How Does Joel Save Ellie from David?
In The Last of Us, Joel’s rescue of Ellie from David is not a direct confrontation, like some may expect. Instead, Joel arrives after Ellie has already successfully defended herself, showcasing her own strength and resilience. In the game, after Ellie manages to escape David’s clutches in a burning restaurant, she fights and kills David in self-defense. Upon reaching the location, Joel doesn’t engage in a fight with David; instead, Joel arrives to find Ellie standing over David’s corpse. He then pulls Ellie away from the carnage and comforts her, signifying his protective role and the deep bond they have developed.
The Burning Restaurant: Ellie’s Fight for Survival
Before we delve deeper into Joel’s arrival, it’s important to understand the circumstances of Ellie’s ordeal with David. Following a series of escalating interactions, David’s true, disturbing nature is exposed: he is not only a leader of a group of survivors, but he is also a cannibalistic sexual predator.
Ellie’s initial capture by David is based on his twisted sense of protection and control. David views himself as her protector, similar to how Joel does, but his intentions are far more sinister. He begins to manipulate Ellie, suggesting he’ll replace Joel as her father figure and even referring to her as his “little wife” and “minion,” revealing his grooming tactics and predatory nature.
As Ellie uncovers the truth about David’s cannibalism – spotting human flesh and an ear on the floor, things turn into a fight for her survival. Ellie’s attempt to escape leads her to a chaotic scene in a burning restaurant, where she engages in a brutal fight with David, ultimately managing to overpower and kill him. This encounter isn’t just about self-preservation; it also signifies a significant step in her journey of becoming an independent survivor.
Joel’s Arrival: Aftermath and Protection
Joel’s role in the restaurant scene is not to fight David, but to act as a protector and comforter for Ellie after she has gone through a terrifying ordeal. He finds her shaken and standing over David’s body. This is a powerful moment that emphasizes Joel’s protective instincts: he pulls Ellie off David’s bleeding corpse and takes her away. He is there to safeguard her emotional and psychological wellbeing, not to intervene in her battle.
This encounter highlights several key aspects of the Joel and Ellie relationship. It shows that while Joel teaches her to survive and fight, Ellie’s own strength and determination are just as vital. Joel’s arrival and comfort reinforces his role as her protector and figure of unwavering support, solidifying their bond.
The game portrays this scene with raw emotion. Joel’s tenderness and protectiveness towards Ellie are evident, and he expresses his deep concern for her safety by stating, “I’m never gonna let anyone touch you again, okay?”. This moment underscores the deep emotional connection he has forged with her. It’s not a heroic rescue in the typical sense, but rather, a demonstration of how he is always there to shield her from the harm, and to pick up the pieces after she has battled the horrors of their harsh world.
Differences between the Game and the Show
A significant difference is present between the game and the show adaptation. In the game, Joel arrives promptly to find Ellie right after the fight, helping her cope with the immediate aftermath and further strengthening their bond. However, in the television adaptation, Joel’s arrival does not take place, and Ellie is left to contend with the traumatic events on her own. While this version still emphasizes Ellie’s capability to handle herself, it diminishes the significance of Joel’s protective role at this critical juncture, highlighting a notable divergence between the two mediums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does David keep Ellie alive?
David keeps Ellie alive because he sees a kindred spirit in her, noticing their shared “violent hearts”. He also feels the need for an equal, someone who understands the burdens of leadership. Additionally, as his true nature is revealed, he intends to make Ellie his “little wife” and “minion.”
2. How does Ellie get captured by David?
Ellie gets captured by David after he saves her from a clicker during an infected attack. He manipulates the situation to assert control, revealing he’d been sizing her up for some time. This manipulation is a key element of his predatory behavior.
3. Why does Joel save Ellie from the Fireflies at the hospital?
Joel saves Ellie from the Fireflies because he loves her and would do anything to protect her. He sees her as a daughter figure, replacing his lost daughter Sarah. His desire to protect her outweighs any concerns about a potential cure.
4. Is Joel selfish for saving Ellie from the Fireflies?
Yes, Joel’s actions are selfish in that he prioritizes his own feelings and their relationship over the potential good for humanity. However, his actions stem from a deep and human need to protect someone he loves, and it highlights his capacity to open his heart again.
5. What would have happened if Joel didn’t save Ellie?
If Joel gave up Ellie to the Fireflies, he would have lost his will to live. His history of dealing with grief suggests a bleak outcome, possibly leading him to self-destruction.
6. How does Ellie know David eats people?
Ellie realizes David’s group is cannibalistic after she spots an ear and other human remains on the floor. This disturbing discovery is a major turning point in her understanding of David’s true nature.
7. What was David going to do to Ellie?
Initially, David intended to groom Ellie and make her his “little wife.” After Ellie broke his finger during their struggle, he decided he was going to turn her into food. He was about to rape her when Joel showed up in the restaurant, after Ellie had killed him.
8. Did Ellie infect David? Was he actually infected by Ellie?
Ellie did bite David before she escaped, and Ellie is technically infected due to the Cordyceps. However, she developed an immunity due to a mutation, and it is extremely unlikely she infected David.
9. What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?
After Joel’s death, Ellie struggles with PTSD and a desire for revenge. She eventually settles on an isolated farm with Dina and Dina’s baby, but continues to deal with the trauma she has endured.
10. What does Joel say after Ellie kills David?
After finding Ellie standing over David’s body, Joel says, “I’m never gonna let anyone touch you again, okay?”. This demonstrates his deep protectiveness and devotion to her.
11. Did Joel save Ellie from David in the game?
In the game, Joel does not directly fight David. He arrives after Ellie has killed David in self-defense, and he then pulls her away from the carnage and comforts her.
12. Why won’t Ellie forgive Joel?
Ellie struggles to forgive Joel for lying to her about the cure and for preventing her from sacrificing her life to save humanity. She harbors resentment, leading to a significant rift in their relationship.
13. Is David a bad guy in The Last of Us?
Yes, David is a major antagonist in The Last of Us. He’s a manipulative and cannibalistic survivalist, who reveals himself to be a sexual predator.
14. Does Ellie know Joel lied?
Deep down, Ellie likely knows that Joel lied about the cure. However, she chooses to believe him to protect herself from further pain. Her understanding of the truth is complicated, and at times it is unclear if she wants to fully grasp the enormity of his decision.
15. Did Joel consider Ellie his daughter?
Joel definitely came to see Ellie as his daughter, using the same term of endearment, “baby girl,” he had used for Sarah. His love and protectiveness stemmed from his deep-seated grief and his desire to fill the void left by the loss of his biological daughter.