Who Beats Joel to Death in The Last of Us?
Abby Anderson is the character who beats Joel Miller to death in The Last of Us Part II. This brutal act of violence occurs in the first few hours of the game and serves as the primary catalyst for the game’s complex and often divisive narrative. Abby’s motivations stem from the fact that Joel killed her father, a surgeon at the Firefly hospital, during the events of the first game when he rescued Ellie.
Understanding Abby’s Revenge
Abby’s actions aren’t simply driven by blind rage; they are the culmination of years of planning and simmering resentment. The death of her father, who was preparing to operate on Ellie in hopes of creating a cure for the Cordyceps infection, profoundly impacted Abby and her group of friends. They dedicated themselves to finding Joel and exacting revenge for his actions, seeing him as a monster who robbed the world of a potential cure and shattered their lives.
The Gruesome Details
The scene of Joel’s death is undeniably brutal and shocking. He is ambushed by Abby and her group, tied up, and then beaten to death with a golf club. This graphic display of violence is deliberately jarring, designed to evoke strong emotional responses from players and challenge their preconceived notions about heroism and villainy. The player is forced to witness this traumatic event, setting the stage for the revenge plot that drives the rest of the game.
The Impact on Ellie
Joel’s death has a devastating effect on Ellie. He was not only her protector but also the closest thing she had to a father. Witnessing his brutal murder sets Ellie on a relentless quest for revenge, leading her down a dark and morally ambiguous path. This quest forms the central narrative of The Last of Us Part II, forcing players to confront the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joel’s Death
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Joel’s death, providing further context and insight into this pivotal moment in The Last of Us saga.
1. Why did Abby kill Joel?
Abby killed Joel in revenge for him killing her father, the lead surgeon at St. Mary’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Her father was preparing to operate on Ellie to extract the Cordyceps virus in hopes of finding a cure, a procedure that would have resulted in Ellie’s death. Joel intervened, killing the surgeon and several other Fireflies to save Ellie’s life.
2. Did Abby regret killing Joel?
While Abby doesn’t express explicit regret immediately after killing Joel, the game makes it increasingly clear that her act of revenge didn’t bring her the peace or closure she had hoped for. It ultimately distanced her from some of her closest friends and perpetuated a cycle of violence. While Abby’s motivations were understandable, the act itself had unforeseen consequences, blurring the lines between justice and vengeance. Exploring these nuances can be educational, as highlighted by organizations like the Games Learning Society.
3. How does Joel die?
Joel is ambushed and brutally beaten to death with a golf club by Abby in the opening hours of The Last of Us Part II. The scene is graphic and emotionally impactful, serving as a pivotal moment that sets the story in motion.
4. What does Ellie do after Joel dies?
After witnessing Joel’s murder, Ellie is consumed by grief and rage. She embarks on a relentless mission to track down Abby and her group, seeking revenge for Joel’s death. This quest takes her to Seattle, where she confronts Abby and her allies in a series of violent encounters.
5. Is Ellie in love with Joel?
Ellie’s relationship with Joel is complex and multifaceted. While there’s no romantic relationship, she certainly loves him as a father figure. Their bond evolves throughout the first game from a pragmatic partnership to a deep and emotional connection. Joel becomes her protector, mentor, and surrogate father, filling a void in her life. Ellie’s love for Joel deeply influences her actions throughout the series.
6. Does Ellie forgive Joel before he dies?
No, Ellie does not fully forgive Joel before his death. Their relationship is strained in the years leading up to his murder, primarily due to Joel’s lie about what happened at the Firefly hospital. This unresolved conflict fuels Ellie’s need for revenge and contributes to her emotional turmoil.
7. Why was Joel killed off?
Joel was killed off to explore the themes of revenge, consequence, and the cyclical nature of violence. Naughty Dog, the game’s developer, wanted to challenge players’ expectations and force them to confront the moral complexities of the story. Joel’s death served as a catalyst for a narrative that explores the perspective of the “villain” and questions the traditional definitions of heroism.
8. Does Abby get hanged?
Yes, at one point in the game, Abby is hanged by the Seraphites, a religious cult. She is rescued by Lev, a former Seraphite, but the experience leaves her traumatized and vulnerable.
9. Why did Ellie spare Abby at the end?
Ellie ultimately spares Abby because she realizes that killing her won’t bring Joel back or alleviate her pain. In the final moments of their confrontation, Ellie has a flash of memory of Joel, realizing that pursuing revenge is futile and only perpetuates the cycle of violence. Letting Abby live allows Ellie to begin the process of healing and moving forward.
10. Does Joel bleed out?
Yes, in the HBO adaptation, Joel is seen bleeding out after being stabbed. In the game, he is beaten so violently that he quickly succumbs to his injuries. Both portrayals emphasize the severity of the attack and the hopelessness of his situation.
11. Could Joel still be alive?
Within the established canon of The Last of Us universe (both the game and the HBO adaptation following those events), Joel is definitively dead. His death is a central plot point that drives the narrative forward and shapes the characters’ actions. Theories about his potential survival are purely speculative.
12. Why is Abby so buff?
Abby’s muscular physique is a result of her dedication to physical training within the WLF (Washington Liberation Front), a militaristic group. The WLF provides its members with access to gyms and encourages rigorous training to prepare them for combat. This explains Abby’s strength and physical prowess.
13. Does Ellie find out Joel lied?
Yes, Ellie eventually learns the truth about what happened at the Firefly hospital. She confronts Joel about it, leading to a strained relationship between them. This revelation deeply affects Ellie and contributes to her feelings of guilt and anger in the years leading up to Joel’s death.
14. What does Abby hate Joel?
Abby hates Joel because he killed her father, the lead surgeon at St. Mary’s Hospital. She views him as a monster who selfishly robbed the world of a potential cure for the Cordyceps infection and destroyed her life. This intense hatred fuels her desire for revenge.
15. What is Joel stabbed with in the show?
In the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us, Joel is stabbed with a railroad spike right before he and Ellie are able to escape. This is a deviation from the game, where he is beaten to death with a golf club. The HBO show depicts a more immediate attack that leaves Joel nearly incapacitated.
Joel’s death is a tragic and significant event that profoundly impacts the world of The Last of Us. Understanding the motivations behind Abby’s actions and the subsequent consequences is crucial to appreciating the game’s complex narrative. For more discussions about narratives in gaming and educational aspects consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.