When the idea of writing about duos came to mind, several iconic duos immediately came to mind. Still, I thought it would be fun to start with this particular duo. This way, I've come to realize that the concept of duo can be interpreted in many different ways. Hopefully, after reading this column, you'll feel the same way. Perhaps, with this open mind, some duos will surface that you wouldn't have previously considered to be duos.
What makes the duo of Negan and Lucille so special? I can easily imagine those unfamiliar with The Walking Dead wondering. Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrays Negan fantastically. Negan is a leader of the group calling itself the Saviors, a violent group that oppresses other communities. Negan's arrival is infamous, as he's introduced on the show just as he's about to commit a brutal murder. This is where the other half of this unique duo comes into play. It's a unique duo because Lucille isn't a character. Lucille is Negan's baseball bat. This isn't a misogynistic remark, but Lucille is literally a baseball bat.
While this might seem strange at first, I'll explain why I consider them a duo. The backstory is fascinating. Before the apocalypse, Negan was a gym teacher and a loving husband to Lucille, his wife. Lucille had cancer when the world collapsed. Negan cared for her as best he could, teaching her to administer an IV, and searching for medicine when it ran out. While he was away, Lucille committed suicide, leaving Negan deeply traumatized. After her death, Negan burns down their house and names his baseball bat "Lucille" in tribute. This marks the beginning of his transformation. Negan joins a group of survivors and grows into a ruthless leader, using violence as a means of control and survival.
Negan is one of the most feared and charismatic villains on The Walking Dead. His presence is undeniable. His charm and cruelty make him a complex character who evokes both admiration and revulsion. His inseparable companion, Lucille, is harder to pin down in terms of personality traits, as she's not a character at all. Lucille is best described as quite prickly and has a rather bloody disposition. Lucille isn't just a weapon; she's an extension of Negan himself. The bond between Negan and Lucille is almost symbiotic. He treats her with an almost religious reverence, as if she were a living being. This relationship influences his interactions with others. He uses Lucille to assert his dominance and intimidate his enemies. But there's also a certain vulnerability in his devotion to Lucille. A glimpse of the man he once was.
As brutal as Negan is, after what he's been through, you, as a viewer, empathize with him. He talks to Lucille as if she were his wife. Their relationship illustrates how trauma and loss can shape a person and how symbols from the past can play a role in the present. What does the future hold for Negan? Will he ever break free from Lucille's shadow, or will she always remain a part of him? We're certainly not done with Negan yet. The character can also be seen in The Walking Dead: Dead City. I loved kicking things off with this duo, and I hope you enjoy it too. Until next time!
