Who was Tess to Joel?
Tess was Joel’s smuggling partner and a hardened survivor in the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, with their relationship being built on trust, loyalty, and a deep emotional connection. As partners in crime, Joel and Tess navigated the dangers of their world together, relying on each other for survival and support.
Understanding the Relationship Between Joel and Tess
The dynamic between Joel and Tess is complex and multifaceted, with a deep bond formed through their shared experiences and struggles. While their relationship is not explicitly romantic, there are hints of a closer connection beyond a simple partnership.
FAQs About Tess and Joel
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tess and Joel:
- Did Tess and Joel have a romantic relationship?: While it was never confirmed that Joel and Tess were romantically involved, their relationship is characterized by a deep emotional intimacy and trust.
- What was Tess’ role in Joel’s life?: Tess was not only Joel’s smuggling partner but also his confidante and closest friend, providing emotional support and companionship.
- How did Joel and Tess meet?: After the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak, Tess became a smuggler in the Boston quarantine zone, where she met Joel and they formed a partnership.
- What was the nature of Joel and Tess’ partnership?: Joel served as the muscle while Tess was the brains in their smuggling operations, relying on each other’s skills and strengths to survive.
- Did Joel love Tess?: While Joel’s feelings for Tess are not explicitly stated, their bond and connection suggest a deep affection and care for each other.
- Why did Tess want Joel to take Ellie?: Tess believed that getting Ellie to the Fireflies would bring a cure to the world and provide redemption for the things she and Joel had done.
- How did Tess die?: In the HBO adaptation, Tess dies while fighting off infected, whereas in the game, she sacrifices herself to FEDRA soldiers to allow Joel and Ellie to escape.
- What was the significance of Tess’ death?: Tess’ death serves as a catalyst for Joel’s emotional journey and his growing attachment to Ellie.
- Did Joel ever talk about Tess to Tommy?: Joel lies to Tommy about Tess’ fate, initially not revealing that she had died.
- How did Joel feel about Tess’ death?: Joel’s feelings about Tess’ death are not explicitly stated, but his actions and behavior suggest a deep grief and loss.
- Was Tess Joel’s wife?: There is no indication that Joel and Tess were married, but their relationship is characterized by a deep commitment and loyalty.
- Did Tess love Joel?: While Tess’ feelings for Joel are not explicitly stated, their bond and connection suggest a deep affection and care for each other.
- Why did the infected “kiss” Tess?: In the HBO adaptation, the infected kiss Tess to allow tendrils of the evolved cordyceps fungi to pass into her, infecting her.
- How did Ellie know Tess was bitten?: Ellie realizes that Tess is infected when she notices the bite wound on her shoulder.
- What was the impact of Tess’ death on Joel’s relationship with Ellie?: Tess’ death serves as a catalyst for Joel’s growing attachment to Ellie, as he begins to see her as a surrogate daughter and forms a deep bond with her.