The Controversial Demise of Joel Miller: Why Was Joel Killed in The Last of Us?
The death of Joel Miller in The Last of Us Part II remains one of the most discussed and controversial narrative choices in modern gaming. Simply put, Joel was killed to propel the story forward into a dark and morally ambiguous exploration of revenge, grief, and the cycle of violence. His death wasn’t just a plot twist; it was a deliberate decision to challenge players, force them to confront uncomfortable truths, and shift the focus of the narrative to Ellie’s journey. The creators wanted to subvert expectations and deliver a story that was more than just a simple continuation of the original game’s themes.
Narrative Necessity and Subversion of Expectations
The success of The Last of Us hinged on the complex relationship between Joel and Ellie. Killing Joel served to dismantle this foundation and create a vacuum that needed to be filled. From a narrative standpoint, Joel’s arc, which was already well-developed in the first game, had reached a point of relative closure. He had found a surrogate daughter in Ellie and rediscovered his humanity. Continuing his story might have become repetitive or predictable.
Furthermore, the creators wanted to deliberately subvert the expectations of players who were anticipating a traditional sequel where the beloved characters would continue their adventures. By killing Joel in such a brutal and unexpected manner, the game sent a clear message: The Last of Us Part II would not be a comfortable or predictable experience.
The death also served to initiate Ellie’s own character arc. His death acted as a catalyst, transforming her from a young survivor into a driven individual consumed by revenge. This transformation allowed the game to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the devastating consequences of violence. Joel’s death was, in essence, the inciting incident that set the entire narrative in motion.
Thematic Resonance: Cycle of Violence
Joel’s death wasn’t just a shock tactic; it was deeply intertwined with the game’s overarching themes. One of the central themes explored in The Last of Us Part II is the cycle of violence. Joel’s actions at the end of the first game, killing the Firefly surgeon to save Ellie, set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to his own demise.
Abby, the daughter of the surgeon Joel killed, sought revenge for her father’s death. Her actions, while brutal, were a direct consequence of Joel’s earlier choices. This created a moral ambiguity where both characters were driven by justifiable, albeit destructive, motives. This gray moral landscape forced players to question the nature of justice, vengeance, and the cyclical nature of violence.
By killing Joel, the game highlighted the destructive consequences of resorting to violence and challenged the idea of simple heroes and villains. Both Joel and Abby are presented as complex characters with understandable motivations, further complicating the player’s emotional response to the events of the game.
Shifting the Focus to Ellie’s Journey
While Joel was the central character of the first game, The Last of Us Part II shifts the focus to Ellie’s journey. Joel’s death is the catalyst that sets her on a path of revenge, forcing her to confront the realities of violence and the consequences of her choices.
The game explores Ellie’s transformation as she becomes increasingly consumed by her desire for revenge. Her journey is a harrowing exploration of the psychological toll of violence and the loss of innocence. By focusing on Ellie, the game is able to delve into themes of trauma, grief, and the struggle for redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Abby kill Joel?
Abby killed Joel as an act of revenge for Joel killing her father, the surgeon who was going to operate on Ellie to potentially find a cure for the cordyceps infection. Abby sought to avenge her father’s death and hold Joel accountable for his actions.
2. Was Joel’s death necessary for the story?
From a narrative standpoint, Joel’s death was a pivotal event to initiate Ellie’s journey of revenge and explore the themes of violence, grief, and redemption. It allowed the game to delve into the darker aspects of human nature and challenge the notion of simple heroes and villains.
3. Did Joel know he was in danger?
Joel likely suspected he might be in danger, given his past actions. He was cautious and guarded, but the circumstances of his encounter with Abby’s group caught him off guard. He was taken by surprise and overwhelmed by the situation.
4. Did Ellie ever forgive Joel for lying to her?
The relationship between Ellie and Joel was strained after she learned the truth about what happened at the hospital. While Ellie was initially angry and hurt, she eventually began to understand Joel’s motivations. The game explores their complex relationship and the gradual process of forgiveness.
5. Was Joel’s death a form of shock value?
While Joel’s death was undoubtedly shocking, it wasn’t solely a shock tactic. It was a deliberate narrative decision that served to propel the story forward, explore complex themes, and challenge player expectations.
6. How did Joel die in The Last of Us Part II?
Joel was brutally murdered by Abby. He was beaten with a golf club after being incapacitated by other members of Abby’s group. The scene was graphic and emotionally charged, contributing to the controversy surrounding his death.
7. Could Joel have survived the encounter with Abby?
Given the circumstances of the encounter, including being ambushed and incapacitated, it is unlikely that Joel could have survived. Abby and her group were determined to exact their revenge, and they were physically stronger and more numerous than Joel.
8. What were the consequences of Joel’s actions in the first game?
Joel’s decision to save Ellie at the end of the first game had far-reaching consequences. It led to the loss of a potential cure for the cordyceps infection and ultimately resulted in his own death. His actions highlighted the moral complexities of survival and the ripple effects of one’s choices.
9. Did the developers expect the backlash from Joel’s death?
The developers were likely aware that Joel’s death would be controversial, given his popularity as a character. However, they were committed to telling a story that was both challenging and thought-provoking, even if it meant alienating some players.
10. Why is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps virus?
Ellie’s immunity is due to her mother, Anna, being bitten by an Infected shortly before giving birth. The cordyceps transferred to Ellie during birth, but because Anna swiftly cut the umbilical cord, it resulted in her immunity.
11. How did Joel survive for so long in the post-apocalyptic world?
Joel’s survival skills, resourcefulness, and willingness to do whatever it took to survive were key factors in his longevity. He was a skilled fighter, a pragmatic decision-maker, and possessed a strong will to live.
12. What medications was Joel taking before the apocalypse?
Joel was taking medication for anxiety, gastric ulcers, and high blood pressure, indicating that he suffered from these health issues even before the outbreak. This detail adds depth to his character and provides context for his behavior.
13. Is there a cure for the Cordyceps infection in The Last of Us?
In the story, the Fireflies believed that a cure could be developed by studying Ellie’s immunity. However, Joel’s actions at the end of the first game prevented this from happening. The question of a cure remains unresolved in The Last of Us Part II.
14. Who betrayed Joel, leading to the events with Robert?
Robert betrayed Joel and Tess, hiring two men to attack Tess. This highlights the dangers and betrayals that existed even before the cordyceps outbreak.
15. Are there any educational resources related to gaming and storytelling?
Yes, you can find valuable information and resources on gaming and storytelling at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II was a controversial but deliberate narrative choice. It served to propel the story forward, explore complex themes, challenge player expectations, and ultimately shift the focus to Ellie’s journey of revenge and self-discovery. While the decision remains divisive, it undeniably had a profound impact on the gaming community and sparked countless discussions about storytelling, character development, and the nature of violence.