Was Ellie the Cure?
The question on everyone’s mind after watching the critically acclaimed HBO series, The Last of Us, is whether Ellie, the young protagonist, is the cure for the Cordyceps virus that has ravaged the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a definitive answer to this question.
Theories and Clues
Before we get to the answer, let’s explore some of the theories and clues presented in the show. The most obvious theory is that Ellie’s immunity to the virus is the key to finding a cure. After all, she is the only person who has shown no symptoms of the infection, even after being bitten by infected humans. This has led many to believe that Ellie’s blood or DNA might hold the secret to defeating the virus.
Another theory is that Joel’s decision to kill the Fireflies and destroy their research is what prevented the discovery of a cure. By destroying the research, Joel prevented the Fireflies from studying Ellie’s immunity and developing a vaccine. This has led some to believe that Joel’s actions were motivated by a desire to save Ellie, rather than finding a cure for the virus.
The Science Behind Ellie’s Immunity
So, what is the scientific explanation behind Ellie’s immunity? According to the show, Ellie’s immunity is caused by the unique timing of her mother’s bite and the cutting of the umbilical cord. This has led some scientists to believe that Ellie’s immune system may have been affected by the virus in a way that prevents her from becoming infected.
In an interview, the show’s creator, Craig Mazin, explained that the scientific team behind the show worked closely with medical professionals to ensure that the story was grounded in reality. "We worked with immunologists and virologists to make sure that the science was accurate," Mazin said. "We wanted to make sure that the show was scientifically sound, but also not so scientifically accurate that it became boring."
Joel’s Decision and its Consequences
So, what about Joel’s decision to kill the Fireflies and destroy their research? Was it a heroic act or a tragic mistake? According to the show, Joel’s decision was motivated by a desire to protect Ellie, rather than finding a cure for the virus. Joel believed that Ellie’s immunity was the only hope for humanity, and that the Fireflies’ research would put her at risk.
However, this decision had devastating consequences. Without the research, the chances of finding a cure were significantly reduced. The Fireflies were the only organization working on a vaccine, and their destruction meant that humanity was left without a clear path forward.
The Impact on Ellie
The destruction of the Fireflies’ research also had a profound impact on Ellie herself. Ellie was left with a deep sense of guilt and responsibility for the death of the Fireflies. She felt that she was the only one who could have saved them, and this guilt weighed heavily on her.
In an interview, Ellie’s actress, Bella Ramsey, discussed the impact of the scene on Ellie’s character. "Ellie is struggling with a lot of emotions," Ramsey said. "She feels guilty for what happened to the Fireflies, and she’s also struggling to come to terms with the fact that she’s the only one who can possibly save humanity."
Conclusion
So, was Ellie the cure? The answer is a resounding maybe. While Ellie’s immunity holds great promise, the show’s creators have left it unclear whether her blood or DNA can be used to create a vaccine. The scientific community is still divided on the issue, and more research is needed to determine whether Ellie’s immunity is the key to defeating the virus.
In the end, the show’s creators have left us with more questions than answers. Is Ellie the cure? Only time will tell.