Following the shocking and early demise of Joel Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us, fans are finally getting a reprieve as Pedro Pascal is set to return in next week’s episode via a series of flashbacks. While those familiar with The Last of Us Part II anticipated this grim narrative arc, the sudden loss of the series’ “TV peepaw” left newcomers reeling, hoping for a return to the surrogate father-daughter dynamic that defined the show’s first season.
A Flashback to Simpler Times
The fifth episode, “Feel Her Love,” concluded with a harrowing sequence: Ellie brutally torturing Nora (Tati Gabrielle) to satisfy her quest for vengeance. However, the episode refused to leave audiences in total darkness. In the final moments, the narrative shifted to a sun-drenched flashback in Jackson, where Joel greets a young Ellie with a warm “Hey, kiddo.” This brief, domestic respite offered a sharp contrast to the cold-blooded violence that preceded it.
Softening the Blow of Ellie’s Brutality
While the return of Joel is a welcome sight for many, the creative choice to place this scene immediately after Ellie’s darkest act raises questions about the show’s framing of its protagonist. By layering a wholesome memory over the aftermath of a torture scene, the series appears to be actively shielding Ellie from the full weight of her moral descent. This approach continues a trend noted throughout the season, where the show seems intent on maintaining Ellie’s heroism at the cost of complicating the roles of supporting characters, such as the increasingly antagonistic Jesse.
What to Expect Next Week
Despite the narrative implications, the immediate audience reaction has been pure relief. Pascal’s return has effectively distracted viewers from the grim reality of Ellie’s vengeful path, reigniting hopes for more “daddy-daughter” bonding moments. HBO’s teaser for the upcoming episode has only fueled this excitement, with fans eager to see the duo back in their prime.
Adapting the Source Material
For players of the original game, these scenes will feel familiar. The Last of Us Part II utilized a non-linear structure, scattering flashbacks of Joel and Ellie throughout the Seattle campaign. The HBO adaptation, however, appears to be consolidating these memories into a dedicated, Joel-centric episode. With series director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Halley Gross joining showrunner Craig Mazin for the writing of this episode and the season finale, the stage is set for a pivotal look into the history of the show’s most iconic relationship.
