If you believed Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) demise was the emotional apex of The Last of Us Season 2, reconsider. That distinction now belongs to Season 2, Episode 6 — a heavily flashback-oriented chapter that delves into Joel and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) experiences in Jackson and the gradual disintegration of their once-strong bond.
This episode serves as a prime example of emotional storytelling, interweaving joy, regret, and sorrow as it revisits pivotal moments from their time together. From heartfelt birthdays to painful miscommunications, Episode 6 aims blow after blow to the heart. And indeed, we encounter more of Joel — but it’s a bittersweet reunion, especially in light of what lies ahead.
Here’s a chronological recap of every moment in Episode 6 that left us shattered.
A Father’s Legacy
The episode begins in 1983 Austin, featuring a young Joel (Andrew Diaz) stepping in to shield his brother Tommy (David Miranda) from their father (Tony Dalton). But rather than resorting to violence, Joel’s father shares a rare moment of honesty. He expresses his desire to be a better parent than his own father and hopes that Joel will strive for the same in the future.
“I’m doing somewhat better than my father did,” he reflects. “When your time comes, I hope you can do even better than me.”
This statement encapsulates the emotional core of the episode — Joel’s endeavor to be a better father to Ellie. The awareness of their limited time amplifies the poignancy of this sentiment.
The Return of Joel in the Opening Credits
Following Joel’s passing, the opening credits of the show were modified to exclude his silhouette, leaving only Ellie’s — a subtle but heart-wrenching change. In Episode 6, Joel’s silhouette reappears, indicating his presence in this flashback. It’s a minor detail, yet one that resonates deeply, reminding us that this reunion is fleeting.
Joel Sings “Future Days”
On Ellie’s 15th birthday, Joel presents her with a guitar and performs Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” — a moment Ellie had eagerly anticipated. The lyrics, “If I ever were to lose you / I’d surely lose myself,” reflect their profound connection and foreshadow Ellie’s emotional turmoil following Joel’s death.
This recalls a moment from Season 1, when Ellie asked Joel to sing for her. Now, he finally does — and it’s as heart-wrenching as fans imagined.
A Day at the Museum
Ellie’s 16th birthday marks a rare tranquil moment. Joel takes her to a museum, where she ascends dinosaur statues and envisions herself rocketing into space. The scene is enchanting and warm — a glimpse of what life could have been.
However, it’s also the calm before the inevitable storm. Ellie’s wish to go on patrol serves as a reminder that danger is always lurking, and the patrol that ultimately results in Joel’s demise casts an ominous shadow in the background.
Ellie Moves Out
As Ellie turns 17, circumstances shift significantly. Joel discovers her smoking, getting a tattoo, and having a fling with Kat (Noah Lamanna). His reaction — dismissing her relationship as merely an “experiment” — is insensitive and belittling.
The ensuing argument creates a rift between them. Ellie relocates to the garage, and although Joel attempts to reconcile, the damage is irreparable. Their bond begins to unravel, and we feel powerless to intervene.
The Meaning Behind Ellie’s Tattoo
Joel endeavors to reconnect by inquiring about Ellie’s moth tattoo. She shares that moths signify something in dreams. Joel assumes it symbolizes transformation, but therapist Gail (Catherine O’Hara) later clarifies: moths represent death.
Ellie bears the burden of all those she has lost — Riley, her mother, and others. As someone immune to Cordyceps, she is surrounded by death but remains unscathed, weighed down by survivor’s guilt. It’s a pain that Joel cannot fully comprehend.
Ellie’s Questions About Salt Lake City
On her 19th birthday, Ellie finally has the chance to patrol with Joel — but she also begins to question what truly transpired in Salt Lake City. She has been replaying the events in her mind for years, and the inconsistencies are mounting.
“If the Fireflies spotted us a mile from the hospital, how did they get caught off guard by an entire group of raiders?” she wonders.
These inquiries suggest that Ellie has long harbored doubts about Joel’s honesty. That suspicion may have contributed to the growing distance between them — a divide that Joel attributed to typical teenage angst.
The Truth About Eugene
The episode ultimately discloses what happened to Eugene (Joe Pantoliano), Gail’s husband. After becoming infected on patrol, Eugene accepts his fate. Ellie pleads with Joel to assist Eugene in returning to Jackson to say goodbye. Joel vows to help — but ultimately breaks that promise, shooting Eugene to protect Ellie and the community.
The betrayal is twofold: Joel deceives Eugene,