After last week’s action-packed episode that ended with two tragic deaths, this week’s episode of The Last of Us delves deeper into the inner lives of its two main characters. While travelling to Wyoming in search of Tommy, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are forced to consider their relationship and how far they are willing to go to find a cure for Cordyceps (Gabriel Luna).
While Joel has spent the majority of the series as a lean and merciless Infected-killing machine, “Kin” examines the man’s vulnerabilities and insecurities. Joel’s potential demise at the end of Episode 6 is appropriate, as he has never been in greater danger.
The emotional impact of the situation is amplified by Joel’s deliberate decision to confront his worries prior to being injured. Due to HBO’s adherence to the primary plot points of the original The Last of Us game, it is unlikely that Joel will be murdered in Episode 6.
But his near-death experience affords him the opportunity to understand that Ellie is not a fragile creature that requires constant protection. Because she is also a survivor, he should have more faith in her problem-solving skills. Here, we will explain the conclusion of The Last of Us Episode 6.
The Last of Us Episode 6 Ending Explained
Joel Finally Admits His Biggest Fear
The Last of Us emphasizes Joel’s intense anxiousness throughout Episode 6. Joel experiences a fluttering in his chest and spinning in his head when he considers the possibility that his brother, Tommy, may be dead. When a dog sniffs Ellie to look for signs of infection, he is immobilized by panic once more, fearing that the animal would rip the girl to pieces.
Joel’s worry has certainly plagued him for a very long time, but after Henry (Lamar Johnson) and Sam passed away, his mental health appears to have gotten worse (Keivonn Woodard). The fact that one brother killed the other to protect Ellie while Joel was merely standing by and watching everything happen in front of his eyes torments him as he confesses to his brother.
Ellie Will Have To Prove Herself
Joel is so consumed with anxiety that he convinces Tommy to drive Ellie to the university in Colorado where the Fireflies are conducting their medical operations. Tommy is more qualified than Ellie to accompany her because he is younger and knows the area well enough to avoid danger.
Even if Joel makes this independent decision out of concern for Ellie’s safety, it would be selfish of him to exclude her from the conversation. Ellie does not hesitate to reveal to Joel that she is not Sarah when she discovers the agreement she and Tommy made in secret.
Ellie needs Joel’s confidence and support more than safety. The game’s screenplay suggests that Joel will survive this injury, and while HBO can always change the plot to surprise viewers, they haven’t done so as of yet. However, Joel’s injury provides the perfect opportunity for Ellie to care for him, and by reversing the roles of the two main characters, The Last of Us on HBO may provide Joel with the tools he needs to overcome his crippling fear.
Ellie, on the other hand, will have to utilise everything Joel has taught her while learning that she is quite capable of surviving in an impossible situation on her own. Although Joel’s injury is devastating, it will likely result in significant character development for the show’s two main characters.
