Joel and Ellie’s Final Conversation Changes Everything in The Last of Us

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Following the conclusion of events, Joel and Ellie had an awkward public spat as Joel intervened to prevent Seth from bothering Ellie. Yet, Joel remained on the porch despite her cold dismissal. This ending left those who played The Last of Us Part II disenchanted, but they held onto hope that the showrunners were merely manipulating their emotions.

In “The Last of Us Part II,” the final scene of the game is a flashback that takes place the night before Joel’s demise and is recalled by Ellie upon her return home to Dina and their son, JJ. This poignant moment occurs when Ellie finds her family has abandoned her, having left in the wake of Ellie’s decision to seek revenge rather than staying with them. This flashback scene holds significance as it represents the last conversation between Joel and Ellie, except for Ellie imploring Joel to find the strength to overpower Abby. The series cleverly divides this scene initially to create a false lead, but later provides a sense of relief and fulfillment when Ellie shows willingness to reconcile with Joel, despite the ultimate outcome. Most importantly, it offers a fresh perspective on how Ellie can find peace following Joel’s passing.

Joel and Ellie Got It All Out in the Open

In Season 2, Episode 6’s concluding flashback scene, viewers are transported back to New Year’s Eve dance, but this time from Joel’s point of view. After granting Ellie her desire for independence by letting her move into the garage, Joel has chosen to stay away from her. Their relationship is strained due to Joel’s deception about the Fireflies. This unspoken truth, as big as an elephant in the room, is visible only to them, yet they both choose to ignore it, unwilling to confront or accept the harsh reality of their predicament.

Upon returning from the dance, I find myself face to face with Joel once more. However, it isn’t until I’ve walked past him that I turn back, and in a moment that would forever change our lives, we engage in a dialogue of utmost significance. Regrettably, this conversation marked the final time we shared words, as Joel was to take his last breath shortly thereafter. Yet, it was this very exchange that granted him the peace he needed at the end. In this interaction, I made it clear to Joel that I am a 19-year-old woman, asserting my independence and self-determination – something he could not, and should not, control. To my surprise, Joel responded positively to this boundary-setting, showing signs of healing in the process.

Joel: Making a cure would’ve killed you.

Then I was intended for death, that was my role. My existence had significance, but you robbed me of that! You deprived not just me, but all others as well.

Indeed, and I’d bear the consequences since you might walk away from me then. Yet, given a chance to rewind that moment, I wouldn’t hesitate – I’d repeat every bit of it.

Ellie: Because you’re selfish.

Joel: Because I love you.

After such a long wait, she finally receives the news she received in Salt Lake City, which has drastically altered the game’s previous scene. Joel struggles to speak due to his overwhelming emotions as he confirms what happened, only managing nods or shakes of the head. All her deepest fears are realized when the person she cares for most takes away her one reason for living. She accuses him of being selfish, claiming that if given another chance, he would do it all again. However, in a small gesture of hope, she offers, “I don’t believe I can ever forgive you for this, but I’d like to try.

Ellie Lied to Gail to Cherish Her Final Talk With Joel

Those who have followed the story up to this point are aware that Joel is unable to completely mend his relationship due to killing her father and the rest of the Fireflies. This outcome was a consequence he had foreseen, though he didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. As those near Ellie focus on helping her cope with her loss and preventing any hasty, revengeful actions, she ultimately chooses a different path – one that is characteristic of her rebellious spirit. However, this twist in events is consistent with Ellie’s nature.

After displaying the entirety of the scene in “The Last of Us”, some viewers might be puzzled as to why Ellie initially lied to Gail about her last chat with Joel. Given that everyone else seems to think their relationship ended on a sour note at the dance, they could assume she feels remorse for treating him harshly. However, what they don’t realize is that Ellie granted him more compassion than he truly deserved.

The primary cause she never disclosed their final discussion with Gail or anyone else was because it centered around the Fireflies. If the matter became public knowledge, chaos might erupt in Jackson. Yet another factor is that it’s a unique bond between Joel and Ellie. Hiding it helps her cherish her memory of him. Others would likely judge or comment if they learned what Joel and Ellie said to each other last. They may label Joel as heartless for preventing the creation of a cure, damaging his reputation forever. However, for Ellie, Joel is an imperfect man who performed a cruel act out of love. She doesn’t want others altering that image for her.

Ellie’s Final Words to Joel Give Her Journey a New Meaning

Even though Joel is no longer present to enjoy the outcome of this discussion, Ellie certainly will. Time has passed, allowing her an opportunity for forgiveness towards him, and it seems she may have already extended it. The gentle smile she gives while scattering coffee beans on his grave hints at this. However, Ellie’s promise isn’t fully realized in the conversation with just avenging Joel; rather, it involves offering Abby the grace of forgiveness.

The essence of this dialogue isn’t about determining if Joel acted rightly or wrongly in his actions. Instead, it focuses on Joel himself, as his father desired for him. Joel understands that his actions were regrettable and hopes Ellie doesn’t find herself in the same predicament regarding her child. In the future, he anticipates that she will learn from his mistakes and steer clear of them. At present, however, she seems to be repeating the destructive path that Joel walked throughout his life.

Asking Ellie to forgive Abby, who ruthlessly tormented and killed someone, is one of the most challenging feats both for Ellie and the audience. After all, Abby too was merciless in her actions. However, if Ellie chooses forgiveness, who would be next in line for vengeance? The cycle of revenge needs to break with Ellie. Even though she couldn’t save the world with a cure, she can make a difference by showing kindness and humanity. Becoming the bigger person is the only way her story can have a fulfilling conclusion. By doing so, Ellie would surpass Joel in terms of compassion, which was the only thing he ever wanted for her.

The Season 2 finale of The Last of Us premieres next Sunday at 9 PM ET on HBO.

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2025-05-20 01:06