Hilary Burton Morgan as Lucille.

In this episode, we get more insight into Negan than we've ever had before. It shows a softer, less homicidal side of the character, that makes him more formidable, more three-dimensional, giving him that final side, that puts the pieces together.

Negan is now going forward and this makes him more dangerous than he was before.

And: Maggie and Negan. The sights they give each other in this episode are deadly. Maggie didn't kill Negan, when she had the chance, but left him in the jail cell, hoping, he'll die there. Negan is still alive and if looks could kill, Maggie would have killed him more than once.

The end is cool, tense and thrilling.

Highly recommended.

An amazing finale

[htwjnwi · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

This episode was a masterpiece and amazingly written.

Best episode since what comes after

[sebastianbejramirez · 9/10 · 4 April 2021]

An emotional look at negans backstory, with fantastic chemisty between both negan and lucile. This episode makes you see negan in a different light we get to see that he is not a bad guy. This episode is everything fans have wanted since his introduction in season 6. And we also get to see the return of lucile (the basebal bat)

At last a zombie shuffle return to form.

[amesmonde · 12 May 2021]

Negan faces his past and his future.

Although thin on zombie action, it showcases the best of The Walking Dead, zombie effects, high production and excellent characterisation. This is Negan's episode and showcases how brilliant Jeffreys Dean Morgan is an actor. It's also a bitter sweet reminder how good the series started out.

This episode single handedly, even though mostly a flashback, returns The Walking Dead's je ne sais quoi, reflecting that double edge title, even the living are the walking dead. It is a well written and paced an origins story of both Negan and Lucile. It simmers with real choices and conflicts especially with Negan facing his past and literally his mistake of killing Glenn Rhee.

The Walking Dead like Fear has been an anomaly, strong early seasons, then meandering to all the wrong places, introducing all the wrong characters and storylines. Thankfully in the latter half of season 10 it began to cohesively and wittily return to form with characters plights against themselves and zombies. This episode is no different. Not another unrealistic group of humans to face off against. You know it's good when you can name the characters.

Overall, one of the best character episodes of not just season 10 but the 10 seasons.

Amongst the best episodes in The Walking Dead

[samcastrique · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Everything about about this episode is perfect. If this is what the new Walking Dead Tales series will be like I am excited to see the future of The Walking Dead Universe.

WOW

[chivasregal67 · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Emmy worthy performance by JDM! An emotional and well-written backstory, best episode in YEARS. Negan has always been a mystery to me since his introduction, but this one helped me understand him so much better. The Walking Dead needs more Negan!

Negan's Masterpiece

[ZegMaarJus · 10/10 · 17 July 2021]

This episode begins with Maggie and Hershel at Alexandria, they walk their way trough. Carol helped Negan to move to another place. Negan talks with his own ghost. We see a flashback that Rick slits trough Negan's troath with a knife, Negan goes back to the place where it happened. Negan found back his Lucille bat. We go back twelve years ago, Negan has been ubducted and has been tied up on a chair. Negan got knocked down by Laura, Franklin tied Negan up on a chair. Negan gets attacked by a walker, Lucille shot him down. Negan sings a song for Lucille. We go back seven months earlier, Negan is gaming and Lucille has an appointment at the hospital. Lucille tells to Negan that she has cancer. Baxter threatens to kill Negan, but he gives the information to Baxter in time. Lucille commited suicide while Negan was away. Negan is flabbergasted when he sees it. Negan sets his house on fire. Lucille (Walker) died in the fire. Negan kills the guard with his Lucille bat. Franklin knocks down Baxter with a chair. Negan has a conversation with Baxter. Negan knocks down Baxter with his Lucille bat, he died afterwards. We go back to present day, Negan talks to the Lucille bat. Negan puts the Lucille bat into the fire. Negan returned at Alexandria. Negan looks Maggie in her eyes. Amazing Final of The Walking Dead Season 10, nice ending of a exciting season. This season was overall around an 8. I love Negan on this show. What a performance from Jeffrey Dean Morgan!

This episode is incredible

[cicerowojewodzki · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Arguably the best episode of The Walking Dead TV show, that is so insane to say because there are a lot of great episodes of this show. 10/10 easily. JDM gives his all in his best performance of Negan on the show period.

little pig, little pig....

[fountasalexander · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Easiest 10/10 I've ever given, one of the best episodes of the entire show, and that's very surprising since 10C has been pretty boring.

Great to finally see Negans backstory!

AMAZING!

[samballs-20312 · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

I've personally really liked all of these bonus episodes but this episode was just phenomenal! The acting, writing, directing, and cinematography were incredible! By far the best bonus episode, best of the season, and possibly best of the show. Wow! Give Jeffrey Dean Morgan a Golden Globe already!

Your mamas TWD

[theknownames · 7/10 · 16 October 2021]

When it was first announced that someone would 'die' before an episode, I knew things had changed forever. I stayed with it and got used to this new storytelling , hey ,things change. It is what it is . We have been waiting on Lucille's backstory for some time now , but still , I wasn't ready. I don't forgive Neagan, something epic needed to happen to justify who he became and I don't buy it's all tied to what just happened in this episode. Its decent but it's still not TWD it was.. The viewer demographics have changed and the writing accommodated- I understand it . I just don't like it. This episode is tied into a back story that's so terrible and complex yet nothing here justifies what he has done . I am giving it a 7 based on the past couple of seasons. If I were to take into account the series in its entirety ,this would be more of a 5 -6 ish because , well it's something and it's some closure.

Masterpiece? A Real Review.

[nona-sui · 5/10 · 5 April 2021]

The best of 10C. In context,10C has altogether been abysmal.

As Negan's backstory goes, it was as expected, a stereotypical villain origin story. Similarly to the Governor, he was a good guy who lost his wife tragically, she was his moral compass, a lot of sympathetic writing. He runs into & overcomes horrible people. The acting is good & it's nice to see old characters. It's a reward for enduring the prior episodes.

It fails to explain why'd he inflict identical pain after losing his wife due to cancer, withholding life saving medication in exchange for sex (rape) and kill people for fun and become a dictator. That's where the show misses it's mark & for people looking for an explanation, you'll find an typical ex villain story with the standard death of a saccharine sweet character, that ignores the elephant in the room: everyone went through horrible experiences & lost loved ones, they didn't turn into monsters. The only real interesting part of the episode is the ending that makes you question whether he's back to the guy before Lucille's death or the still the monster he became after.

If you hated Negan before the episode, you'll still hate him, if you loved him, you'll love him even more.

Similarly to Diverged, fans of the character are flooding this episode with "10" ratings on the level of Too Far Gone, No Sanctuary, No way Out etc. It's miles ahead of Diverged & the rest of 10C & for sure worth the watch, but this episode does not rank with TWD's greatest. This was episode was predictable & unremarkable.

One of the best backstories I've ever seen

[kalelwhistler · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

It's been a while that a Walking Dead episode made me feel this way, the feeling is just indescribable...you have to go through it to know it.

Best Episode of the Walking in years

[hackerabdullahi · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

40 Minutes of full madness CANT WAIT FOR SEASON 11.

An all time best for this show

[mauropenagos · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Here's negan is without a doubt the all time best episode ever made, the quality is great if season 11 follows the quality of this episode is going to be the best season in the show.

Here's Negan has Jeffrey Dean Morgan at his best, it shows how great and talented the writers are

[Holt344 · 10/10 · 5 April 2021]

Here's Negan is adapted from the story (mini comic book series) with the same name, it's a story for every Negan fan and honestly a story and episode worth telling as it humanizes Negan as it tells his backstory and how he turned into the person that we got introduced to. Laura Belsey directed the 22nd episode and I'm glad she did, one of the best directors on The Walking Dead and it shows in this episode.

Lucille is played by Hillarie Burton which is the wife to Jeffery Dean Morgan who plays Negan, and having them portray husband and wife in the episode made it so much better as the love the characters feel are real feelings and it can't get better than that. It's also nice to see them act together in this phenomenal episode of quality drama.

Having read Robert Kirkman's Here's Negan comic book, I was ready for what was to come but honestly this story works so much better in television. It was emotional, probably one of the emotional and saddest episodes. As we know that Lucille died prior to Season 7 it isn't a spoiler.

If I haven't said it in another review before, I'm saying it now. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is Negan, his portrayal of the character is comic accurate (except for the lack of the F word, still miss that) but the performance have always been award worthy and among the best the show has to offer. Jeffrey's performance in this episode is among the best of his in the show and I haven't seen all of his movies but I think possibly among the best performance of his career. He showed Negan pre-apocalypse and post-apocalypse, the character wasn't the same throughout that time and Jeffrey Dean Morgan brought a perfect performance to the episode. Here's Negan ended in a big way that made me look forward to the season 11 premiere, even more.

The best episode of an uneven season

[mhorg2018 · 10/10 · 5 April 2021]

The story of Negan is way overdue. Morgan dominates this episode, showing a brilliant range of emotion and the birth of the leader of the saviors. His journey from high school gym teacher to Negan is an arduous one and well worth watching.

Why can't it always be like this?

[shayedbruva · 9/10 · 12 June 2021]

There is not a doubt in my mind that The Walking Dead is the most inconsistent show I have ever seen.

How does a show vary from awful to great so many times in one single season?

The last 2 episodes have been objectively the two worst episodes the series has ever seen. Now this episode comes along with genuine heart-wrenching performances, stellar writing and beautiful directing. How? I find myself profoundly dumbfounded as to how the quality of this show can alter this much.

This episode's writing was on par with the old walking dead. And not many episodes since season 6 managed to reach that level.

Dear God I just hope that they somehow manage to go out with a banger in the last season.

When emotion or memory creates feeling

[Nos2001 · 9/10 · 7 February 2022]

A great episode. It is good to see how Negan became himself. Jeffery Dean Morgan does a superb job of revealing past hurt, which creates the Negan we know today - and to some viewers - the Negan we love.

One thing to note however, is that this episode delivers a greater emotional experience than previous 'story-telling' episodes. And by that I mean the old catch phrase of: everyone loves a person to hate, and the emotions involved in assembling that character are therefore more appreciated.

Negan is someone who creates, for most of us, a love/hate relationship. We hate his previous violence towards beloved characters, but we love the creation of 'I did this, because...'

Great story-telling, great acting, and the end delivers what should be accepted as a possible foregone conclusion to the series.

I just reflect that in previous 'story-telling' episodes the fans have been less appreciative. But surely, as I have pointed out in the aforementioned explanation, people may start to realise the reasons they gave the earlier S10 episodes a bad rating.

You've got to love the bad characters, being a possible, if perhaps unsuitably simple, explanation.

Bravo to TWD team for such a great season finale, and one can only hope for a series ending season being as impressive.

I love Negan

[dannylee-78082 · 10/10 · 8 September 2021]

What a perfect ending to a season. I just cannot get enough of this character and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Really interested to see how the tension between Maggie and Negan is gonna play out!

Seems a bit overrated

[custardarded · 6/10 · 6 April 2021]

I thought the story was kind of cool, but man was it poorly written.

The chain of 'back in time' sequences felt like an actual joke rather than a serious story.

The lead actor was excellent. It's just the writing and directing that made very little sense to me.

For example, why did Negan smirk at Maggie at the end? After giving a heart felt speech to his dead wife about being sorry for being an "a$$hole". Burning his bat to solidify the end of his evil ways.

Then, all of that just goes out the window in the last minute of the show.

It really feels like the writers have no idea what they want to do with the character, so they're just stringing on the audience.

This episode was definitely not the worst episode, but I certainly don't think it's 9.5 / 10.

How not to write

[rmmil · 3/10 · 6 April 2021]

Any fan of TWD over the last 5 years has known the "Negan origin story" was coming. The "couple handling the zombie apocalypse in the early days" has been a common "side story" storyline they've been doing for a while now on this show.

So this should have been an easy episode to write. The screenwriters of it had been given multiple previous "gifts" of hints at how Negan's origin came about, so writing it should have been smooth sailing. Should have been.

The setup was all there. It was plainly obvious when we met Negan in TWD, things turned out poorly for him and his wife at the beginning of it all.

But the delivery left a lot to be desired, IMO. Firstly, the flashbacks inside of flashbacks just didn't work for me. It was like Inception, for flashbacks.

Secondly, I don't believe for a second that Negan just turned evil as he did as it was portrayed in this episode. The helpful loving husband becomes a murderous torturer because his wife died. Then, he just switched back, conveniently.

I understand it was a narrative choice to tell Negan's origin story and also try not make the audience hate him too much at the same time, but do we forget this was the same guy who melted off people's faces?

Anyway, it was a fine idea told in a ridiculously clumsy way. So, very typical for this series, then.

Redemption for TWD !!!!

[mlmiller-56264 · 10/10 · 4 April 2021]

It feels so good to remember what it was like to watch an amazing episode of the walking dead, this episode is quality we have not seen for such a long time. They could've screwed this up, but honestly, I loved it! Negans character development is on a whole new level. Well done Angela Kang 👍👍👍