Is There A Cure For The Last of Us?
No, there is no confirmed cure for the Cordyceps brain infection in The Last of Us universe. Neither the original video game series nor the HBO television adaptation ever definitively presents a functional cure or vaccine. While the story revolves around the potential of Ellie’s immunity, it remains ambiguous whether her unique biology could ever translate into a broadly applicable solution. The pursuit of a cure is a central theme, but it ultimately serves as a catalyst for exploring more complex themes of love, loss, and morality, rather than providing a clear answer to the infection’s end.
The Elusive Cure: A Central Theme
The absence of a cure is a crucial element of The Last of Us narrative. The story is set in a world ravaged by the Cordyceps fungal pandemic, where infected humans become monstrous creatures. Hope for a return to normalcy hinges upon the discovery of a cure. This hope is embodied by Ellie, who is seemingly the only person in existence immune to the infection.
Ellie’s Unique Immunity
Ellie’s immunity is not just a plot device; it’s a complex medical anomaly. It is speculated that a unique set of circumstances surrounding her birth – specifically the timing of her mother’s bite, Ellie’s birth, and the umbilical cord cutting – led to her immunity. This places her as a potential miracle cure, making Joel’s decision to save her at the end of the first game and first season of the HBO series all the more morally complex.
The Fireflies’ Hope
The Fireflies, a rebel group, believe that they can develop a cure using Ellie’s unique biology. They plan to extract and analyze the fungal infection within her brain, which would require a surgical procedure that would ultimately kill her. This plan highlights the desperate situation the world is in and the ethical dilemma it presents.
No Cure, Only Questions
Despite the hopes placed on Ellie, the narrative never explicitly states that her immunity is a cure in waiting. The ambiguity is intentional, leaving the audience questioning whether a cure is even possible. Instead, the focus shifts to the human condition in the face of unimaginable loss and the lengths people will go to protect those they love.
The Failure of the Fireflies’ Research
The Fireflies’ belief in a cure is challenged by the fact that, many years after the initial outbreak, they eventually abandon the search, citing a lack of accessible technology. This suggests that even with advanced facilities and personnel, the creation of a cure or vaccine may be unattainable. The very fact the research is abandoned shows the futility of the pursuit and the deep despair this has caused the scientific communities around the world.
Joel’s Decision: A Moral Dilemma
Joel’s decision to save Ellie at the expense of the potential cure underscores the core conflict of the series. His action, though born out of love and a desire to avoid further loss, robs the world of its only remaining hope. It’s an action that is seen as both selfish and understandable. This complicated decision highlights the lack of clear answers in a world overrun by desperation. His decision is arguably a disservice to humanity, though the ambiguity around whether the Fireflies had the correct method or not can be debated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing additional insight into the cure narrative within The Last of Us:
1. Was there ever a cure developed in the games or show?
No, there is no functional cure for the Cordyceps infection ever developed or discovered in The Last of Us universe.
2. Is Ellie immune because of her blood?
Ellie’s immunity is not directly linked to her blood being a cure. Her immunity stems from unique circumstances during her birth, allowing her body to fight off the infection. However, her blood does not contain antibodies or any chemical compound that would function as a cure. Her body simply does not react to the virus.
3. Can Ellie infect others?
No, Ellie cannot infect others. Despite having Cordyceps in her body, her immune system prevents the fungus from actively spreading or taking control. The series does not definitively prove that someone eating her would become infected either.
4. Why was Joel not infected in the early days of the outbreak?
Joel and his family likely avoided infection because they did not consume contaminated food, which is the presumed initial vector of the outbreak. It’s hypothesized that food products such as flour or sugar were tainted with the fungus.
5. Did Joel ruin the chance for a cure by saving Ellie?
Joel’s actions did prevent the Fireflies from attempting to create a cure using Ellie. However, the feasibility of their approach remains ambiguous, and it’s unclear if they would have succeeded in the first place. Whether he doomed humanity or potentially saved it is open for debate.
6. Is Ellie the only immune person?
As far as the narrative reveals, Ellie is the only known person with immunity to the Cordyceps brain infection. The uniqueness of her case is a central plot point.
7. Why did the Fireflies stop looking for a cure?
The Fireflies eventually stopped their research because they lost access to the necessary technology, as well as a large portion of their research personnel. This shows how much the world has decayed since the initial outbreak.
8. Did Joel lie to Ellie about the cure?
Yes, Joel lied to Ellie. He told her that the doctors could not develop a cure using her and that there are others like her. This was to prevent her from questioning his decision to save her, leading to the major conflict of The Last of Us Part II.
9. Does Ellie ever find out about Joel’s lie?
Yes, Ellie does find out the truth of Joel’s lie in The Last of Us Part II, which contributes to the conflict between them, and eventually with other characters that leads to many of the brutal events of the sequel.
10. Can Ellie be bitten again, and still be immune?
Yes, Ellie can be bitten again without losing her immunity. This was added in the TV adaptation as further proof of her immunity.
11. Could a vaccine be developed based on Ellie’s immunity?
The show and games do not provide concrete evidence that Ellie’s immunity could translate into a vaccine or cure. The Fireflies’ attempt is the closest, but even it is not confirmed to be successful.
12. Was Joel right to save Ellie?
This is a major moral question at the core of the story, and it is intentionally left open for individual interpretation. While Joel saved someone he loved, he potentially condemned humanity in the process. Both perspectives are equally valid.
13. What is the Cordyceps infection?
The Cordyceps infection is a fungal pandemic that turns humans into aggressive and deadly creatures. This fungus takes over the host’s brain, turning them into mindless, killing machines. It is based on a real-world fungus that is known for its ability to control insects.
14. Does Ellie know she is a potential cure?
Yes, Ellie is aware of her potential as a cure, which is why the truth of Joel’s lie is so devastating to her.
15. What would have happened if Joel hadn’t saved Ellie?
If Joel had not saved Ellie, she would have died while the Fireflies attempted to create a cure with her, with no guarantee of success. How the world would have changed, is of course unknown.
Conclusion
The lack of a confirmed cure in The Last of Us is a significant and deliberate narrative choice. The story emphasizes the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of morality in a desperate world, rather than solely focusing on finding a medical solution. While Ellie embodies hope, her immunity is not presented as a simple key to salvation. The absence of a cure reinforces the bleak and unforgiving world of The Last of Us, making the human stories all the more impactful.