The season 2 premiere of The Walking Dead: Dead City hit the ground running with a short time jump, the introduction of new characters and the promise of an all-out war brewing between the New Babylon Federation and the survivors of Manhattan.

The New Babylon Federation Arrived at The Bricks on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Things seemed fairly quiet at The Bricks for Maggie Rhee (Lauren Cohan), Hershel Rhee (Logan Kim) and Ginny (Mahina Napoleon) — that is, until the New Babylon Federation arrived in town. Governor Charlie Byrd (Jasmin Walker) commended now-Colonel Perlie Armstrong (Gaius Charles) for tracking down Negan Smith (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and bringing him “to justice” and Perlie announced they would be drafting soldiers as a part of a plan to take over Manhattan.

“There was a place once. Full of so many buildings so packed together you could barely see where the sky started. A strategic port, the center of music, food, art and commerce,” he told the group. “All that’s left are crumbling buildings and a million dead souls. It’s been overrun by lawless barbarians … it’s not too late. Manhattan can once again inspire and spread hope and serve as a bastion for civilization.”

Major Lucia Narvaez (Dascha Polanco) then gave the group a stern warning of what would happen to those that didn’t obey by having a man publicly executed for fleeing to avoid conscription.

How Negan Became The Dama’s Pawn on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Negan has seemingly been in a prison cell eating cockroaches for the last few months since Maggie traded him to The Croat (Željko Ivanek) for Hershel.

“It pains me to see you like this,” The Croat told him. “Time has run out, Negan. She’s going to talk and you need to listen now. Are you ready to listen?”

The Croat brought Negan to The Dama (Lisa Emery) – who tried to get into Negan’s good graces by giving him a bottle of gin. The Croat then explained that the New Babylon Federation had plans to invade Manhattan and they needed to form an army of their own made up of the different factions of lawless survivors that control different parts of the island – that’s where Negan’s particular set of skills come into play.

“Inspire them, manipulate, terrorize, put on a show,” The Dama said to Negan. “Whatever it takes to get them on board.”

Negan gave her a gruff “hell, no,” but he was forced to change his mind when The Dama revealed she discovered where his wife and child lived.

A War for Manhattan Brewed on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Back at The Bricks, Hershel argued with Benjamin Pierce (Keir Gilchrist), who appeared to be a sort of journalist or historian for New Babylon, about whether it was even possible to return Manhattan to its former glory.

Shortly after, Perlie told Maggie that he planned to recommend her to be conscripted to the military because of her familiarity with Manhattan.

“If we don’t get that methane, if New Babylon falls … We’ve lost too much,” he said. “We’re in this together.”

“Are we?” Maggie retorted.

Despite her frustration, she made a deal with Perlie to join them as long as no one else at The Bricks could be conscripted without their consent.

The Return of Lucille on ‘TWD: Dead City’

The season 2 premiere also marked the return of a long-lost character – Lucille. The Croat apologized that Negan’s wife and son had to be dragged into their dirty business and gave him a new version of the bat as a peace offering.

“Just like the original Lucille, although I have added some, shall we say, improvements,” he said. When Negan appeared less than pleased, he added, “I understand. After a long break, when a performer takes the stage again, he wants to try out new material. But in the end, all the audience really wants is the greatest hits.”

Maggie and Ginny Prove Themselves to Lucia on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Governor Byrd, Perlie and Lucia decide that they will “conduct an assessment” on Maggie by having her fight a ring full of Walkers.

At the last minute, Ginny arrived and jumped into the ring herself. Maggie went in after her and following a tense fight, they both came out alive.

Negan’s Church Sermon on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Forced under The Dama’s control, Negan agreed to talk with the other groups in Manhattan and convince them to fight with him against the New Babylon Federation army.

“I am not asking for any kumbaya. You see, I am not a preacher. And you sure as s–t ain’t no congregation,” he said to the crowd. “But you are gonna fight … and not for the common good. I could give a rat’s ass about the common good. No, you are gonna fight … you’re gonna fight because I say so.”

To make his point, Negan hovered Lucille 2.0 in front of a man’s face. When he grabbed it, it electrocuted him and sent him flying to the ground.

“Methane. We got it, you don’t,” Negan explained to his rattled audience. “We got the bright lights, the cool cars, the awesome weapons … You see, power equals power. It’s as simple as that. So if you aren’t with us, I guess you’re in for a bit of a shock.”

After Negan’s speech, the lights to Radio City Music Hall turned on, indicating that they truly could bring electricity back to Manhattan.

Maggie’s Departure on ‘TWD: Dead City’

Maggie was preparing to leave with the New Babylon Federation higher-ups when Ginny revealed that she was planning on leaving with her as well. Maggie attempted to stop her, but the teenager replied, “You’re not my mother. You’re not anything to me.”

Upset that he would be the only one staying behind, Hershel accused his mom of only going back to Manhattan because of Negan.

“Why are you doing this?” Maggie asked him. “Why do you wanna go back?”

She pulled out a drawing that he did of The Dama, trying to connect the dots on what it could mean, but Hershel lied and said he’d only seen her face on a billboard.

Before she left, Maggie assured Hershel that she would come back and that they’d pick up where they left off.

The episode ended with Hershel looking at the picture of The Dama again.