The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 5 Recap and Ending, Explained

The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 5 Ending, Explained – “Stories We Tell Ourselves,” the fifth episode of AMC’s post-apocalyptic series ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City,” follows Maggie Greene and her companions, Tomaso and Amaia, searching for Hershel at Croat’s Building. However, their mission takes an unexpectedly dangerous turn when an incident threatens the lives of Tomaso and Amaia. Amid these events, Maggie discovers an astonishing revelation about Tomaso that leaves her stunned.

Currently, Perlie Armstrong holds Negan hostage at gunpoint. However, as the story progresses, we learn that Perlie Armstrong may have a more complex agenda for keeping Negan prisoner than assumed initially. The episode introduces us to an unknown accomplice of hers who also keeps watch over Negan.

As the episode reaches its stunning climax, all its components start fitting together, finally providing insight into Hershel’s mysterious disappearance. Incredibly, “Stories We Tell Ourselves” reveals why this incident occurred and leaves viewers eager to uncover all aspects of this disturbing event.

The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 5 “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” Recap

The beginning of “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” shows Maggie, Tomaso, Amaia, and Ginny going through an underground tunnel to locate Hershel, Maggie’s missing son. Tomaso shocks them further when he miraculously produces two oxygen tanks from his backpack and distributes them among the group, providing vital lifelines during their challenging journey. Once Maggie discovers that Tomaso has been concealing tanks all along, she confronts him about his deceit and asks how he knew so much about the intricate layout of the Croat stronghold. Tomaso desperately tries to come up with an acceptable explanation but soon faces reality when members of his community discover his secret deal with Croat to guide them.

After their mission concludes, Maggie confides in Amaia that she understands if she no longer wishes to remain with Tomaso, and can return home instead. Meanwhile, Perlie continues his attempts to capture Negan, informing the marshal why he killed the magistrate and others out of revenge for what they did to Annie. Realizing Perlie shows no signs of releasing him, Negan attempts to escape but finds himself unable to abandon anyone to an inevitable fate. Instead, he helps an injured marshal board a school bus while providing essential first aid services en route back.

The Croat visits Dama, apprising her of Negan’s escape. Though not thrilled about this news, she acknowledges its significance to their shared endeavors. Tomaso confides in Maggie that the Croat had offered safe passage back to the mainland if he delivered his people to their lair. In return, he deceived his community while seeking safety for himself and Amaia alone. Later that day, Maggie, Ginny, Amaia, and Tomaso come under attack from walkers, resulting in Tomaso and Amaia’s deaths during the ensuing battle.

The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 5 Ending Explained

Maggie and Ginny remain the sole members of their group without Tomaso and Amaia by their sides. Ginny still harbors anger towards Maggie for separating her from Negan. Maggie understands Ginny’s hatred towards her but believes they need Negan as a father figure to rescue Hershel from Croat capture in exchange for Hilltop’s grain. Despite Ginny’s doubts, Maggie insists Negan must return, even if Ginny had previously checked and discovered the full tanks were filled with grain, contradicting Maggie’s story about Croat theft.

Contrary to Maggie and others’ beliefs, the Croat’s motivations for abducting Hershel do not revolve around ensuring an ample grain supply at Hilltop. Instead, their primary interest lies with Negan, and they demand he return Hershel home. Maggie remains fearful that Negan might oppose using their son as leverage, so she fabricates narratives about Croat involvement at Hilltop, prioritizing grain storage instead of telling the complete truth. Perhaps Maggie assumes he would not willingly sacrifice himself to save their son, given his history of killing Glenn before.

Since Maggie turned to Negan for help in rescuing Hershel, she has actively turned against him. While remaining true to her principles, Maggie understandably prioritizes Hershel’s safety over that of Negan. Losing Glenn was an immense tragedy for Maggie, so she vows to prevent history from repeating itself by protecting Hershel from Negan at any cost, even if that means offering herself up as a sacrifice in exchange for his safety.

Stream The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 5 on AMC.

Also Read: The Walking Dead Dead City Episode 3 Recap and Ending, Explained