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This article is about the Comic Series volume. You may be looking for the TV Series episode.

Volume 31: The Rotten Core is the thirty-first volume of Image Comics' The Walking Dead that includes issues 181-186.

Rick leads the Commonwealth’s Governor, Pamela Milton, on a tour of the various communities Alexandria is aligned with. Naturally... terrible things begin to happen very quickly.

Plot[]

Rick, Pamela, and their entourage reach the outskirts of Oceanside. Pamela is awestruck by the sight of the ocean, which she says she hasn't seen since before the apocalypse. Maxwell corrects her, pointing out that it's more of an inlet, though is quick to praise the sight nonetheless when Pamela glares at him, much to Mercer's amusement. Rick takes Pamela with him to introduce her to Pete.

At the Commonwealth, Michonne informs Elodie that she has accepted Lance's offer, which Elodie is ecstatic to hear. Michonne also tells her that Lance has given her some time to get accustomed to the community and get up to speed with her old profession. Elodie asks if she'll have enough time for a trip, to which Michonne replies that she just might.

At the Hilltop, Carl introduces himself to Joshua. He asks if Joshua's parents are inside with Maggie, and Joshua confirms, saying that she's making sure they're not too crazy to live at the Hilltop. Joshua reassures Carl that they never liked the Whisperers, and were simply scared. Carl is happy to hear that Joshua and his parents aren't crazy, and offers to show Joshua around. Joshua states that he likes it at the Hilltop, and wants to stay. He asks if it's safe at the community, to which Carl replies that it is most of the time.

Meanwhile, Maggie, Aaron and Jesus are talking about Joshua's family. Maggie states that they seem okay, which Aaron agrees with, adding that it hadn't seemed like they were with the Whisperers for very long. Jesus agrees that they're good people. Maggie decides to let them stay, though says that they'll keep an eye on them. She adds that she's having Dante find a comfortable place for them to sleep. Maggie notes that comfort is in short supply, and asks Jesus and Aaron if they could search for some furniture stores. Jesus informs her that Rick instructed her to make a list of everything she needs, so he can send Heath and his team to scavenge for it, for which Maggie is thankful. Aaron adds that Rick also asked her to send Carl back for a visit, which Maggie agrees to. Jesus compliments the speed at which the Barrington House was repaired. Maggie attributes this to the main structure surviving the fire, as they just reinforced it and built on top of it. She notes that if it wasn't for it, they probably wouldn't have been able to rebuild the Barrington House. Jesus asks if he can have his old room back, which Maggie affirms. Switching the topic, Maggie asks if they're sure Beta and the Whisperers are dead, to which Jesus and Aaron reassure her that they are, with Jesus poking fun at the fact that they "Kind of went off with a whimper". Maggie is relieved to hear this.

On the road, Princess thanks Rick for allowing her to join them, and Rick awkwardly tells her not to mention it. Princess asks if Rick trusts her, to which he answers yes, as long as Princess isn't acting the way she is at the moment. As Princess continues to babble, Rick stares at her in confusion. Suddenly, Dwight signals from the front for everybody to get down. A herd is blocking their way. Dwight asks Rick if they should let it pass, but Rick rejects this, as even a slight deviation from the herd's current course could result in Oceanside being overrun. Rick wonders where their lookouts are, and how they missed the herd. Dwight points out that Rick, Heath and himself can't steer it alone, but Rick interjects that they're not alone, and notes that the herd isn't that large. Rick informs Mercer about the change of plans, and asks for their assistance in steering the herd away from Oceanside. Mercer coldly states that he won't do anything that might endanger the Governor, but Rick points out that they'll be leading the herd away from Pamela, and not doing so would actually be endangering her. Mercer and his soldiers reluctantly agree.

Dwight instructs them on what to do. Princess is nervous, but Mercer reassures her by telling her to stick to him. As the group leads the herd away, Pamela orders her driver to get closer to them instead of staying put like she was told. Princess notices the back of the herd breaking off, and informs Mercer, who is greatly frustrated to learn that they've been alerted by the Governor, who didn't stay put as she was told. While distracted, Princess runs into a group of walkers, and falls off her horse. Mercer jumps down to rescue her, before realizing they're being swarmed. In the front of the herd, Dwight and a Commonwealth soldier notice Mercer and Princess are in trouble. The soldier says he can get to them, but Dwight tells him it's too late as there are too many walkers in the way. The soldier calmly replies that "that's what the armor's for", before walking into the herd as Dwight stares in amazement. Even further upfront, Rick and Heath notice the herd breaking away as well, and are shocked to learn that Pamela followed them. As Rick frantically searches for the members of his group, the Militia arrive, and begin killing the walkers. Together they mow down the entire herd, impressing Governor Milton. After Princess, Mercer, and the soldiers fight off the remaining walkers, Princess suddenly kisses Mercer, as she thought they were "having a moment", leaving him speechless.

As the herd is eliminated, Dwight congratulates the soldiers. Rick asks if Dwight had his soldiers follow them, and Dwight confirms, and asks if Rick isn't glad that he had. Rick angrily tells him that if he hadn't pulled Annie and Vincent from lookout duty, they might have avoided the herd altogether, leaving Dwight to contemplate his decisions. Pamela congratulates Mercer, saying he did the Commonwealth proud. Furious at her seeming lack of care for him and his men, Mercer asks for an apology. Pamela begrudgingly apologizes for causing him any alarm, but says that she knew what he was capable of, and adds that now Rick's group knows as well. As she walks away, Mercer glares at her angrily.

At the Sanctuary, John oversees the other Saviors working in the gardens. A young savior, Christopher, asks if they're going to practice shooting later, but John declines, stressing that they already have enough soldiers, but need more people who can grow things. Christopher complains that he doesn't like gardening, but John gently reprimands him, explaining that it's not a world of "like" anymore, but a world of "need", though Christopher is still dissatisfied. John goes on to point out just how far the Sanctuary has come since the war, and how much food they're producing for themselves. Christopher questions why they need so much, since they already get food from Alexandria. John is quick to remind him that they have to trade goods for that food, and that the more they have, the better off they are. John reminds him of the days when Negan was in charge, when everyone was scared and miserable. He states that Negan's way of "taking" made enemies, while their current policy of "giving" makes friends. He goes on to claim nobody wants to go back to Negan's way while glancing at Mark, who hangs his head in shame. Satisfied, Christopher asks if he can have a baked potato tonight, before they are interrupted by the arrival of Rick and Pamela.

Pamela is somewhat intimidated by the Sanctuary's appearance, but Rick points out it used to be much worse, and hopes that times have changed. John appears at the gates, and bluntly asks who Pamela is. Rick introduces her as the leader of the Commonwealth. John apologizes for seeming inhospitable, and invites them inside. After governor Milton describes the Commonwealth, John is impressed, though he cautiously asks why she came to the Sanctuary. Pamela replies that the coalition of settlements that the Sanctuary is included in is the largest one they have encountered thus far, and expresses interest in trading goods and sharing resources, with the ultimate goal of rebuilding the country, pointing out that it would benefit both sides, impressing John even further. He offers them rooms to stay for as long as they want. Rick commends John's leadership, saying that he really turned things around and John replies that he's "all about making friends now". Afterwards, Rick asks for Pamela's opinion on the Sanctuary. While she is impressed with the community, she is less optimistic when it comes to their leadership, and adds that she sees why they need to be supervised by Rick. She asks what John did before the apocalypse, but Rick doesn't know. Pamela supposes that it doesn't matter and, switching the topic, asks about Negan. Rick is hesitant, claiming it's a long story, but proceeds to tell it nonetheless when Pamela prompts him.

In the morning, as they leave the Sanctuary, Rick asks Dwight if he got any sleep. He replies that he hasn't, as his former home brings out too many bad memories. Rick takes the opportunity to apologize for Sherry, but Dwight interjects, saying there is no need to "reopen old wounds". He adds that he was wrong to blame Rick, and also thanks him for not killing him. Rick humorously replies that thanking him for that doesn't exactly paint the best picture of him. Dwight goes on to elaborate that he always blamed the wrong people, be it Rick for Sherry or himself for Negan's actions, and reveals that Laura has been helping him with that, before she gleefully interrupts him. Rick states that he's glad Laura and Dwight have each other, before looking on saddened as they ride further ahead.

After making their introductions, William welcomes Pamela to the Kingdom, adding that the name made more sense when there was a tiger around. Pamela inquires, and Rick recounts Ezekiel and Shiva, and mournfully adds they are no longer with them. Pamela notes that the communities are very colorful and asks how many more there are, to which Rick replies that there is only one left, the Hilltop.

On the road, Mercer asks Rick if the roads between the communities are relatively safe, and Rick confirms. Mercer inquires if people in Rick's communities do whatever they choose, regardless of what they did before. Rick replies that "before" has got nothing to do with "now" and goes on to elaborate that people who had more important jobs before tend to stick to those jobs, citing Earl as an example. Mercer asks what Rick was before the apocalypse, and Rick recounts his backstory, asking if his profession in the Commonwealth would be "hassling rowdy teenagers and giving the odd speeding ticket". Mercer, somewhat bitterly, confirms. Rick, in turn, asks Mercer about his profession. Mercer reveals that he was, and still is, a marine. Rick jokingly asks if he would rather be a florist, but Mercer denies this, as he is quite comfortable in his line of work, though adds that there are people in the Commonwealth who are not. Rick expresses his condolences, revealing that in the D.C. communities everyone usually finds a place where they'll be most useful, and Mercer stoically grunts in reply. As they approach the Hilltop, Rick is dumbfounded at the speed at which the community was rebuilt, as is Dwight.

Maggie meets them at the gates, regretting the restoration not being quite finished yet, though Rick praises their work nonetheless. Maggie attributes this to the whole community's hard work, as well as the workers William sent from the Kingdom. Pamela interrupts them by asking about the destruction of the community, and Maggie, annoyed, asks who she is. Rick begins to introduce governor Milton, when he is interrupted by Carl, who is overjoyed to see his father. As father and son embrace, Rick says that it's nice to know Carl has missed him. Carl claims he was also worried about father. Rick is about to ask why, before being painfully reminded of the loss of Andrea. Rick says that he didn't realize he wasn't thinking about the loss anymore until Carl said he was worried. Carl says he was worried he had made a mistake by coming to the Hilltop, as Rick needed him, though Carl thought the people at the Hilltop needed him more. Rick commends his son's actions, claiming he doesn't blame him for leaving and that he needed the time alone. Carl notices Rick isn't using his cane , and Rick claims that he doesn't need it anymore, as the pain either went away or he had gotten used to it. Rick humorously adds he still won't be winning any footraces, and Carl assures him he'll be fast enough for both of them.

At the meeting, Maggie is skeptical about Pamela's good intentions, asking if the proposed alliance would entail trading knowledge and resources or a picture of Pamela hanging in every room and "pledging allegiance to the women who smiles too much". Pamela claims it's the former and, slightly embarrassed, says she didn't know it was possible for a person to smile too much. Maggie claims that it is, especially when one is trying to earn the trust of new people, as everything they say seems like it could be a lie. Rick gently reprimands Maggie for being rude, irritating her even further. Jesus asks about the conditions in the Commonwealth, and Rick begins to tell them about Michonne staying in the Commonwealth, but is interrupted by a shocked Maggie, who asks if Michonne is being kept prisoner. Pamela denies this and explains that Michonne has been reunited with her daughter who had been happily living there for years, and chose to stay with her, as the entire room stares at her in disbelief. Maggie agrees with Rick's plan to visit the Commonwealth, and agrees to the alliance if Rick approves of what he sees there.

In the morning, Rick meets Eugene on the road. He is driving a cart full of Commonwealth soldiers, as he figured they'd move quicker with the soldiers being on their feet less. Rick notices a bunch of tools in Eugene's bag and asks what they're for, but Eugene doesn't want to spoil the surprise. Dwight instructs Heath to take his group back to Alexandria and stay alert, telling him they would hopefully be back in less than a month, but adding that he would send someone to report back in if they stay longer. Pamela invites Rick to ride with her in her carriage, and Rick gladly accepts. She asks what happened to his son's eye and Rick tells her that Carl was shot. Pamela claims that, though they've had a fair share of conflict, they've never had children on the front lines. Rick grimly tells her that that luxury had always escaped them. Pamela says that she hopes those days are behind them. She goes on to praise the communities, deeming them good Commonwealth material, though adding that distance would be an issue. All that is needed now, she claims, is for the Commonwealth to bring the Rick's group to their way of thinking. Rick counters that his group could bring the Commonwealth to their way of thinking as well. Pamela jokingly hypothesizes that Rick will be trouble, and Rick replies that hopefully he won't be too much.

In the Commonwealth, Michonne, Elodie and Jerome travel to Greenville. Michonne tells Jerome he didn't need to accompany them, as she is quite capable of defending herself but Jerome states that it's protocol, as they can't allow people of Michonne's stature travel alone. They run across a small group of walkers, and Jerome orders them to stay back while he dispatches them. Michonne cautions him to be quiet, as there could be more of them, but this only serves to annoy Jerome. True enough, more walkers appear out of the woods and Jerome is quickly swarmed. This prompts Michonne to jump from her saddle to help the soldier. She grabs his gun and kills all of the walkers, shocking both Jerome and Elodie. Impressed, Jerome offers to let her lead the rest of the way, but Michonne declines. Her daughter, likewise impressed, tells her mother she's full of surprises. Jerome tells them not to worry about the bodies, as the Commonwealth will send someone to clean them up.

As they arrive at Greenville, Michonne is awestruck at the beautiful scenery and thinks she's really going to like it there. As Jerome departs, Elodie suggests a hostel they can sleep in, but they are interrupted by Cloris, who's reserved a cabin for their arrival. After spending quality time with her daughter, Michonne goes out on the dock to cry. Elodie asks her what's wrong, but Michonne replies that it's absolutely nothing, revealing that she's been crying tears of joy. In the morning, as they are ready to depart, they are met by another soldier (Rufus) assigned as their escort. Before they depart, Cloris gifts them with a bag of food and drink for their journey. Michonne notices a family unable to afford food, so she gives them the basket instead. Cloris disproves, as there was some very expensive wine and cheeses in that bag, but Michonne replies that it seemed like the family needed it more than she did.

Arriving back in the Commonwealth proper, they encounter a bunch of people running in the street. When Michonne inquires, she is informed that an officer has been attacked. She rushes to the scene, only to find the perpetrator being beaten to a pulp by the other officers. She rushes to his aid, and is shocked to recognize Jerome as one of the officers responsible.

Lance arrives to see Michonne in her apartment. Michonne asks if the man is going to be okay, but Lance informs her that he's in critical condition. Lance tells her that the man, Anthony Keith, assaulted one of the officers after getting into a shouting match with them, explaining that Anthony's wife was having an affair with an officer. He adds that there are numerous witnesses that confirm Anthony attacked the officers, though they all downplay it due to the brutality with which the officers responded. Michonne is worried about the story getting spun badly and escalating. Lance agrees, adding that they can't have people loosing faith in the officers and explains that this is why they need Michonne's help. He wants her to defend the officers and prove they did nothing wrong, firmly adding that this is not a request.

At dinner, Michonne is furious with Lance, but Elodie explains to her that Michonne is one of "them" now, and she can get away with all kinds of things until she proves that she's not. Michonne is conflicted, as she agrees there should be a trial and that everyone has a right to a defense, but she's uncertain how this will look in the eyes of the public. After being interrupted by a woman furious that Michonne is defending the officers, Lance arrives unexpectedly to see them. He somberly informs them that Anthony Keith has died.

Michonne looks on at the protest forming outside of her apartment as Elodie breaks through the crowd. Elodie is worried that things are getting really bad as even her friends are talking about doing something. Soon enough, the protest escalates into a full-fledged riot. A protester throws a trash can into the window of their office, and Michonne tackles Elodie to protect her. As the crowd breaks into the apartment, Michonne tells her daughter to run, but Elodie refuses to abandon her mother. Suddenly, Jerome arrives to help them fight off the rioters and instructs them to run. This coincides with the arrival of Rick and Pamela, who are shocked to find the Commonwealth in chaos.

Having just arrived in the Commonwealth, Rick and Pamela are shocked to find it in the midst of a riot. The rioters are beating up Jerome, so Michonnegoes back to help him while telling Elodie to stay put (though she doesn't listen). Michonne tries to get the mob to leave Jerome alone, but this only serves to redirect their anger towards her for defending him. A rioter punches her and clubs her over the head. The mob are about to beat her up when Jerome throws himself on top of her to shield her from them. The mob beat Jerome severely before they are broken up by Mercer, Dwightand the Commonwealth Army. One rioter protests that Jerome killed Anthony Keith, but Mercer points out attacking an innocent woman won't solve that.

At the court hearing, Michonne defends the actions of the officers as just a misunderstanding and an accident. She stresses that the men that committed the act have already been punished and asks the judge to drop all charges. The judge thanks her for her input and says he will consider it. The prosecutor wants to add something, but the judge denies his request, as Michonne smirks. Afterwards, Rick asks Michonne if she believed in what she told the judge, and Michonne replies that she did, for the most part. She assures Rick that despite what he's seen, the Commonwealth is a really special place and that things in it are almost back to the way they were, adding that she would sell her soul to keep it as good as it is and, in fact, thinks she already has. Rick seems concerned by this revelation.

Eugene and Stephanie are inspecting a locomotive. Stephanie asks what they're doing and Eugene informs her that he wants to repair the train. When Stephanie asks why, he tells her that the train could solve the distance problem between the Commonwealth and DC communities and would be one step closer to rebuilding civilization. Stephanie warns him that such a project could take years, but Eugene is undeterred.

Back at the Governor's office, Pamela reprimands Lance for letting things fall apart while he was in charge and is about to demote him, when she spots Rick outside helping with the cleanup, much to her dismay. Pamela confronts him, but Rick tells her he figured helping out is the least he could do. This prompts Pamela to help with the cleanup herself to save face, much to Mercer's satisfaction. Sebastian spots his mother doing the menial work and questions her actions. Pamela informs him that she is helping and offers her son the chance to do the same, but he angrily rejects her offer. Dwight is disgusted at having to clean up the Commonwealth's mess while they eat in the restaurant above them. Laura suggests they clean up the Commonwealth after cleaning up their mess, an idea Dwight seems to like.

Mercer and Juanita have just had sex, with Juanita joyfully exclaiming that it was the best sex she ever had. Juanita asks whether their relationship is casual or something more. Mercer says he likes to listen to Juanita talk and answers that it's something more, as casual isn't really his style, much to Juanita's joy. The two kiss. Juanita is thankful to have left Pittsburgh, and thinks her life has been getting better every day since then.

Rick is greeted by a couple on the street. They thank him for helping with the cleanup and ask if they have room in Alexandria, as they might consider moving. Rick assures them that Alexandria leaves much to be desired when compared to the Commonwealth, but the two aren't so sure. After they part ways, Rick finds Dwight sitting in his apartment. Dwight wants to be put in charge of the Commonwealth, as he thinks the people in it are being oppressed, but Rick denies his request. Furious and in disbelief, Dwight asks him what he means by that.

Rick asks if Dwight means to take the place by force and points out that they might not win such a war, and that it would result in people being killed. Dwight thinks the people of the Commonwealth would rally behind them, but Rick wonders if Dwight has learned nothing and tells him to leave, clearly frustrated.

At the Hilltop, Carl is talking to Lydia about being worried about his father, when he notices she is asleep and smiles. He sneaks out of her room but runs into Sophia in the hallway. He tries to make excuses, but Sophia sees through them. She is annoyed that Carl is having so much sex, while Carl grins that it isn't so bad for him. Sophia expresses frustration that all the boys at the Hilltop suck and that she's never going to lose her virginity. Carl suggests she try her luck with Rolland, as he likes her. Sophia points out that every boy at the Hilltop "likes" her, as there aren't a lot of girls in her age bracket, adding that she doesn't like Rolland anyway. Carl suggests Mikey, but Sophia thinks Mikey lives too far away, and needs someone close. She mournfully exclaims that there is no one at the Hilltop to have sex with her. As they awkwardly look at each other, Carl makes his excuses and the two wish each other goodnight.

At Alexandria, Yumiko finds Magna on watch and wonders what's got her so worried. Magna thinks that Rick isn't going to be happy with how things are at the Commonwealth, and that a conflict is inevitable. Yumiko says they can always leave, but Magna would rather fight in a war than live on the road again. Yumiko points out that it might not come to war, but Magna doubts this.

Back at the Commonwealth, Rick is having lunch with Michonne and Elodie, exited at the strangeness of having lunch in a restaurant in the apocalypse. Michonne jokes about becoming waitress in the apocalypse when she notices their waitress standing right behind her. Michonne apologizes, but the waitress tells her to think nothing of it. When the waitress leaves, Rick jokes about not ordering desert, because he doesn't want spit in his food. He reminds himself about launches he had with his family before the apocalypse, and acknowledges the Commonwealth is a special place. As Michonne and Elodie continue talking, they notice Rick tearing up. Rick apologizes, explaining that he wishes Andrea could have seen the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, Eugene and Stephanie are inspecting the engine of the train, with Eugene expressing excitement that it's in much better condition than previously thought. Suddenly, Stephanie kisses him, explaining that she got excited. After briefly being stunned, Eugene kisses her back.

Pamela continues reprimanding Lance and orders him to double the patrols, to remind the people they are the ones protecting them, but more importantly to prevent them from rebelling again. Maxwell arrives and informs her that Rick has come to see her. As Lance leaves them alone, Pamela asks Rick about what happened at the restaurant. Rick says that he isn't surprised that he is being watched, but Pamela assures him she heard of the incident through gossip. Rick explains how he lost his wife recently, and that he knows how much she would have loved the Commonwealth. Pamela says she understands, and reveals that she had a daughter who also died before they arrived to the Commonwealth.

Dwight is walking through the streets and is annoyed at the increased number of soldiers. He antagonizes them and also starts riling up the people, telling them that they live in a police state. When one of the soldiers grabs him, Dwight shoves him to the ground. As the solders prepare to arrest Dwight, the people start rallying to his side. Dwight then surrenders, satisfied that his point has been made.

Rick goes to see Dwight in the Commonwealth jail. Rick wonders what Dwight was thinking. Dwight explains that he was testing where the people's loyalties lie, and that he is now certain they would support Alexandria in a conflict against the Commonwealth, adding that they can easily win given that there are more people than soldiers. Rick angrily asks Dwight if he took the time to see the good things about the Commonwealth, as Rick has been thinking about how they could improve the Commonwealth as well. He acknowledges that the Commonwealth's system is wrong, but points out that things aren't so cut and dry, as it's not simply a conflict between good and evil. Rick, thus, wants to change things by example rather than war. He says that what Dwight is doing is dangerous and that he has to stop. As Rick walks away, he is surprised to find Mercer still standing outside the door. Before Rick can say anything, Mercer tells him that Rick is the leader the Commonwealth needs.

At the Hilltop, Sophia is eating lunch when Joshua introduces himself and asks to join her, to which she begrudgingly agrees. She sees Carl encouraging her from a distance, to which she rolls her eyes.

At the Commonwealth, Eugene wakes up in Stephanie's bed, and discovers Stephanie adjusting her wig. She is ashamed at first and attempts to hide it from him, but eventually shows him her real hair. Eugene assures her he finds her beautiful no matter what.

Dwight is released from jail and is reprimanded by Laura, who stresses that he could have been killed. She agrees that there needs to be a change in the Commonwealth, but doesn't want to rush things. Dwight, on the other hand, believes that the Commonwealth needs an urgent change. Laura clarifies that she isn't trying to downplay the situation, but thinks there needs to be a plan. She asks where Rick stands, so Dwight tells her Rick will come around.

Rick talks to Michonne about Mercer supporting him against the Governor. Rick starts to think that Dwight was right all along, and that the people will back them if they try to take over, much to Michonne's horror. Rick says that he can't simply ignore the corrupt system of the Commonwealth, and can't believe Michonne is able to. Michonne explains that she knows the Commonwealth has a lot of room for improvement, and that is what excites her about being there, but believes change can be achieved through peaceful means.

Elodie is having lunch with her friends. They complain about not seeing her anymore, which she apologizes for. One of her friends, Nancy, politely tells her they're worried about what side she's on, since Michonne defended the guards and Elodie is now living with her mother in a fancy apartment. The question shocks Elodie.

At Alexandria, Magna instructs Heath and Vincent to keep the Militia ready. When they ask what they're getting ready for, Magna tells them that it's just in case. Heath is confused, as this is the default state of the Militia, but Magna clarifies that she just wants to increase the standard level of alertness.

Back at the Commonwealth, Pamela and her entourage are on a "hunt", accompanied by Rick, Michonne and Dwight. They spot a group of roamers, so Pamela asks for a shotgun. She shoots one roamer in the shoulder, and instructs Mercer to deal with the rest. Pamela invites everybody to head back. Michonne is concerned about Mercer, but Pamela assures her he will be fine.

Dwight and Rick confront Mercer in the locker room. Mercer explains that Pamela has them leave a few roamers in the wild so she can organize "hunting parties" and put on a show, so the people think she is keeping them safe. This disgusts Dwight. Mercer once again reiterates the Commonwealth is long due for a change, which Dwight agrees with.

Dwight and Rick are invited by Michonne to her apartment. Once there, she tells them that she thinks they are making a mistake by planning to overthrow Pamela. Dwight disagrees, and chastises Michonne for selling out for a nice apartment. Rick, however, agrees that they should work with Pamela to change things in the Commonwealth. Michonne is relieved to hear this, so she reveals that she has invited Pamela to the meeting as well. In that moment, Pamela bursts into the room with two armed guards. She says that she's glad Rick is on the same page as her, but tells Dwight he needs to go. Michonne is shocked, as she just invited Pamela to talk, but the Governor will hear none of it, as she can't simply allow people to plot behind her back. Dwight and Rick are shocked that Michonne would betray them to the Governor, but Michonne clarifies that she invited Pamela to talk and nothing more. Dwight accuses Michonne of being with "them" now. He tells Rick that there is no way he can peacefully convince someone like Pamela to give up power. Pamela assures Dwight that she's willing to do whatever is necessary for the well-being of the Commonwealth, but Dwight doesn't believe her. Pamela orders her men to arrest Dwight, prompting the latter to pull a gun on Pamela, shocking everyone. Rick tells Dwight to put the gun down, but Dwight refuses. He believes Pamela is the same as Negan, and thinks the only thing people like them respect is power. Dwight demonstrates this by threatening Pamela to instruct her guards not to move, which she does. Dwight says that they could take down Pamela right now, and that everything would fall in place without her, adding that the people of the Commonwealth would be thankful. Before anything can happen, Dwight is suddenly shot in the head by Rick. Pamela thanks Rick and assures him she won't forget him saving her life, before leaving.

As Laura is mourning Dwight, Rick sarcastically asks Michonne if she's happy, accusing her of causing Dwight's demise by bringing Pamela to the meeting. He angrily tells Michonne he will never forgive her for making him kill Dwight. This causes Michonne to snap at Rick. She tells him that Dwight was unhinged and that he would have snapped at some point. She is abashed that Rick is haunted by what he did, as it saved lives by avoiding a war. Rick wonders if he really avoided a war or simply joined the wrong side of it.

Credits[]

Main Characters

Supporting Characters

Minor Characters


Deaths[]

In Other Languages[]

Language Title Cover
Czech Živí mrtví 31: Skrz naskrz prohnilé (means: Rotten Through And Through)
TWD Volume 31 Czech

Trivia[]

  • This is the first volume, since Volume 19: March To War to not be named after at least one issue within the volume.

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