Who Kills Joel in The Last of Us Part II? A Deep Dive into a Controversial Moment
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In the brutal and unforgiving world of The Last of Us Part II, the question of who kills Joel is central to the game’s narrative and emotional impact. The answer is straightforward: Abby Anderson is the character responsible for Joel Miller’s shocking and violent death. This pivotal event, which occurs early in the game, sets off a chain reaction of revenge and trauma that defines the rest of the story. But the “why” and the “how” are much more complex than a simple kill.
Abby’s Motivation: A Legacy of Revenge
Abby’s actions are not born of malice or random violence. She is driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge. Her father, Jerry Anderson, was the Firefly surgeon whom Joel killed at the end of the first The Last of Us game. In that game, Joel, in a desperate act of love, rescued Ellie from a surgery that would have extracted her immunity, thus potentially sacrificing her life for a vaccine. For Abby, Joel’s actions meant the loss of her father and the destruction of the only hope for a cure. This overwhelming grief and thirst for retribution fuels every decision she makes.
Abby’s revenge quest is a direct consequence of Joel’s actions from the first game, painting a complex picture of cause and effect. The game doesn’t shy away from showing how one person’s act of love could be another’s source of trauma and pain. This theme of the cyclical nature of violence is fundamental to The Last of Us Part II. Abby’s perspective is shown not to excuse her violence, but to make players confront the complexity of her motivations, making the game a moral gray area.
The Brutal Act Itself
The scene of Joel’s murder is as sudden as it is shocking. After finding himself in the midst of a snowstorm, Joel and his brother Tommy seek shelter in a house inhabited by a group of strangers – including Abby. In this tense and unsettling situation, they’re quickly overpowered by the group of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), who have been tracking him for a while. After a brief interaction, Joel is brutally beaten with a golf club. Abby delivers the fatal blow in a disturbing and violent scene.
The sheer violence and unexpected nature of the event left many fans reeling, which was intentional to show the raw reality of post-apocalyptic violence and how it can come when you least expect it. The player is forced to witness the consequence of Joel’s past, not as a heroic figure, but as a flawed character with serious consequences to his decisions.
The Impact of Joel’s Death
Joel’s death has a profound and lasting impact on the narrative, and the characters in the game. It is not just a plot twist; it is a catalyst for Ellie’s journey of vengeance. Consumed by rage, grief, and a desire for justice, Ellie sets off on a mission to find and kill Abby. This journey takes her down a dark and brutal path, mirroring, and perhaps even surpassing, Joel’s own past behavior. The game actively draws a parallel between Ellie and Abby, highlighting the way violence begets violence, and how trauma can corrupt anyone to the point of no return.
The game also explores how such acts of brutality affect even those who commit them, as Abby, despite achieving her goal, is not able to move past the act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to provide additional context and answer common questions regarding Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II:
1. Why did Abby specifically target Joel?
Abby targeted Joel to avenge her father, Jerry Anderson, whom Joel killed at the end of the first The Last of Us game while rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies.
2. Did Abby know Joel beforehand?
Yes, Abby was one of the Firefly members who had witnessed the chaos and carnage caused by Joel’s actions during his rescue of Ellie. This event made her aware of Joel’s identity.
3. Was Joel’s death planned from the start of the story?
Yes, Joel’s death was a pivotal plot point that was intended to happen early in the game to serve as the catalyst for Ellie’s revenge journey.
4. Does Joel’s death serve any purpose?
Yes, Joel’s death drives the entire narrative of the game, forcing players to grapple with themes of revenge, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence. It also forces the player to witness Joel’s character from another perspective.
5. How does Ellie react to Joel’s death?
Ellie is consumed by rage and grief, embarking on a quest for revenge against Abby and those associated with her. This quest becomes her primary motivation for the majority of the game.
6. Does Abby regret killing Joel?
While Abby doesn’t explicitly regret killing Joel, it is shown that it did nothing for her well being except distance her from those she cares about. The game indicates she recognizes that violence is not the answer.
7. Does the game ever try to justify Abby’s actions?
No. While the game offers insight into Abby’s motives, it doesn’t try to excuse her actions but rather makes the player see the situation from her point of view. The goal is to create empathy towards her character, even despite her actions.
8. How does the game handle the themes of revenge?
The game explores how revenge perpetuates violence and causes immense pain and suffering. It paints a vivid picture of its consequences, showing how it can consume both the avenger and the avenged.
9. Could Joel have survived the attack?
Given the brutal nature of the attack, it’s highly unlikely. The scene is designed to be sudden and decisive, leaving no doubt about his demise.
10. Does the game ever show Joel’s point of view from the first game and from the scene where he gets killed?
No. The game never gives a look from Joel’s point of view in the moments leading up to his death, or from his side of the events at the end of the first game.
11. Why did Ellie eventually spare Abby?
Ellie spares Abby in the end because she realizes that vengeance won’t bring her true peace. It’s a pivotal moment of self-reflection and growth, highlighting the futility of the cycle of violence. She finally understands that her anger is really with Joel and his actions.
12. How does Joel’s death impact Ellie’s relationships?
Joel’s death destroys most of Ellie’s trust in others, turning her into a very lonely character, making her go down a path of anger and resentment.
13. Did Ellie find out the truth about the Fireflies?
Yes. Eventually, Ellie learns the full truth about what happened at the hospital at the end of the first game and why Joel made the decision he did.
14. How does Joel’s death play into the larger themes of the game?
Joel’s death underscores the game’s themes of moral ambiguity, the cyclical nature of violence, and the devastating consequences of trauma. It also explores the complex relationship between love and selfishness.
15. Is Abby stronger than Joel?
While subjective, the game does portray Abby as having abnormal strength, more brute force and more refined combat skills than Joel, making her one of the most formidable characters.
In conclusion, Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II is not just a plot point but a carefully constructed narrative device that serves as the engine of the game’s exploration of complex themes. While Abby’s actions are brutal, her motivation is rooted in the very events of the first game, challenging players to contemplate the ambiguous nature of good and evil, and the consequences of every single choice made.