Spoiler Alert: The following contains significant spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6.
The evolution of Joel and Ellie’s relationship is profoundly shaped by the events in Salt Lake City, a pivotal moment in both the game and the HBO adaptation. During this harrowing sequence, Ellie is on the verge of undergoing a life-threatening operation intended to create a cure for the Cordyceps infection. Aware of the grave consequences, Joel makes the drastic decision to save her at any cost, resulting in the deaths of those involved—including Abby’s father. Following their escape, Joel’s attempt to explain the situation to Ellie sets the tone for the complexities ahead as they journey toward Jackson. While Season 2 focuses on Ellie’s quest for vengeance, it intricately weaves in the dynamics of her relationship with Joel.
Throughout the early episodes, viewers witness Ellie’s struggle to reconcile her feelings towards Joel. Despite the underlying love she harbors, the impact of his death leaves her grappling with unresolved issues in their relationship. The penultimate episode delves deeply into these themes, ultimately portraying both the sacrifices made by Joel for Ellie and the pivotal moments that further complicate their bond. This exploration raises a critical question: Did they ever attempt to mend their fractured relationship? Let’s analyze the finale of this pivotal episode.
What Happens In The Penultimate Episode of The Last of Us Season 2?
The sixth episode of Season 2 poignantly examines the deteriorating relationship between Joel and Ellie, marked by a series of significant events. Initially, we witness flashbacks featuring younger versions of Joel and Tommy witnessing parental conflict. In a moment of brotherly sacrifice, Joel protects Tommy from their father’s wrath, illustrating the protective instinct that defines Joel’s character.
As the episode progresses, an adult Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, attempts to reconnect with Ellie (Bella Ramsey) on her birthday, presenting her with a guitar, adorned with a “moth”symbol. The poignant moment is underscored when Ellie requests a song, leading Joel to perform “Future Days.” The narrative then jumps forward to Ellie’s subsequent birthdays, highlighting shifts in her personality as she grows into a defiant teenager.
On her 17th birthday, Joel discovers Ellie engaging in reckless behavior. Their interactions reflect a growing tension, leading Ellie to reclaim her independence by seeking space in their shared living environment. After a time jump, the storyline advances to Ellie’s 19th birthday, where a routine patrol takes a dark turn upon encountering Eugene, a man bitten by infected. Compelled by empathy, Ellie persuades Joel to allow Eugene one last meeting with his wife, only for the situation to escalate tragically, culminating in Joel’s shocking decision to kill Eugene. This incident acts as a catalyst for their emotional rift.
Returning to their settlement, Joel fabricates a story about Eugene’s demise to protect Ellie, but she soon reveals the truth to Eugene’s wife Gale, igniting Ellie’s fury and sealing the divide between her and Joel.
How Did Episode 6 Of The Last of Us Season 2 End?
As the episode unfolds, we witness pivotal exchanges marking the final moments between Joel and Ellie. The narrative revisits a scene from Ellie and Dina’s first kiss at a New Year’s party where Joel intervenes amid tensions, demonstrating his protective nature. However, unlike what viewers initially perceive, the true climax of their relationship occurs later that night.
In a heart-wrenching confrontation, Ellie returns to speak with Joel, expressing her hurt over his lies about the tragic events in Salt Lake City. With tears in her eyes, she demands the truth regarding the Fireflies and the potential cure for the Cordyceps infection. Joel grapples with revealing his hidden truths, ultimately confessing that there indeed could have been a chance for a cure, but that meant Ellie could have died in the process. This revelation shatters Ellie, who accuses Joel of selfishness, declaring that if her death could lead to salvation for others, it should have been accepted.
Familiar themes of love and sacrifice surface as Joel expresses his unyielding love for Ellie, yet acknowledges the impossible choices he made. He reflects on the advice imparted by his father and expresses hope that Ellie will make better decisions if she ever finds herself in a similar position someday. In an emotional exchange, they recognize the depth of their bond, yet understand that the damage may be too great to repair. The episode concludes with Ellie leaving the hospital after confronting Nora, setting her on a new path with Dina and Jesse.
This climax serves as a moment of catharsis for Ellie, paralleling the sacrifices Joel has made. It masterfully portrays the lengths to which a parent will go for their child, and the performances by Pascal and Ramsey elevate the storytelling. The episode stands as one of the most impactful in The Last of Us franchise, capturing the intensity of their relationship and the painful choices that define their existence.