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The emotional weight of Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) death permeates “The Last of Us” Season 2, Episode 3, beginning just hours after the previous episode, “Through the Valley.” This installment opens at the makeshift morgue in Jackson, where a grief-stricken Tommy (Gabriel Luna) approaches his brother’s lifeless body. As he tenderly washes Joel’s arms, his eyes are drawn to the broken watch that Joel cherished, a gift from his daughter Sarah (Nico Parker). In a somber moment, Tommy whispers, “Give Sarah my love,” to his brother.
This poignant display of sorrow quickly transitions to a more tumultuous scene. In Jackson’s bustling hospital, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) awakens, only to be haunted by the brutal memory of Joel’s murder committed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Her anguish culminates in screams and sobs, prompting Maria (Rutina Wesley) to sedate her. Time shifts, and the narrative progresses forward three months, revealing that Ellie has physically healed, though her emotional scars run deeper. Before her discharge, Ellie must convince Gail (Catherine O’Hara) of her readiness to reintegrate into daily life.
During their conversation, Gail probes Ellie about her last moment with Joel. “When I got home, he was on the porch, and I should’ve talked to him, but I didn’t,” Ellie admits, reflecting on her return from Jackson’s New Year’s event. While she is determined not to let a final regret overshadow her memory of Joel, Gail seems skeptical. “In my last moment with Joel, he mentioned he wronged you,” she reveals, to which Ellie reacts with visible surprise, pressing for more. Gail’s response, however, leaves room for ambiguity about Joel’s intentions, as he cryptically stated, “I saved her.” Ellie, aware of the complexities of their relationship, counters, saying, “He saved me a lot of times.” Yet, she masks her emotions well enough to leave the session without further probing.
My Gun, It Comforts Me
The two young women approach Tommy to seek his assistance in tracking down those responsible for Joel’s death. Although he expresses his willingness to help, he conveys that the decision is not solely his. Tommy, along with the Jackson town council that includes a newly appointed Jesse (Young Mazino), engages in a contentious meeting about forming a group to punish Joel’s killers. Opinions are sharply divided; some residents advocate for mercy, while others cite the community’s lack of resources for such revenge. Seth (Robert John Burke) voices the only dissent, urging that allowing attackers to escape unpunished would set a dangerous precedent. In a heartfelt speech, Ellie insists that her desire for retribution stems from a place of “justice,” but her impassioned plea ultimately falls short, resulting in an 8-3 vote against taking action.
In light of this outcome, Tommy seeks advice from Gail, expressing concern for Ellie’s future choices. “I just don’t want her to tread the path that Joel did,” he confides. Gail counters, highlighting that regardless of Joel’s past, Ellie’s path is uniquely hers. “Some people just can’t be saved,” she concludes, echoing showrunner Craig Mazin’s portrayal of the inherent darkness within Ellie that complicates her character.
Scars, New and Old
Tommy’s worries are validated when Ellie is later shown cleaning Joel’s revolver, mentally preparing for a daunting mission to confront Abby and her allies. Dina, however, surprises her by insisting on joining the quest for vengeance. As they prepare, Seth provides them with essential medical supplies and swaps Ellie’s rifle for an upgraded model. One of the most visually striking sequences unfolds as Ellie visits Joel’s grave at dawn, which, through its golden hues, evokes a Western ambiance that carries through the episode’s montage of Ellie and Dina’s horseback journey to Seattle.
During a rain-soaked night shared in a tent, the two girls reflect on the romantic moment they shared during Jackson’s New Year’s dance. They exchange playful banter regarding their kiss, with Ellie humorously rating it. Dina, ever the flirt, humorously defends their chemistry, stating, “I wasn’t that high,” leaving viewers with a mix of lightheartedness amid the surrounding darkness.
As they approach Seattle, the duo stumbles upon the gruesome remains of a group of Seraphites—religious zealots adorned with matching scars. Although initially perceiving their journey as straightforward, the episode’s closing scenes foreshadow turmoil. It reveals Manny (Danny Ramirez) communicating with other W.L.F. soldiers atop the Space Needle, culminating in a stark image of an impending army. This revelation underscores the perilous nature of the post-apocalyptic Seattle that awaits Ellie and Dina.
The Land of Wolves
This episode of “The Last of Us” draws parallels to themes found in “The Walking Dead,” delving deeper into the complexities of faction dynamics such as Jackson, the Scars, and the W.L.F. The introduction of these groups, while intriguing, may border on overt exposition. As the narrative progresses without Joel, the series faces significant challenges to maintain its momentum.
The core distinction of “The Last of Us” has always been its cinematic quality and standout performances, especially by Pascal. Season 1 thrived on the authentic bond between Joel and Ellie, a connection that provided the narrative’s emotional gravity. With the departure of Pascal’s character, the series risks losing that central relationship which previously set it apart.
Going forward, audiences will need to reevaluate what captured their interest in the preceding season—is it the emotional complexities surrounding Joel’s protection of Ellie or the violence he unleashed? As the narrative shifts focus, it appears that while plenty of physical confrontation is in store, the depth of emotional conflict previously displayed may become less prominent.
“The Last of Us” airs Sundays on HBO and Max.
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