Okay, so the manner of Joel’s death is brutal. He gets beaten with a golf club by Abby, a character you’ll hate at first. But here’s the fun part: you find out that was her dad Joel killed in the first game. Suddenly, the lines blur.
See what Naughty Dog did? They made you feel both sides of a violent coin. And that’s not just good storytelling—it’s a life hack. It reminds us that the “villain” of your story is often the hero of their own.
How This Can Help You Tomorrow
Next time you’re arguing with a friend or fighting traffic, ask yourself: What’s their “Joel moment”? What pain made them act out? You might not forgive them, but you’ll understand—and understanding is way more powerful than winning a fight.
The Last of Us 2: Joel's Death Scene - YouTube
Playing The Last of Us Part 2 is like emotional weightlifting. It hurts, but you come out stronger. You learn that love and loss are two sides of the same coin, and you can’t have one without the other.
