Joan (Telltale)

This article is about the Telltale Series character. For other pages with the same name, see: Joan

Joan
Actor	Jayne Taini
Gender	Female
Hair Color	Brown and Gray
Age	Mid to Late 40s
Occupation	Pre-Apocalypse Former COO of a furniture manufacturing company Post-Apocalypse Former Co-Leader and Head of Diplomacy for the New Frontier
Family	(Unnamed) - Ex-Husband (Unnamed) - Child
Ethnicity	Asian-American
Status	Determinant
Episode Count	2
First Appearance	"Above The Law"
Last Appearance	"Thicker Than Water" (Alive) "From The Gallows" (Photograph, Determinant)
Fate
Death Episode	"Thicker Than Water" (Determinant)

“

The real question is how could I not? What would happen without your fertilizer, Clint? Or your pills, Paul? Do you think our community would survive? I did what I had to, to ensure that we would. It wasn’t easy... I took the hard decisions on myself. You all remember the winter — how much we lost. Friends. Lovers. Children. I made a promise — I would never let that happen again. The raids were just to keep up us going, ‘til Richmond reached sustainability. We’re so close. So close to our dream. Do we really want to risk it all by fighting amongst ourselves? We should be all on the same side of this, David. On Richmond’s side. Surely you can see that? ―Joan about the raids. (Determinant)

”

Joan is a main character and an antagonist, as well as a survivor of the outbreak in The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series. She is one of four leaders of the New Frontier alongside David García, Clinton Barnes, and Paul Lingard, and acts as the group's head of diplomacy. In reality, she is also the mastermind behind the New Frontier's raids on other settlements, her motivation spurred from their loss of people and supplies from the past winter. Despite not appearing until "Above The Law", she served as the secret antagonist of the first half of Season 3 since she's the one pulling Badger, Max, and Lonnie's strings in the first two episodes, and the primary antagonist of the second half of Season 3.

Overview

Joan comes off as a sincere and caring leader, when in actuality she is a manipulative, ruthless, cunning, and selfish megalomaniac. It's revealed that Joan had ordered many violent raids on innocent communities for their supplies. She attempts to justify her actions by reminding everyone about the harsh winter they once had which led to the deaths of many people. She shows little sympathy for the lives she has ruined, including the death of David's daughter. She manages to manipulate the other leaders, Clint and Paul, against David. After this, Joan becomes more strict, brutal, and dictatorial. Paul later describes Joan as a "cruel bitch." Later, she frames David for the murder and plans to hang him. She is shown to have no honor, such as killing the person opposite of who Javi wants to spare between Tripp and Ava.

Pre-Apocalypse

Location Unknown

Joan was a divorced single mother, a driven child of immigrants, who worked her way up to COO of her furniture manufacturing company, running the factory as both den mother and disciplinarian. She knew every employee’s name, but also everyone’s weak spots.

Post-Apocalypse

A New Frontier

"Above The Law"

Joan is first shown in the Richmond church when David takes Javier to meet her and the other leaders of Richmond; Paul and Clint. Joan is with Clint arguing about his spinach and Joan's gateau, to which Javi can say which he prefers. Clint then starts questioning Javier with Joan.

Max is brought into the church meeting by Clint's orders to bring up his experience with Javier with the leaders to inform them of what he has Seen Javier doing outside of Richmond. Max is hesitant with his words, knowing that David is Javier's brother and trying to show no disrespect to David. Max reveals that he caught Javier "stealing" gas from them, despite Javier's claims, Max stands his ground trying to sound justified. Max then reveals more information about Javier's situation with Rufus: either he killed him or Clementine ran him off the road to free Javier.

Javier can also tell the leaders of Mariana's death and how she was brutally killed by members of the New Frontier. The leaders don't take it too well, and Javier and his group are kicked out.

Joan is shown later with David confronting her about the raids. The ending depends on what you did with Max.

If Max was spared: If Javier decide to keep Max alive, he will then tell everyone how he, Lonnie and Badger were raiding towns on Joan's orders. As everyone appears shocked, Joan explains how Richmond lost people in the winter, and says she was gonna keep the raids going until Richmond develops. Joan manages to convince the council that her reason for ordering the raids is justified, because of this, the council decides to side with her and has Javier and David locked away.

If Max was killed: If Max was killed however, David and Javier's defense are broken as Lonnie is now the only witness to the whole thing, framing David to be behind the raids in order to protect Joan. Lonnie's defense begins to sound more credible by blaming David for Badger and Max's deaths. Joan, successfully covered, scolds David for his "raids" and then has him and Javier arrested to answer for their "crimes". Lonnie then mocks David for killing their "family", which causes David to snap, attack Lonnie and incite a shootout, killing Lonnie.

"Thicker Than Water"

Joan appears in the New Frontier's jail cell where David and Javier are trapped in. She demands to talk to David about some problems and issues, then she takes David away. She leaves Javier locked in, but he later breaks out.

Joan begins her speech, and sentences David to death by hanging for his actions. After David accuses her of lying, Joan reveals one (Badger), two (Badger and Dr. Lingard), three (Badger, Max, and Lonnie) or four (Badger, Max, Lonnie, and Dr. Lingard) corpses of people Javier and David killed as evidence.

Joan notices Javier, and invites him to speak publicly in front of the crowd. She reveals that she has had a conversation with Eleanor, with her revealing the group's plan - which she has either done intentionally or accidentally, depending if you killed Conrad or not back in "Ties That Bind - Part 2", and knows Javier's plan to take her out/rally the people against her, and commands two of the guards to bring out Ava and Tripp, which have been both captured.

She places an ultimatum on Javier, choose one of them to spare. Clint is reluctant, but stays silent after Joan defends her actions. After either choosing to spare Ava or Tripp, Joan betrays Javi's choice, and shoots the person he chose. Either Ava dies by being shot in the head, or Tripp dies by being shot in the neck. If Javi fails to make a decision, Joan silently orders Javier to be shot dead by one of her guards, resulting in a game over.

Clint, after witnessing Tripp/Ava's death, attempts to resolve the conflict and urges to strike a deal with Javier - take David and the rest of his group out of there, and do not come back. Joan disagrees, but Clint forces her to cooperate. David, enraged, tells Javier to shoot Joan. At this point, the player is presented with a choice, negotiate and accept the deal, or shoot Joan dead.

If Javier Shoots Joan (Dead): Javier spitefully rejects Clint's deal and immediately shoots Joan in her left eye, killing her instantly, which sparks a shootout within the square. During the chaos, a New Frontier member kicks the chair out from under David, who begins to suffocate. Javier and Gabe quickly rush the stage in an attempt to save David. Reaching the stage, Gabe manages to hold David up by his legs as Javier cuts the rope, narrowly saving David's life. Clint attempts to escape amid the chaos, but is seen by David, who gives chase, along with Ava (Determinant) and Gabriel. (Determinant)

If Javier Accepts The Deal (Unknown): Javier accepts Clint's deal, even though Joan protests that she didn't tell them to leave. Clint unties David, who ends up going against the deal by disarming a New Frontier member and holding Clint hostage. While David is distracted, Clint manages to break free of David's grip and attempts to wrestle the gun away from him, causing the gun to go off, which sparks chaos within the square. Seeing his dad in danger, Gabe runs up to the stage and attempts to pull Clint off of David, distracting him long enough for David to grab the gun, who proceeds to shoot Clint in the face without hesitation. Joan attempts to escape amid the chaos, but is seen by David, who gives chase, along with Ava (Determinant) and Gabriel. (Determinant)

"From The Gallows"

Regardless if Javier shot her in the previous episode or not, Joan does not make a returning appearance in this episode. If she was spared, her fate is ultimately unknown, but it is assumed that she was kicked out of the group and exiled from Richmond. If she was killed however, a picture of her is seen on the memorial wall.

Death (Determinant)

Killed By

• David García (Caused)
• Javier García

After Javier witnesses Joan order the execution of either Ava or Tripp, Clint attempts to resolve the conflict between Javier's group and Joan in a non-violent manner. David, however, refuses to acquiesce to a compromise, calling for Javier to shoot Joan and insisting that he would kill her himself if Javier did not shoot. As Joan smugly stares at Javier, he tells her to go to hell and shoots her right in the eye, killing her instantly.

Killed Victims

This list shows the victims Joan has killed:

• Mariana García (Indirectly Caused)
• Francine (Indirectly Caused)
• Ava (Caused, Determinant)
• Tripp (Caused, Determinant)
• A few unnamed members of the Kingdom (Caused)
• Numerous counts of Prescott residents (Caused)
• Possibly numerous counts of zombies and unnamed people (Caused or Direct)

Relationships

For a more in-depth look at Joan's relationships, read here: Joan (Telltale)/Relationships

Allies The New Frontier Max - Determinant Badger † Lonnie Rufus † Bob

Enemies The New Frontier David García - Former Ally and Attempted Victim Clinton Barnes - Former Ally Paul Lingard - Former Ally Ava † - Former Ally and Determinant Victim Max - Determinant Former Ally Clementine - Former Ally Javier's Group Javier García - Determinant Killer Kate García Gabriel García Tripp † - Determinant Victim Eleanor - Former Ally Conrad Paul Monroe

Quotes

The following is a list of some of Joan's most memorable quotes.

The New Frontier "Pleased to meet you, Javi. I trust you've been treated well? I hope you haven't been handled too roughly. Some of our people left their courtesy with their old lives, heh. (…) I hope Richmond can become your home. I know David would like that. And nothing pleases me more than seeing families reunited." - Joan meeting Javi, "Above The Law" "Javi, take a look at that table. You tell me what you'd rather put in your belly. Spinach from Clint's garden, heh? Or a baked delicacy by yours truly..." - Joan asking Javi if he likes her cake or Clint's spinach(Determinant), "Above The Law" "Come on, Clint. At least he's being honest." - Joan if Javi says her cake is better (Determinant), "Above The Law" "Haha! At least you're being honest." - Joan if Javi says Clint's spinach is better (Determinant), "Above The Law" "A man without an opinion/So polite, David. You sure he's your brother?" - Joan if Javi says both look delicious or says nothing (Determinant), "Above The Law" "We value straight talk here, so please, forgive me if I seem direct. We're usually pretty strict about who we open our doors to. Your brother's word counts for a lot. (…) The three of us, and Doctor Lingard, make all the decisions here. So, yeah." - Joan to Javi about them being the leaders of Richmond, "Above The Law" "It was a crude answer to a difficult problem, and it hasn't always worked. Please understand... We had a terrible winter just after we moved here. We... we lost a great deal. Loved ones who left holes in our lives. Protecting my people from that kind of pain.... that's what keeps me up at night. It turned me into a perpetual night owl. I know it's a lot to ask. But I never want them to have to experience loss like that again." - Joan to Javi about the people they lost, "Above The Law" "Sorry, David, your soldiers are already wild enough. We can't add more crazy to the mix." - Joan to David if Javier didn't expose Badger's crimes (Determinant), "Above The Law" "I want them gone. All of them. Take Javi and everyone in quarantine to the gate. Send them out with enough weapons to defend themselves, but no more." - Joan kicking Javi and his group out of Richmond (Determinant), "Above The Law" "You smuggled your brother into Richmond? Despite what we agreed? Clearly, you have no respect for any of us. This is serious, David. You know we can't let this go." - Joan to David about bringing Javi back into Richmond if Max is alive (Determinant), "Above The Law" "And despite what we all agreed, you smuggled your brother back into Richmond. What happened to you, David? It hurts me to see you betray your own people. (…) We used to be so close... Now I hardly know who you are." - Joan to David about bringing Javi back into Richmond if Max is dead (Determinant), "Above The Law" "The real question is how could I not? What would happen without your fertilizer, Clint? Or your pills, Paul? Do you think our community would survive? I did what I had to, to ensure that we would. It wasn’t easy... I took the hard decisions on myself. All of you remember the winter — how much we lost. Friends. Lovers. Children. I made a promise — I would never let that happen again. The raids were just to keep up us going, ‘til Richmond reached sustainability. We’re so close. So close to our dream. Do we really want to risk it all by fighting amongst ourselves? We should be all on the same side of this, David. On Richmond’s side. Surely you can see that?" - Joan about the raids. (Determinant), "Above The Law" "I'm sorry, David. It breaks my heart about your child. It's...it's something I'm going to have to live with." - Joan to David about Mariana's death (Determinant), "Above The Law" "Don't try and drag him into your mess. The things you've done, they're an assault on what we built here. You and your brother, you're going to have to answer for them." - Joan after Lonnie frames David for what she did (Determinant), "Above The Law" "Typical brothers. Fighting like boys." - Joan as Javi and David argue (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "I came here to talk, not fight. You're not going to be a problem, are you? I just want a calm discussion. Between us." - Joan to Javi and David in their cell (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "Tomorrow morning, I'm going to call for a gathering in the square. The people deserve to hear a full explanation of your arrest. (…) Then, you'll be replaced as head of security. No one's above the law, David. Not even you." - Joan to David about losing his position (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "I did what I had to do to keep the people of Richmond safe. They're going to see that. And they'll also see that the biggest threat to them right now is you. We'll debate of this in the morning. Right now, David, I need to ask you some questions. In private. Bring him with us." - Joan to David before taking him away, "Thicker Than Water" "I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't want to be here today. The people of Richmond deserve to be safe! David García has to be punished for what he's done! For years now, Richmond has been governed by one simple principle: Strong council, strong community. But unfortunately, the actions of one of the members of that council, our security expert, David García, have put us all in danger. I'm sorry to have to show you this. Truly, I am, but you all need to see! Just look what he's done! (shows corpses) He murdered this man in cold blood!/David ordered his brother, and the rest of his people, to kill our doctor! And they were happy to do it!/He murdered these men in cold blood! I saw him murder Lonnie with my own eyes! Some of the best men I ever knew -- cut down in their prime! Is this who we want in charge? Someone this reckless?! This cruel? Not if I have anything to do with it!" - Joan to the people of Richmond as she frames David, "Thicker Than Water" "Javier! I'd heard you were planning to crash our little party. Why don't you come on up here? Show your face to everyone. I'm sure these people would like to hear what you have to say. Don't make me ask twice! Don't make this harder on yourself, Javier. Get up here! Now!" - Joan to Javi as he stands in the crowd, "Thicker Than Water" "We both know you killed Doctor Lingard. Why, Javi? Why would you do that to us? The only surgeon in a hundred-mile radius, but you didn't care about that. You thought he deserved to die. (…) Sorry if I don't take your word for it. Too bad you killed the only man who could back up your story..." - Joan if Javi killed Lingard (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "I had a very interesting conversation with your friend Eleanor last night. She was the one who alerted us to David's plot against Lingard. Isn't that right, Eleanor? (…) She said you were coming here today to take me out! Add to your total./She said you were coming here to rally the people against me. Convince them that I was no good for Richmond!/She said you came here because you wanted to save your brother. Admirable... almost. Don't know how you thought you were going to pull it off. Considering it's all of us... against the three of you. But I guess hope springs eternal." - Joan to Javi about Eleanor betraying him and the group (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "Here in Richmond, people who put themselves before the group don't last long. Bring them out! (…) David wanted to tear this whole place down. He told his people where to find our gun supply, and sure enough, they picked us clean. You really thought you could ride into town and stage a coup? With our own damn weapons? Something like that... I can't just let it go. You've put me in a no-win situation here! So I'm gonna do the same thing to you. Both of them deserve to die for their crimes. However, Javi, I'll let you spare on of them. Just one. (…) Not after what they tried to do. You may be guilty of bringing them into this, but they chose to go along with it." - Joan forcing Javi to choose between Tripp and Ava, "Thicker Than Water" "Come on, Javi. Who's it going to be? Your friend... or your brother's lieutenant?" - Joan forcing Javi to choose between Tripp and Ava, "Thicker Than Water" "You're not making David happy, but I respect you for sticking up for your own people! Shoot him." - Joan after Javi chooses to save Tripp (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "Such language! But I admire the sacrifice you're making here, Javi. Shoot her." - Joan after Javi chooses to save Ava and if Javi shot Conrad (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water" "You did, but there's something else you need to understand... Betrayal. (…) I can do anything I want! You brought this on yourself. Do it." - Joan ordering for the person opposite of what Javi said to be executed, "Thicker Than Water" "Think about this, Javi. You know what's gonna happen here. You ready for that? (…) I'm sure the herd outside would like that." - Joan to Javi about taking Clint's deal, also determinately her last words, "Thicker Than Water" "They're liars, Clint! All of them! (…) Go ahead and shoot, then. I warned you! They can't be trusted!" - Joan as David holds Clint hostage (Determinant), "Thicker Than Water"

Appearances

• List
• Table (Shoot)
• Table (Accept)

The Telltale Series

A New Frontier

• "Above The Law"
• "Thicker Than Water"
• "From The Gallows" ^{(Photograph, Determinant)}

Episodes	1	2	3	4	5	6
Season One
Season Two
Michonne
A New Frontier			✔	✔	🖼
The Final Season

✔	Appears	✔	Voice is heard
👁	Appears with no lines	✔	Appears in a flashback
✔	Appears as a walker	🖼	Appears in a photograph/video
✔	Appears as a corpse	✔	Appears in a hallucination/dream

Episodes	1	2	3	4	5	6
Season One
Season Two
Michonne
A New Frontier			✔	✔
The Final Season

✔	Appears	✔	Voice is heard
👁	Appears with no lines	✔	Appears in a flashback
✔	Appears as a walker	🖼	Appears in a photograph/video
✔	Appears as a corpse	✔	Appears in a hallucination/dream

Trivia

• Joan is the fourth major recurring antagonist in the Telltale Series, the first being William Carver, the second being Arvo, the third being Badger, and the fifth being Lilly.
  • Joan is the first major recurring antagonist to be female.
• After the confirmation of Clint's full name via an AMA on the Telltale forums, Joan is now the only co-leader of The New Frontier without a known last name.
• Joan was originally designed as Eleanor's mother in an early version of the story.
• Joan would originally appear in "From The Gallows" depending on who died in the previous one: If Joan is to survive in "Thicker Than Water", she would appear, and the player would decide her fate: Execute her, exile her from Richmond, or let her stay. This was scrapped due to unknown reasons, likely time constraints.