The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3, Episode 7 brings Maggie and Negan’s growing conflict with Dillard to a violent turning point. Titled “Hourglass,” the episode reveals what really happened to Dillard, delivers a major character death, and puts Manhattan’s new community under dangerous leadership.
Warning: Major spoilers for The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3, Episode 7 follow.
- Episode: Season 3, Episode 7, “Hourglass”
- Release date: September 6, 2026
- Season 3 finale: Episode 8, “Tenebrae,” arrives September 13, 2026
Dillard turns everyone against Negan
Episode 7 returns to the main timeline after Episode 6 explored a different reality for Maggie and Negan. Negan has killed Fabian, while Renata and her people now believe he also attacked Dillard. Maggie, however, refuses to accept Dillard’s story without getting the full picture.
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Negan admits killing Fabian because Fabian planned to kill Maggie. He had already taken Fabian’s gun before killing him, making the decision difficult for Maggie to defend, but she understands that Negan acted because he believed Fabian remained a threat.
The bigger revelation involves Dillard. Negan previously killed Dillard’s two walker companions, one accidentally and another intentionally, because he saw them as a danger ahead of Renata’s attack. Dillard reacts by cutting his own face and claiming Negan attacked him, knowing Renata already expects the worst from Negan.
Who kills Renata in Dead City Episode 7?
Renata initially wants Negan punished, but Luis eventually convinces her to reconsider attacking the bar. She begins moving toward taking Negan into custody instead of immediately killing him.
Dillard refuses to accept that decision.
He suddenly shoots Renata in the chest and kills her. Luis witnesses his sister’s murder before he is knocked unconscious, giving Dillard the opportunity to take control of the Dozen and order an attack on Maggie and Negan.
Maggie and Negan manage to escape the bar during the fighting, with Hershel helping create an opening for them. Dillard then raids the armory, takes control of the community’s food and holds survivors inside the hospital. He also puts his old NYPD uniform back on as he settles into his new position of power.
What Episode 7 means for the Season 3 finale
Previous seasons largely centered on Maggie and Negan’s violent history, especially Maggie’s struggle to live alongside the man who killed Glenn. Season 3 has gradually pushed their relationship toward trust, and “Hourglass” takes that change further by making Maggie the person defending Negan when others want him dead.
The finale now has a clear conflict. Dillard controls the community, its weapons and its supplies, while Maggie, Negan and Hershel remain outside. Episode 8 will have to deal with Renata’s death, Luis’ reaction and Dillard’s sudden rise as Manhattan’s latest threat.
The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 concludes with “Tenebrae” on September 13. What do you think Maggie and Negan will do about Dillard, and can they take the community back? Let us know in the comments.
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