Since the premiere of Season 2 of The Last of Us, audiences have been intrigued by a character named Eugene. Mentioned by his widow, Gail (portrayed by Catherine O’Hara), Eugene’s narrative has gradually unfolded throughout the season, uncovering a heartbreaking history that has significantly impacted the show’s main characters—especially Joel and Ellie.
What We Knew About Eugene
In Episode 1, amidst a gripping and unconventional therapy session between Joel and Gail, three crucial details emerged: Eugene was Gail’s husband, he passed away less than a year prior, and Joel was responsible for his death—likely because Eugene had been infected.
Episode 2 further deepened Eugene’s background. He was once a Firefly who had made his home in Jackson and patrolled the area alongside Jesse. He even operated a concealed marijuana grow operation in a deserted 7-Eleven outside the town. When Jesse referenced Eugene’s passing, Ellie seemed visibly affected, though the reason wasn’t immediately apparent. Was it merely sorrow over losing a cherished community member? Or did Ellie, being someone who might possess the solution to the Cordyceps infection, feel an element of guilt?
Ultimately, Eugene’s demise was much more personal for Ellie—and it marked the start of a significant divide between her and Joel.
The Rift Between Ellie and Joel
Episode 6 presents a collage of Ellie’s birthdays celebrated in Jackson, spanning from age 15 to 19. Joel made each occasion memorable: he bartered for a cake, crafted a guitar, and even took her to an old museum. However, on her 19th birthday, he granted her what she desired most—her inaugural patrol.
Joel had been shielding Ellie from patrols to safeguard her. Although she was immune to the infection, a bite could still expose her secret to the rest of Jackson, where only Joel and Tommy were aware of the reality. Ellie had even burned her arm to conceal the bite mark from her ill-fated outing with Riley, just so she could wear short sleeves again. Yet, as she matured, Ellie began to test limits—getting tattoos, experimenting with drugs, and starting a romance with Kat—all of which put a strain on her relationship with Joel.
In an attempt to reconnect, Joel ultimately consented to let Ellie accompany him on patrol. That choice would prove to be significant.
What Really Happened to Eugene?
During their patrol, Joel and Ellie stumbled upon Eugene in the woods. He had been bitten and openly admitted it. Joel, ever vigilant, maintained his distance and readied his weapon. Eugene implored him, stating he had roughly an hour left and wished to return to Jackson to bid farewell to Gail. “I need to see her. I’ve got things to tell her,” he pleaded.
Joel declined. “We have rules, and it can’t happen,” he responded.
Ellie attempted to intervene, urging Eugene to perform the counting test she had previously done to demonstrate she wasn’t turning. She begged Joel to allow Eugene to see his wife one last time. Joel met her gaze and promised to bring Eugene back—but it was a falsehood.
As soon as Ellie turned away to prepare the horses, Joel killed Eugene. The man’s last words were a desperate plea to see his wife: “I need her last words. For me!” But Joel did not relent.
Why Eugene’s Death Devastated Ellie
Eugene’s death rattled Ellie for several reasons. Firstly, it shattered her sense of security in Jackson. Secondly, and more crucially, Joel had lied directly to her.
Earlier in the episode, Ellie had been scripting questions for Joel regarding their escape from the Fireflies. She already had suspicions that he hadn’t revealed the full truth. His broken promise about Eugene only served to reinforce those doubts.
As they made their way back to Jackson, Joel assured Ellie, “When we arrive, I’ll inform Gail what she needs to know and nothing beyond that. It’s the right thing to do.” Ellie remained silent, even when Joel added, “I had no choice.”
But Ellie saw through his façade. She recognized the same cold rationale Joel had employed to justify eliminating the Fireflies. Upon returning to Jackson, Ellie confronted him in front of Gail and Tommy. She revealed the truth: “That’s not what happened. He begged to see you. He had time. Joel promised to take him to you. He promised us both. And then Joel shot him in the head.”
It’s no surprise that Gail harbors resentment toward Joel. In that moment, Ellie’s rage was not merely about Eugene—it encompassed all the fabrications Joel had shared with her.
The Fallout
For nine months, Ellie bore the burden of Eugene’s death and Joel’s betrayal. On the night of the New Year’s dance, she finally faced him. In one of the season’s most poignant moments, Joel confessed everything. “And I’ll pay the price because you’re gonna turn away from me,” he said.
Neither of