Does Joel Die in The Last of Us?

The Last of Us series has captivated audiences with its heart-wrenching storytelling and powerful emotional moments. Joel’s tragic death, one of the most impactful events in the series, has left fans both shocked and devastated.

Even though many were prepared for it, the sheer emotion it evoked was unparalleled. Today, we will delve deeper into Joel's character, his significant impact in the series, and explore the implications of his death on the narrative arc of The Last of Us saga.

The Calm Before the Storm: Joel’s Contribution in The Last of Us

In the show, Joel Miller is portrayed by Pedro Pascal. He is a battle-hardened survivor who takes on the role of Ellie's guardian and father figure in a world absolutely ravaged by the Cordyceps fungal infection.

What makes the show so enjoyable is the relationship that forms between Joel and Ellie. It is a relationship built on survival, trust, and, over time, deep love.

Throughout Season 1, their relationship keeps on strengthening, resulting in the much-debated conclusion, where Joel makes a pivotal choice: he slaughters an entire Firefly doctor team that includes one who could potentially develop a cure for the infection, simply to rescue Ellie.

This decision, along with his “high ground” choice, leads into what’s going to happen in Season 2. Events that Joel sets off will change the world he is trying to fight for and create a path towards his ultimate falling.

The Unthinkable: Joel Dies in Season 2

With blowing everyone away with Joel’s death, season 2 of The Last of Us starts off with a twist. This came as a total shock for most people as this portion is adapted from the The Last of Us Part II game, but the way they incorporated it into the HBO series stunned fans of the game as well as newcomers.

In the second episode of Season 2, ‘Through the Valley’ depicts Joel's death as very brutal which reinforces the cold-heartedness of the world they live in. It’s earlier than many anticipated and the glaring absence of Joel creates a huge void in both the audience’s connection to the narrative and the emotional anchor of the story.

How Joel Dies: A Heartbreaking Encounter

The show depicts Joel's death differently than the game, but the emotional impact is consistent. In the game, Joel dies after an encounter with Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), the daughter of the doctor he killed in Season 1. Revenge is the driving force behind every action Abby takes. After dealing with some infected, she brings Joel and his friend Dina (Isabela Merced) to a secluded cabin, where she anesthetizes Dina and takes her time torturing Joel.

Abby's unyielding pursuit of vengeance does not relent. When Ellie (Bella Ramsey) arrives and bears witness to the awful attack, she is left screaming in anguish as Joel takes a fatal golf club strike, a brutal act that dooms the man who loved and cared for her like a father.

On the show, Joel is patrolling with Dina during a blizzard, and they spot Abby. After rescuing her from a horde of infected, they brought Joel to the mountain lodge with her group, where the brutal attempt to execute Joel began. Eli and Jesse (Young Mazino) attempt to locate Joel and Dina, but arrive too late. Abby strikes the final blow in front of Ellie, cementing the loss in a heartbreaking way for viewers.

Why is Joel’s Death Important?

Joel’s death is impactful to fans of the series due to the immense heartbreak, but also shifts the center of the story from Joel to Ellie. This event triggers a series of actions that lead Ellie down a dark path driven by vengeance. The aftermath of this is a tale of loss and grief, and the cycle of violence that ensues.

Joel’s death marks a pivotal moment in Ellie's character arc. She used to be a very optimistic girl in Season 1, someone who relied on Joel for her very survival. But now, after his death, she transforms into a fierce survivor with a singular thirst for vengeance toward Abby, which is indicative of the transformation of an individual in The Last of Us.

While the death of Joel is emotionally impactful, it sheds light on The Last of Us’s overarching theme, which is the impact of one's choices. Joel killing the Firefly doctors in Season 1 was a choice that, while shocking, was also highly impactful. It is easy to understand why he decided to prioritize Ellie’s survival over the possibility of a cure for the Cordyceps infection. In Season 2, we see the cost of that selfish decision, eventually turning into the relentless vengeance from Abby.

This event, so tragic and heartbreaking, teaches us all that in a world as vicious as “The Last of Us" there is no such thing as happy endings. To move forward, some actions, even those made with the purest of intentions, require surrendering to the agony of loss.

What Changes Can We Expect for The Last of Us Going Forward?

While the passing of Joel is shocking, it is not the end of the tale. Contrary to that, it paves ways to further deepen the story and the characters in it. The character Ellie will be coming into play fully as she will be dealing with the aftermath of Joel’s death and the path she takes toward vengeance. Abby, who is portrayed as the character who murdered Joel, will also go through her character developments which will showcase her side of the story as well as the painful decisions she had to come to.

Keeping flashbacks alive and Joel's presence in the story even after his passing is a clever idea and these flashbacks could help aid and shape the character of Ellie, while also allowing audiences to come to understand Joel and what makes him tick.

The show's creators have indicated that even though Joel is dead, his character will continue to have a big impact on the story. Although he is not physically there, he will shape the choices Ellie will make alongside the bonds she will create.

InShort: A Legacy of Love and Loss

Joel's death in The Last of Us Part 2 Season 2 marks a moment in time that is simultaneously heartbreaking and motivational for the storyline. It signifies one chapter closing while giving life to new, emotionally charged tales revolving around Ellie, Abby, and the world that surrounds them.

Even though Joel's absence is deeply felt, the repercussions of his presence are hard to ignore. His death will shape the storyline for the rest of the series, changing the cast and story’s journey forever.

Once again, The Last of Us reminds us that the most beautiful yet tragic narratives stem from colossal losses, especially in a world overtaken by infection, death, and lawlessness.

Although painful, Joel’s death will serve as the spark for a narrative that will delve into the tangled web of revenge, redemption, and the struggle to exist in a world shattered beyond recognition.

While we grieve for Joel as fans, we are still patiently waiting for what comes next in this amazing adventure.