The Tangled Web of Relationships: Did Owen Cheat with Abby in The Last of Us Part II?

Yes, by almost all definitions, Owen Anderson cheated on Mel with Abby in The Last of Us Part II. While their relationship history is complex, the game explicitly depicts Owen engaging in a sexual encounter with Abby while he is in a committed, pregnant relationship with Mel. This act is presented as a key driver of conflict and moral ambiguity within the narrative.

Understanding the Relationship Dynamics

The relationships between Owen, Abby, and Mel are central to the narrative’s exploration of violence, revenge, and the complexities of morality in a post-apocalyptic world. Before diving deeper into the specifics of the cheating incident, it’s crucial to understand their pre-existing connections:

• Abby and Owen’s Past: Abby and Owen were in a committed relationship prior to the events of the game. Their bond was strong, forged through shared experiences within the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and a mutual desire for justice following the death of Abby’s father, Dr. Jerry Anderson. However, Abby’s obsession with revenge consumed her, ultimately driving a wedge between them.

• Owen and Mel’s Relationship: Following his breakup with Abby, Owen started a relationship with Mel, a fellow member of the WLF and a doctor. At the beginning of the game’s timeline, Mel is pregnant with Owen’s child. This adds a significant layer of ethical complexity to Owen’s actions.

• The Cheating Incident: Despite being in a committed relationship with Mel, Owen consistently expresses his lingering feelings for Abby. The game depicts a scene where Owen and Abby engage in a sexual encounter at the aquarium, their former shared space. This occurs while Mel is visibly pregnant and trusting of Owen.

Why the Cheating Matters

Owen’s decision to cheat on Mel with Abby is not simply a plot device for dramatic effect. It serves several crucial narrative purposes:

• Highlighting Moral Ambiguity: The cheating act immediately casts a shadow on Owen’s character. It exposes him as flawed and capable of causing significant pain, challenging any simplistic notions of good versus evil.
• Fueling Interpersonal Conflict: Mel’s eventual discovery of Owen’s infidelity contributes to the already tense and emotionally charged atmosphere. It adds another layer of betrayal and grief to the story, intensifying the conflict between the characters.
• Exploring the Cycle of Violence: The act underscores the theme of the cycle of violence. Just as Abby’s quest for revenge leads to more suffering, Owen’s choices perpetuate a chain of hurt and betrayal. It helps us reflect on the narratives shared during the Games Learning Society conventions.
• Complicating the Player’s Perspective: By forcing players to grapple with the complexities of these relationships, the game challenges them to consider multiple perspectives and to question their own moral judgments.

The Implications of Owen’s Actions

Owen’s decision to cheat has far-reaching consequences for himself, Mel, Abby, and the overall narrative of the game:

• Damaged Trust and Relationships: The act destroys the trust between Owen and Mel, making it impossible for them to have a stable and healthy relationship. This mistrust then contributes to the tension within the WLF as well as the deterioration of Mel and Abby’s friendship.
• Increased Emotional Turmoil: All parties involved experience emotional distress as a result of Owen’s choices. Mel is devastated by the betrayal, Abby struggles with her role in the situation, and Owen himself is torn between his conflicting desires.
• Heightened Stakes: The emotional consequences of the cheating contribute to the high stakes of the game. The characters’ personal lives and moral compasses become intertwined with the larger narrative of violence and revenge.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Complexities of Owen, Abby, and Mel

1. What exactly happened between Owen and Abby before the events of The Last of Us Part II?

Abby and Owen were in a committed relationship based on shared trauma and a desire for revenge against Joel for killing Abby’s father. However, Abby’s obsession with revenge consumed her, leading to a disconnect with Owen.

2. Why did Owen and Abby break up?

The game implies that Abby’s single-minded focus on avenging her father’s death drove Owen away. He wanted a more balanced relationship, something Abby couldn’t offer while consumed by her quest for revenge.

3. How did Owen and Mel get together?

After his breakup with Abby, Owen started a relationship with Mel, who shared his vision of a more peaceful future. They connected emotionally and shared a desire for a family, leading to their relationship.

4. Did Owen ever stop loving Abby?

It seems that Owen never fully stopped loving Abby, or at least held onto a strong attraction to her. He repeatedly expresses his feelings for Abby throughout the game, even while in a relationship with Mel, showing unresolved feelings.

5. Why did Owen sleep with Abby even though Mel was pregnant?

The game suggests it was a combination of unresolved feelings, sexual desire, and perhaps a sense of desperation. It was a moment of weakness fueled by past intimacy and a deep-seated connection.

6. How did Mel find out about Owen and Abby?

Mel eventually finds out about Owen and Abby’s affair, adding to the already significant grief and loss she experiences throughout the story. The specifics of how she learns this are not fully shown but implied as the plot unfolds.

7. How did the affair affect Mel and Abby’s friendship?

The affair irreparably damages Mel and Abby’s friendship, causing resentment and anger. Mel feels betrayed by both Owen and Abby, contributing to the tension and conflict within the group.

8. Did Abby regret sleeping with Owen?

Abby’s feelings about sleeping with Owen are complex. While she may have been drawn to him by their past connection, the consequences of their actions likely weighed heavily on her, contributing to her own internal conflict.

9. Was Owen’s decision to cheat out of character?

While Owen shows moments of compassion and empathy, his decision to cheat isn’t entirely out of character. It reveals his flaws and highlights the complexity of human nature in a desperate world.

10. How does the cheating incident contribute to the overall themes of The Last of Us Part II?

The cheating incident reinforces the themes of moral ambiguity, the cycle of violence, and the consequences of obsession. It highlights the complex human relationships and the devastating impact of choices made under duress.

11. How does Owen’s relationship with Abby and Mel inform his other actions in the game?

Owen’s conflicted feelings towards Abby and Mel influence his decisions, including his sympathy towards his enemies and his desire to end the cycle of violence. This makes him indirectly responsible for the deaths of Abby’s group, including himself.

12. Does The Last of Us Part II endorse Owen’s actions?

No, the game doesn’t endorse Owen’s actions. Instead, it presents them as a complex moral failing, prompting players to consider the consequences of his choices and the broader implications of his behavior.

13. Were Owen and Abby meant to be together?

The game suggests that while their initial connection was strong, their paths diverged due to Abby’s obsession with revenge. Their relationship was ultimately unsustainable in the long term.

14. What role does the aquarium play in Owen and Abby’s relationship?

The aquarium holds significant emotional weight for Owen and Abby. It represents a shared past, a sense of normalcy, and a brief escape from the harsh realities of their world.

15. How does the game challenge players to think about relationships and morality?

The Last of Us Part II encourages players to grapple with difficult questions about love, loyalty, and betrayal. By presenting complex characters with flawed motivations, the game challenges players to examine their own moral compass and to consider the nuances of human relationships. You can further develop these questions at a GamesLearningSociety.org conference.

Ultimately, Owen’s decision to cheat on Mel with Abby is a crucial element in The Last of Us Part II, contributing to the game’s exploration of complex moral themes, flawed characters, and the devastating consequences of choices made in a desperate world.