Episode 6 of Season 2 of "The Last of Us" kicks off with a poignant glimpse into Joel and Tommy's troubled past, where they grappled with an abusive father who happened to be a cop with a fiery temper. This volatile trait was an inherited burden, as their father had himself once suffered a broken jaw at the hands of his own stern patriarch.
Switching gears to the present, but still within the confines of Jackson, the narrative skips ahead to a few months after Joel's arrival. In his rounds, Joel meticulously scavenges, ultimately unearthing a precious bag of Lego pieces, which he thoughtfully presents to Seth. Interestingly, Seth reveals a shared past with Joel—both once wore the badge. However, Joel's scavenger hunts serve a deeper purpose; he is diligently crafting a brand-new guitar for Ellie, adorned with a moths emblem—a symbol that resonates with themes of death and the encroaching darkness.
When Ellie returns home, she sports a noticeable burn on her arm, a self-inflicted wound born from her desire to wear short sleeves once more. Her actions stem from an earnest attempt to conceal the scars marking her immunity, a testament to her tumultuous journey.
On the occasion of Ellie's birthday, a new cake graces the table, albeit with a minor spelling faux pas—"Eli" instead of "Ellie," prompting shared chuckles between the duo. Despite this minor hiccup, the cake's taste is undeniably delightful, and the laughter serves as a poignant counterpoint to Joel's heartfelt admission. He confesses that he understands the reasoning behind Ellie's actions, reflecting a deeper, unspoken bond between them.
A year has passed, and Ellie, now sixteen, embarks on a journey with Joel, where they stumble upon a captivating museum. Intrigued, they venture inside and are soon immersed in the wonders of the planetarium. Ellie, eager to enhance the experience, finds a helmet and dons it, the two of them stepping into a makeshift shuttle, savoring each other's company amidst the celestial displays. Joel has a surprise for her too—a tape containing actual footage of a space launch. As the surreal images of Ellie floating in space unfold, they offer a soothing reprieve from the season's flawed narrative, though Ellie can't help but reflect on the story's perceived decline as they return to their town.
Another year slips by, bringing significant changes. Seth, having learned from his past mistake, correctly spells Ellie's name on a chocolate cake this time. However, Joel's return home is marred by the sight of a nineteen-year-old girl preying on Ellie, kissing her, smoking weed, and even tattooing her arm. Joel decides to postpone a confrontation until "she's herself again," unaware that this moment marks the beginning of the end for their bond.
Determined to move out into the shed, Ellie encounters Joel's opposition. "You don't own it; they gave it to you," Ellie retorts, reminding him that they now live in a commune, where communist principles prevail. "You don't own anything." Reluctantly, Joel concedes, allowing Ellie to move into the shed and claim her own space. Though Ellie shows no remorse for the strained relationship, the rift between them widens.
Two years hence, Ellie has fully established herself in the shed. She yearns to uncover the truth behind what transpired in Salt Lake City with the Fireflies, remaining skeptical of Joel's account. Armed with a sheet of paper where she practices her lines, Ellie is interrupted by Joel's arrival at her door, causing her to become flustered. For her nineteenth birthday, Joel has informed the council of his approval for her to join patrols, marking a new chapter in her life.
It begins as a modest path they tread upon, yet Joel unburdens his heart, expressing a desire to embark on such adventures more frequently. However, she fails to share his enthusiasm. Just as their conversation unfolds, a urgent crackle disrupts the radio's silence, heralding news of an infected horde assaulting a nearby scouting group. Without hesitation, Joel and Ellie dash to their aid.
In the depths of the forest, they discover a survivalist, badly wounded and identified as Gail's husband. A bite marks his chest, yet the virus has not yet claimed his sanity. Ellie, driven by compassion, wishes to bring him back to the town, granting him one last farewell with his beloved Gail. Conversely, Joel, seasoned by the harsh realities of this post-apocalyptic world, fears the man's infection may mutate into a Runner upon their return, unleashing a catastrophe upon everyone.
Joel solemnly promises Ellie to convey the survivor back to their commune, but his vow crumbles like sand. Instead, he leads the man to the tranquil lake and ends his life mercifully. Ellie's heart shatters upon witnessing this betrayal, severing the bond they once cherished, and she withdraws from him emotionally.
Gail's grief is overwhelming upon hearing the news. Joel spins a tale of suicide, hoping to spare her the brutal truth, claiming the man's demise was painless and voluntary. However, Ellie cannot abide by this deception and confronts Gail with the harrowing reality of her husband's fate.
Nine months leap forward, bringing us to the eve of the dance. We observe Ellie scolding Joel, yet miss the poignant moment when she steps onto the porch seeking a private discourse. Their conversation delves into Dina and Ellie's emotional ties to her, indirectly probing the heart of their disputes. Ellie has uncovered Joel's lies about Salt Lake City and the Fireflies, demanding the unvarnished truth.
When pressed whether a cure was ever a possibility, Joel nods, acknowledging the uncertainties surrounding that fateful decision. It was a perilous gamble, fraught with risks that Joel was unwilling to stake everything upon. Joel remains silent as Ellie confesses her belief that her destiny was entwined with sacrificing herself for the cure.
Eventually, Joel rises to his feet and openly acknowledges that he harbors no regrets over his decision, fueled by his unwavering love for her and his earnest desire to shield her. In response, Ellie conveys to Joel that, although she finds it difficult to forgive him for his actions, she is willing to make an attempt to move past it. This heart-wrenching revelation seamlessly transitions us to the present moment, where Ellie, somewhat mysteriously, finds herself outside the hospital's confines. The specifics of her departure remain unseen, yet the scene shifts to her standing before the theater, poised with determination to re-enter its halls.
