The anticipation surrounding The Last of Us Season 2 has been nothing short of exhilarating. Fans were immediately thrown into a whirlwind of emotions as Ellie grappled with her anger towards Joel. However, the real shock came swiftly with Joel’s brutal death. While those familiar with the TLOU Part 2 video game might have expected some events, the thrill of watching them unfold in the HBO adaptation is undeniable. In Season 2, Episode 5, Ellie’s confrontation with Nora about Abby’s location escalated into a brutal showdown, leaving viewers anxious for what lay ahead.
The closing moments of the previous episode hinted at poignant moments to come in Episode 6. This latest episode delivers everything that loyal TLOU fans have been hoping for throughout Season 2.
Spoiler Warning:
This article contains significant spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6. Proceed at your own risk.
A Recap That Feels Like Home
The chemistry between Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Pedro Pascal’s Joel was what made Season 1 a resounding success. This dynamic is what hooked viewers, including myself, and led to a deep attachment to the series. After the devastating events of Season 2, Episode 5, I found it challenging to reconnect with the story. However, Episode 6 reignited that spark, reminding us all of what we initially fell in love with.
A 1983 Flashback with Joel’s Father
The episode kicks off with a compelling 1983 flashback showcasing Joel in a protective role with his little brother against their cop father, portrayed by a well-known MCU actor. This addition, not present in the video game, enriches our understanding of Joel’s character, highlighting his lifelong protectiveness, which ultimately drives him to care for Ellie years later.
Celebrating Ellie’s Birthdays
The narrative then shifts to the early days of Joel and Ellie in Jackson, allowing us to reconnect with the father-daughter duo that captured our hearts. In a heartfelt scene, Ellie accidentally burns her hand, triggering panic in Joel reminiscent of when he lost his daughter, Sarah. The warmth of their relationship shines through when Joel surprises Ellie with a homemade cake for her 15th birthday and gifts her a hand-crafted guitar.
He even plays Pearl Jam’s “Future Days,” the same tune Ellie rendered in Episode 5 after discovering a guitar at the theater. This moment encapsulates the bond they’ve built, offering a brief respite from the harshness of their world.
A one-year time jump reveals a carefree Ellie and Joel hiking through the woods towards a space museum—a sweet surprise for her. It’s a rare glimpse into Ellie’s childhood innocence, contrasting sharply with the burdens she bears later in the series, following Joel’s tragic demise.
In a relatable twist, we also witness Ellie navigating her teenage rebellious phase. Joel confronts her about smoking, tattoos, and her exploration of sexuality. Although initially disapproving, Joel slowly comes to accept her growing independence, showcasing the layers of their complex relationship.
The Moment That Creates a Rift Between Joel and Ellie
As years pass, Ellie struggles with the haunting memories of the Salt Lake City incident, feeling betrayed and misled by Joel regarding the Fireflies. Now 19, she finally joins him on a patrol as a birthday gift, signaling a turning point in their relationship.
During their outing, they come across Eugene, who has been infected. The audience is aware that Joel had previously killed Eugene, marking a pivotal moment that will shatter Ellie’s trust. When Joel promises Eugene he’ll reunite him with his wife only to betray him, the impact reverberates deeply within Ellie.
Seeing Joel reconcile his actions with a fabricating story further alienates Ellie, leading to a dramatic confrontation with Joel where she struggles with the lies he’s told, not just about Eugene but also about the Fireflies.
The Last of Us Porch Scene We’ll Never Forget
In a raw moment on the porch, Ellie’s confrontation reveals just how devastating Joel’s deception has been. The pivotal line, “You swore,” is laden with the weight of her disappointment and disillusionment, forcing Joel to come clean. While this creates emotional distance, Ellie’s fundamental love for Joel persists.
Ellie understands why Joel made those choices, protecting her from a fate that he couldn’t bear to see. Despite the moral ambiguity surrounding Joel’s actions, Ellie’s love remains unwavering. Her willingness to forgive him and give their relationship another chance is poignant—it adds layers of tragedy to the series.
Abby’s actions, which lead to Joel’s death, not only robbed Ellie of closure but also ignited a fierce desire for revenge in her heart. As the series unfolds, it’s clear that Ellie is prevented from reconciling with Joel, intensifying her rage and determination to seek vengeance.
In this emotional landscape, viewers are left questioning the nature of love and the consequences of our actions as The Last of Us continues to delve deep into the human experience. Feel free to explore more insights and analysis around this gripping series at Moyens I/O.