The Last of Us Part 2’s Wounds and the Hope for Reconciliation

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In “The Last of Us Part 2,” the stories of Ellie and Abby, both experiencing profound sorrow, take center stage. Initially, it might be simpler for players to empathize with Ellie, given her history with Joel in the first game, particularly the time gap between the first and second installments. Although Joel only appears sporadically in the second part (through his death scene and occasional flashbacks), the consequences of his actions at the end of the first game set off a chain reaction that shapes the events in the sequel. While Joel’s demise remains deeply affecting, Ellie’s thirst for vengeance to avenge Joel and find peace from her nightmares plays a crucial role in empathizing with Abby’s anger.

In a similar vein to how the Avengers pursued Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame” after their losses, Abby’s friends’ deaths prompted her to seek out Ellie for a decisive confrontation that resulted in Jesse’s death and put Ellie, Dina, and Tommy in grave danger as well. If there is ever a third installment of the “Last of Us” series, it should focus on Tommy, who has arguably suffered more than either Ellie or Abby and has borne the same heavy losses.

The Last of Us Part 2: Ellie Loses a Father Figure, But Tommy Loses a Brother

The sibling dynamic between Tommy and Joel in the series ‘The Last of Us’ is undeniably challenging, reaching a tense climax at Jackson’s power plant. Their tumultuous history came to light, such as their confrontational meeting, and yet, despite everything, they share an unspoken familial trust.

The special connection between Joel and Tommy enables Joel to reveal to Tommy what he did to protect Ellie, with Tommy expressing uncertainty about whether he would have acted differently and vowing to keep the secret if necessary. Though Tommy may not be the heart of The Last of Us or its sequel, The Last of Us Part 2 certainly illustrates how deeply tormented and desperate Tommy becomes following his brother’s murder.

Additionally, Tommy was present with Joel when they encountered Abby, and it’s likely he felt a sense of responsibility for his brother being attacked by Wolves, or at least for not managing to protect him. Notably, a mourning Tommy appears initially cautious and practical about seeking revenge, but he leaves Maria a note and sets off alone, seemingly aiming to spare Ellie from taking on that task.

Tommy’s collection of slain Washington Liberation Front members in Seattle has grown quite extensive, with Ellie and Dina relentlessly pursuing him. This chase culminated in the rescue of Abby by Yara. As Day 3 draws to a close, Ellie and Tommy are grudgingly coming to terms with the possibility that Abby might still be alive, allowing them to take pregnant Dina back to Jackson and move on from their past. However, their debt was once again called in as Abby returns to exact revenge for the deaths of Jordan, Leah, Manny, Mel, and Owen – a pattern made apparent by the recurring nature of violence.

As I somehow emerge unscathed from this ordeal, Abby’s brutal slaying of Jesse and her near-fatal attacks on Ellie and Dina fuel my thirst for vengeance. The wounds I’ve carried since Seattle compel me to push Ellie towards pursuing Abby, mirroring the way she may have stirred a similar desire in me when we first discussed plans for retaliation following Joel’s demise.

It’s rather disheartening to see Tommy’s character progression given the tranquil farmhouse life Ellie, Dina, and baby JJ were enjoying. However, this development allows Ellie to pursue resolution in her journey.

Ellie and Tommy Can Hopefully Reunite and Mend Wounds in The Last of Us Part 3

In an ironic twist, it was Tommy who led Ellie to Abby’s location at Santa Barbara’s pillars, a move that ultimately saved Abby’s life in ‘The Last of Us Part 2’. However, since Tommy disappears after the farmhouse encounter and we’re unsure if Ellie would return to Jackson, a potential third installment, ‘The Last of Us Part 3’, might bring them back together again. This reunion could explore the aftermath of Ellie and Abby’s confrontation.

Ellie ultimately decided against taking Abby’s life, regardless of whether it might have stopped her recurring dreams featuring Joel’s cries or not. It’d be intriguing to know how Tommy responds to this decision, whether it’s with shame or something else. Tommy sacrificed his marriage with Maria in pursuit of revenge against Abby, but it would be disheartening if he couldn’t move past that and find peace.

If there’s another game in the series (The Last of Us Part 3), it could be that he might not handle everything with the WLF anymore, but he and Ellie could rebuild their family connection. Additionally, Tommy might find his own resolution, which could lead to a more peaceful life for him again. However, this is all speculative, considering the possibility of a game featuring Ellie and Jackson’s residents. Such a narrative might bring closure to the turmoil and sorrow seen in The Last of Us Part 2.

The prospect of another game (The Last of Us Part 3) may allow our character to step away from managing the WLF, allowing him to reconnect with Ellie on a familial level. Tommy might also find his own resolution in this hypothetical scenario, potentially leading to a peaceful life again. This is all speculative, but if the storyline involves Ellie and Jackson’s residents, it could offer closure for the distress and grief portrayed in The Last of Us Part 2.

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2025-04-27 15:39