Joel Miller, a prominent figure in The Last of Us series, encapsulates the complexity of human morality. He isn’t portrayed as a straightforward hero; in fact, many critics argue he embodies villainous traits, particularly through his actions against the Fireflies, whom he brutally eliminated to prevent them from discovering a cure for the Cordyceps infection.
In the inaugural game, players step into the shoes of a deeply traumatized man for whom the only priority is rescuing Ellie. Ironically, Joel’s life was cut short in the sequel after an encounter with Abby Anderson, resulting in his tragic and violent end in 2038.
This article explores the chain of events leading to Joel Miller’s ultimate demise.
Joel’s Inescapable Fate in The Last of Us Part 2
After annihilating a squad of Fireflies in Salt Lake City, including key figures like Marlene and surgeon Jerry Anderson, Joel returns Ellie to their home in Jackson, Wyoming. Despite Ellie’s suspicion regarding his account of the hospital event, she trusts him and coexists with him for five years—a trust that eventually crumbles under the weight of his secrets.
During this time, Joel integrated into the Jackson community, taking on responsibilities such as patrolling alongside his brother, Tommy. However, in seeking a semblance of normalcy, Joel grew complacent, leading to his brutal demise when Abby, an avenging force, crushed his skull with a golf club.
In his final moments, Joel mistakenly believed he was saving a stranger—entirely unaware of the identities of those threatening him. Critics noted that this growth from Part I to Part II depicted a man who seemed to forget critical survival instincts, further fueling the debate among fans.
Abby, whose revenge is fueled by her connection to the slain surgeon, had spent years prepping for this confrontation. Even in the face of his death, Joel maintained an unsettling calm, showing no signs of remorse.
Walking the Fine Line of Morality
Prior to his falling out with the Fireflies, Joel had already established a notorious reputation. Post-Outbreak Day, he resorted to hunting, often preying on the vulnerable and robbing them for survival—a behavior he engaged in alongside his brother in an unforgiving environment.
His survival strategies led him to Boston, where he became a smuggler, collaborating with his partner. A betrayal by Robert set him on a new course, one that intertwined with Ellie, a girl immune to the Cordyceps virus, whom he was compelled to escort to the Fireflies.
As outlined in The Last of Us Part I, Joel acknowledged his existence was merely a gamble—a notion that ultimately proved prophetic as his idiosyncratic choices culminated in her salvation at a considerable moral cost.
Living Without Regrets
The night preceding Joel’s death was marked by a poignant conversation with Ellie, reflecting on their tumultuous past. Driven by his past experiences, Joel exhibited a troubling disregard for the consequences of his actions, despite the pain they caused him and others around him.
The narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 unfolds as a gritty exploration of despair, vengeance, and deep-seated hatred—tracing back to the moment Joel experienced unspeakable loss when his daughter died. This tumult found its way to both Abby and Ellie, creating a cycle of pain and retribution.
Revisiting Joel in No Return
For fans yearning for more gameplay featuring Joel, he appears in the No Return mode, where players can take on endless waves of infected and hostile humans. Although Naughty Dog repurposed some animations originally designed for Abby, Joel remains a formidable option thanks to his firepower and unique gameplay style.
This mode emphasizes the advanced combat mechanics and animation designs that The Last of Us sequel is known for. While Joel may not combat foes with the same flair as in earlier titles, he remains a potent character, wielding a revolver that carries an impressive amount of ammunition. While No Return doesn’t follow the main narrative canon, it offers a nostalgic experience for players seeking to step back into Joel’s shoes.
The Last of Us Part 2 is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.