Why Did Abby Kill Joel in The Last of Us Part II?
Abby Anderson killed Joel Miller in The Last of Us Part II as an act of vengeance for Joel’s actions at the end of the first game, The Last of Us. Specifically, Joel murdered her father, Dr. Jerry Anderson, a prominent surgeon with the Fireflies, who was about to operate on Ellie to extract the cordyceps fungus from her brain, a process that would have killed her in order to potentially develop a vaccine. Abby’s driving motivation was the consuming grief and rage she felt over her father’s death, which she believed was unjustly and selfishly perpetrated by Joel. Her goal was to inflict a similar level of pain and loss on him, believing it would offer some form of closure or justice.
The Seeds of Vengeance: The Last of Us Ending
To understand Abby’s actions, it’s critical to revisit the climax of The Last of Us. Joel and Ellie’s journey culminated with their arrival at the Firefly hospital, where it’s revealed that Ellie’s immunity was tied to the fungus in her brain. The Fireflies intended to sacrifice Ellie to extract the fungus and create a vaccine, a decision Joel found unacceptable. In a chaotic and bloody confrontation, Joel fought his way through the hospital, killing numerous Firefly personnel, including Dr. Anderson, to save Ellie, thus destroying any possibility of a cure at that time.
This act, while understandable from Joel’s perspective of protecting the daughter figure he had come to love, is the very foundation for Abby’s thirst for revenge. The deaths of the Fireflies, particularly Dr. Anderson, who was depicted as caring and committed to his cause, left a gaping wound in the lives of those close to him, like Abby. The ending of The Last of Us established the initial conditions that would lead Abby down a path of grief and vengeance.
Four Years of Obsession
The narrative of The Last of Us Part II is carefully constructed to show how much Abby was affected by her father’s death. In the years following Joel’s brutal assault on the hospital, we see Abby becomes increasingly consumed by her desire for retribution. Her character development is largely focused on how she physically trains and meticulously plans her attack. Her life outside of the group of friends she has also revolves around this singular goal. Her relentless pursuit of Joel is not just about an eye-for-an-eye, it’s a coping mechanism for the pain she felt and she thought that by inflicting similar pain, she would be able to find peace.
A Cycle of Violence
One of the major themes in The Last of Us Part II is the destructive nature of violence and revenge. Abby’s actions, while initially presented as justified in her own eyes, ultimately fail to bring her the peace she desperately craves. Instead, it further perpetuates a brutal cycle of violence, impacting both herself and others. This cycle is evident in the constant conflicts and bloodshed that dominate the game, highlighting the futility and devastating consequences of seeking vengeance. It is not that Abby is a bad person, or a villain, but that she is a person who has let the consuming drive for retribution influence her life and her decisions.
Consequences of Abby’s Actions
While Abby does achieve her initial goal of killing Joel, it’s far from a satisfying victory. The act distances her from her closest companions, Owen and Mel, especially after they learn of the brutal nature of Joel’s death and it is evident that it didn’t help her ease the pain or the grief she felt. It leads to a prolonged confrontation with Ellie, setting in motion further chaos and violence. The game explores these consequences, illustrating that revenge rarely brings the desired results and often exacerbates the pain and suffering of all involved.
In the end, Abby’s journey is one of realizing the emptiness and futility of vengeance. The game encourages a more nuanced understanding of the motivations of each character, challenging players to question the righteousness of their actions. It prompts reflection on the profound impact of grief, loss, and the endless cycle of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Abby regret killing Joel?
While it’s not explicitly stated that Abby regrets killing Joel, the game subtly implies that she does not feel the satisfaction she was expecting. It becomes increasingly clear that the act failed to bring her closure and even distanced her from her closest friends.
2. Why did Joel kill Abby’s father?
Joel killed Abby’s father, Dr. Jerry Anderson, because he was a Firefly surgeon who intended to kill Ellie during an operation to extract the cordyceps fungus from her brain to potentially create a vaccine. Joel prioritized Ellie’s life over a potential cure.
3. Did Ellie know why Abby killed Joel?
Initially, Ellie believed Abby killed Joel solely to prevent the development of a vaccine, not knowing about her personal connection to Dr. Anderson. Eventually, she learns the full truth about Abby’s motivation.
4. Why did Ellie spare Abby’s life at the end of The Last of Us Part II?
Ellie spared Abby’s life primarily to break the cycle of violence. In the final encounter, she had a flashback to Joel and she realised that vengeance wouldn’t bring him back. She also saw a reflection of herself in Lev, who was also being held down.
5. Why is Abby so strong?
Abby’s strength is due to her years of training and her focus on physical fitness. The game depicts her as a capable and powerful combatant, representing a direct contrast to Joel’s more brute-force approach to combat.
6. What was Joel stabbed with?
In the TV adaptation, Joel is stabbed with a railroad spike. This was to simplify the multiple scenarios in the game.
7. How does Abby find Joel?
Abby and her group locate Joel and Tommy by chance, having been ambushed by a horde of infected and subsequently rescued by Joel and Tommy. This chance encounter ultimately led them to their hideout in Jackson.
8. What is the significance of Abby’s “happy ending”?
Abby’s escape from the Rattlers is meant to highlight that she also deserves the opportunity to break from the cycle of violence. Her actions are not forgiven nor are they excused but she is allowed to leave and live, the same as Ellie allowed her to leave.
9. Did Owen cheat on Mel with Abby?
Yes, it is confirmed that Owen cheated on Mel with Abby in the time between the events of The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II. This also adds to the tension between the characters in Part II.
10. Is Joel a villain in The Last of Us?
While Joel is portrayed as a morally gray character, with his past actions being cruel and ruthless, he is not a pure villain. His motivations are often centered around protecting those he cares about. His actions in the first game are highly debatable which shows that his character is complex.
11. Why does Joel suffer from panic attacks?
The panic attacks that Joel experiences are attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his past trauma, primarily the loss of his daughter, Sarah, and the violence he has endured throughout his life.
12. Why did the Fireflies believe Ellie had a cure?
The Fireflies believed Ellie’s immunity could lead to a cure because of the unusual way her body responded to the cordyceps fungus. However, their scientific understanding was limited, and they would have to take Ellie’s life to pursue it.
13. What are the consequences of Ellie’s actions in Part II?
Ellie’s actions in pursuing Abby take a toll on her mental health and destroy her relationships, leading to severe emotional distress and the loss of her sense of peace.
14. Is there a “right” side in The Last of Us Part II?
The game challenges the idea of a clear “right” or “wrong” side, exploring the complex motivations of each character and the morally gray area of their actions.
15. What is the overall message of The Last of Us Part II?
The Last of Us Part II explores the themes of violence, vengeance, loss, and the cyclical nature of trauma. It questions the very nature of morality and asks what people are capable of when they are consumed by grief and loss.