Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us season 2, episode 6.
In the latest episode of The Last of Us, titled “Season 2, Episode 6,”the narrative unfolds primarily through flashbacks that traverse an extensive timeline. Most of the episode takes place in the past, with the notable exception of a climactic return to a rainy theater in Seattle. This episode brings back Pedro Pascal’s Joel, shedding light on the deterioration of his relationship with Ellie during the years leading up to the events of season two, following his misleading story about the Fireflies. These flashbacks serve as a poignant interlude amid Ellie’s dark journey of vengeance, reminiscent of storytelling techniques used in the original video game.
The game intersperses these flashbacks throughout Ellie’s three days in Seattle, while the television adaptation opts for a more concentrated approach, presenting multiple flashbacks consecutively at critical moments in Ellie’s life. A notable instance occurs when Ellie tortures Nora, marking a pivotal moment where her quest for retribution begins to erode her sense of humanity. These six chronological flashbacks, spanning from 1983 to 2028, unravel the once innocent child Ellie was before the tragedies unfolded, enriching the episode’s prevailing themes of loss, regret, and the conflict between love and vengeance.
Young Joel in Austin, Texas – 1983
Joel Has a Heart-to-Heart with His Dad
The episode opens with a flashback set in 1983, two decades prior to the outbreak. We meet Joel and Tommy’s father, portrayed by Tony Dalton. The scene begins with Joel defending Tommy from an impending scolding, leading to a heartfelt discussion with his father about parental expectations and the hope for future generations. This moment lays the groundwork for exploring Joel’s subsequent failings as a father figure to Ellie.
Ellie’s 15th Birthday – 2024
Joel Gives Ellie Her Guitar
As Ellie heals, Joel presents her with a guitar—a personal creation rather than a found object, which adds a sentimental layer to their bond. He then plays Pearl Jam’s “Future Days,” echoing a pivotal scene from the game but with deeper emotional resonance. This moment foreshadows Ellie’s later grief after Joel’s death, enhancing the backstory of her performance in the theater.
Ellie’s 16th Birthday – 2025
Joel Takes Ellie to a Science Museum
Fast forward to Ellie’s 16th birthday, where Joel treats her to a visit to a science museum. Ellie enjoys delightful moments climbing a T. rex statue and interacting with a model of the Solar System. Joel presents her with a tape of the Apollo 11 launch, epitomizing a heartfelt moment that mirrors the game’s most memorable sequences. This outing not only underlines Joel’s strengths as a father but also captures the spirit of imaginative escapism that fuels Ellie’s dreams of space travel.
However, as they return home, Ellie’s old distrust toward Joel resurfaces upon sighting fireflies in the woods, hinting at the complexities of their evolving relationship.
Ellie’s 17th Birthday – 2026
Ellie Moves into the Garage
A year later, we witness a shift in their dynamic on Ellie’s 17th birthday. After discovering Ellie in a compromising moment with her girlfriend Kat—who has gifted her a tattoo—Joel’s reaction instigates Ellie’s rebellion. As she decides to move her belongings to the garage, Joel reluctantly agrees, showcasing the growing tension and independence emerging between them.
Ellie’s 19th Birthday – 2028
Joel Takes Ellie on Her First Patrol
On Ellie’s 19th birthday, Joel finally permits her to join the patrol unit. This pivotal moment leads them to assist Eugene, an acquaintance bitten by an infected. As Joel promises Eugene he will deliver his goodbyes to Gail, the narrative takes a dark turn when Joel kills Eugene, a moment that devastates Ellie. This confrontation unveils Joel’s capacity to lie, further entrenching Ellie’s doubts about his narratives, including the story of the Fireflies.
New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2028
Ellie Starts to Forgive Joel
The concluding flashback reveals Ellie approaching Joel during a New Year’s Eve gathering, nine months after Eugene’s fate. This scene provides a fresh perspective on a sequence from the season premiere, illustrating their complex emotional landscape. The amalgamation of this and a previous memory from the game seeks to streamline storytelling; however, it perhaps sacrifices the depth of Ellie’s gradual journey toward forgiveness, a process that feels abruptly condensed in the series.
Despite this alteration, the performance from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey captures the emotional weight of their exchange beautifully, resonating with viewers as the episode’s flashbacks culminate in an exploration of love, loss, and the struggle for redemption.