What was the point of killing Joel?
The Unanswered Question
The Last of Us, both the game and its adapted television series, are often praised for their poignant and emotional storytelling. But among the many questions the show raises, one nagging question remains: why was Joel killed? The decision to kill off Joel has left many fans of the show reeling, attempting to make sense of Ellie’s motivations and the subsequent repercussions. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Joel’s untimely demise, examining the themes, motivations, and character development that drove this pivotal plot point.
Ellie’s Descent into Rage and Violence
In the immediate aftermath of Joel’s murder, Ellie’s actions sparked debate among fans. She seems to be consumed by anger and a desire for vengeance, fueled by a need to justify her existence as a survivor. Throughout her journey, Ellie grapples with the emotional burden of her past and her role in the downfall of humanity. Her fixation on killing Abby, as witnessed in the finale’s confrontation, can be interpreted as a desperate attempt to legitimize her own morality, proving to herself and others that she is indeed justified in her actions. The rage and vengeance, a manifestation of the trauma and grief Ellie carried, ultimately lead to the tragic conclusion.
Abby’s Humanity and Ellie’s Release
The portrayal of Abby, as a mother fueled by grief and love for her daughter, brings another layer of complexity to Joel’s death. Joel, once a symbol of protectiveness and paternal affection for Ellie, is brought back to life through the parallels between Abby and his own relationship with Ellie. The contrast between the two mothers – Ellen and Sarah also heightens the emotional toll, emphasizing the devastating costs of war and the devastating impact on those left behind.
Joel’s Emotional Weight and Sacrifice
Prior to his death, Joel’s character underwent a transformative arc, evolving from a hardened survivor to an emotionally vulnerable and conflicted individual. Throughout their journey, Ellie challenged his views, forcing Joel to confront the harsh reality of their world. Ultimately, his emotional exhaustion and the accumulation of traumatic experiences weakened him, making him increasingly reckless and desperate. When presented with the opportunity to ensure Ellie’s survival by eliminating Abby, Joel saw an easy solution, underlining his emotional weariness and desperation to keep Ellie safe. These factors ultimately led him down a path of conflict resolution, resulting in a deadly confrontation.
Growth and Resolution
Through Ellie’s character development and backstory, we see how the weight of her mother’s death and her existence serve as the driving forces behind her actions. While many fans are still processing Joel’s demise, others can find solace in understanding that Ellie has finally found a chance for redemption and growth, which is essential to healing and moving forward in their harsh world.
The killing of Joel highlights a dark and uncomfortable theme: the cyclical violence and the devastating consequences of war. As we wrap our heads around this conclusion, we are left questioning our own capacity for growth and resilience in the face of trauma and loss. It is through this reflective prism that we can hope to find closure and moving forward.
In Summary:
• Ellie’s descent into rage and violence: as a desperate attempt to justify her existence and mortality as a survivor.
• The portrayal of Abby’s humanity: highlighting the maternal connection and love that brings light to Joel’s complicated feelings towards Ellie.
• Joel’s emotional weight: representing his exhaustion, accumulated traumatic experiences, and his decision to eliminate Abby due to desperation to keep Ellie safe.
• Growth and Resolution: Ellie’s opportunities for redemption and growth serving as a beacon of hope amidst the harsh realities.
Through this exploration, the tragic conclusion of Joel’s life becomes more comprehensible and emotional, offering a lens into the characters’ arcs. As we grapple with the implications of the events, we are prompted to confront the harsh reality: in a world ravaged by violence and destruction, death is a constant shadow cast over our existence, highlighting the importance of learning, growing, and the resilient human spirit.