Since The Last of Us saw the demise of Joel (Pedro Pascal), Season 2 has encountered two significant hurdles. Firstly, it has struggled to bridge the emotional gap caused by the absence of Joel and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) relationship. Although Ellie’s developing romance with Dina (Isabela Merced) is charming, it falls short in emotional depth and screen presence compared to the connection she had with Joel. Secondly, the narrative arc set in Seattle has been hindered by slow pacing and insufficiently fleshed-out factions, making it challenging to stay engaged.
This is why Episode 6 of Season 2 feels incredibly refreshing — and poignantly so. Through a sequence of flashbacks, the episode reunites Joel and Ellie, providing a touching reminder of the chemistry between Pascal and Ramsey and emphasizing how much more engaging the town of Jackson is compared to Seattle.
In many respects, Episode 6 acts as a strong reminder of what Season 2 has been lacking. It fills in emotional voids and enriches our comprehension of Joel and Ellie’s strained relationship. Consequently, it stands as the season’s most emotionally impactful hour — and a frustrating indication of how exceptional the show can be when it embraces its strengths.
Joel and Ellie at Their Best
Throughout Season 2, the emphasis has been on the emotional chasm separating Joel and Ellie. Pascal and Ramsey have given compelling performances, with Pascal leaning into Joel’s grief and Ramsey channeling Ellie’s simmering frustration. However, Episode 6 permits them to delve into a different facet of their characters. Through flashbacks, we witness Joel and Ellie at their most joyful — and the show significantly benefits from it.
After seasons of witnessing their struggles through trauma and peril, it’s a relief to observe moments of happiness: birthday parties, Pearl Jam karaoke sessions, and even awkward chats about growing up. These scenes provide catharsis and a glimpse into an existence they could have enjoyed. Joel gets to experience fatherhood again, while Ellie is able to be a typical teenager — something she never had the chance to be during their treacherous journey.
Even their disputes, such as the one over Ellie’s defiant actions — smoking, tattoos, and her relationship with Kat (Noah Lamanna) — feel authentic and relatable. These are the sorts of disagreements that arise in any parent-child dynamic, and Jackson offers the safe environment for them to occur organically. These moments also provide Pascal and Ramsey with fresh emotional ground to cover, showcasing their remarkable range and reaffirming the vital chemistry that contributes to the show’s success.
Answers to Long-Standing Questions
While Season 2 has brought in new groups like the Washington Liberation Front and the Seraphites, the most intriguing mysteries have consistently revolved around the characters. What led to the divide between Joel and Ellie? What transpired the night before Joel’s demise that made Ellie think reconciliation was achievable?
Episode 6 provides unsettling answers to both inquiries. We discover that Joel’s betrayal of Eugene (Joe Pantoliano) prompted Ellie to come to terms with the fact that he had misled her about the events in Salt Lake City. Later, during a quiet New Year’s Eve dialogue, Joel finally reveals the truth to Ellie. She confesses her uncertainty about forgiveness — but expresses a willingness to attempt it.
In a gentler world, that conversation would signal the beginning of healing. Yet this is The Last of Us, and Joel is killed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) the following day. The episode leaves us with a haunting sense of “what if”: What if Joel had been truthful sooner? What if he hadn’t deceived Eugene? Could they have spent more time together? We’ll never know — and that’s the heartache Episode 6 leaves in its wake.
A Flashback That Raises Pacing Concerns
While Episode 6 is rich in emotional content, it also raises apprehensions regarding the show’s pacing. With Abby absent since Episode 2 and the Seattle storyline dragging, it’s hard to envision the finale delivering anything as impactful as this episode. In numerous aspects, Episode 6 feels like the emotional pinnacle of the season.
Its position as the penultimate episode also raises structural questions. Unlike the flashbacks in Season 1 — which were connected to present-day occurrences — this episode is entirely set in the past. Besides a brief look at Ellie returning to the theater, there’s nothing tying it to the current timeline. While this grants full immersion into Joel and Ellie’s narrative, it also disrupts the momentum of the main storyline.
With only one episode remaining in a seven-episode season — surprisingly brief for such a significant series — it’s hard not to fear how the show will conclude. Episode 6 establishes a high standard, both emotionally and narratively. The pressing question remains: Can the finale rise to match it?
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.