Although the credits rolled on The Walking Dead in 2022, the adventures continue for multiple characters who thrilled viewers on that show for years. New spinoffs gave them new stories to tell and new threats to face, with The Walking Dead: Dead City furthering the feud between Maggie Rhee and Negan as the pair end up in New York City.
The two engaged in the original show's most infamous rivalry as Maggie sought to kill her archenemy after he brutally killed Glenn in front of her. Although they ended up burying the hatchet in the series finale when Maggie acknowledged that he had changed, there was never going to be anything close to forgiveness. But Negan had changed, and part of that was down to his affection for Maggie and Glenn's son Hershel.
Portrayed by Logan Kim, Hershel has become a main character in the world of the TWD Universe, serving as one of Dead City's main characters in its second season. He's also missing a toe. Here's the unusual story behind that.
The Dama severed Hershel's toe to use as a threat to Negan
Hershel's toe was severed by The Dama as a threat to Negan. A twisted insurance policy in case he didn't cooperate with her and The Croat's plan for New York City, it was a reminder to Negan that they could track down and harm the boy anytime they wanted. In order to avoid that, Negan had to find that bat-wielding villain within and perform for his captors, organizing their army like he once did with The Saviors and becoming a front-facing leader of their movement.
Negan had undergone a huge redemption arc on The Walking Dead and that was largely due to his compassion for children. He cared about Carl, which showed that there was some humanity in him, and subsequetly bonded with Judith - which drove his redemption arc home. Although he wasn't as close with Hershel due to what he did to his father Glenn, he was willing to protect him whenever any dangers arose.
He also agreed to help Maggie rescue him from The Croat in Dead City's first season when he was kidnapped to get Negan's attention. He didn't know the full extent of what he was signing up for, as Maggie planned to trade his freedom for her son's, but he allowed it to happen in the end. Hershel was free and allowed to return home with Maggie while Negan had to remain in Manhattan with the villains.
The Dama's threat to Hershel's life is a reminder that they can always try to recreate history and take him again. Of course, going up against Maggie Rhee is something that they shouldn't be foolish enough to even contemplate, but that doesn't mean The Dama won't use Hershel's toe as leverage to get what she wants. And what she wants is for Negan to return to his old, cruel ways.
Like we said, Maggie wouldn't allow history to repeat itself (and there would be no point in even trying) but Negan isn't necessarily willing to take that risk. He's fond of Hershel and he will never stop fighting to make up for his heinous actions throughout the tenure of the original series, so he takes The Dama's threat very seriously.
But honestly, it's The Dama who should be worried; hurt Maggie's son and she will come for you.