The Last of Us is a poignant narrative, showcasing the evolving bond between Joel and Ellie as they traverse North America in a quest for hope. They embody remarkable video game personas, as their intricacies shine through during intense and challenging situations. The Last of Us transcends expectations, becoming something greater than the sum of its parts.
While Left Behind delves into Ellie's past, Joel's backstory is merely touched upon at the outset of the first game. Initially, his focus is on his daughter Sarah, but the noticeable absence of a particular individual in their household hints at a mystery. Limited information is available, but if Ellie were to return, she may unexpectedly encounter one of The Last of Us' enigmatic characters, perpetuating Joel's presence in the hearts of players, even after the harrowing events of the sequel.
The Last of Us Has One Unexplored Character
Although The Last of Us primarily focuses on the evolving friendship and dependence between two characters, there are several others who play a role in the story. While some characters may have had limited appearances or were only mentioned by name in the first game, many of them have the opportunity to make a greater impact in subsequent DLC, sequels, or the upcoming HBO adaptation. Characters like Bill, Riley, and Tommy receive more development and screen time compared to the first game. However, there is one person from Joel's past who is noticeably absent.
The beginning of The Last of Us establishes that Joel is raising his daughter Sarah on his own, and players quickly become familiar with their relationship and dynamics. This peaceful introduction effectively showcases Joel's softer side before the chaotic events of the game take place. However, Sarah's mother is never mentioned or involved in the story. Sarah's tragic death serves as a catalyst, causing Joel's despondent demeanor to surface. As a result, it is not expected that further information about Joel's life before the apocalypse would be provided. Nevertheless, the mystery surrounding Sarah's mother remains a small yet potentially significant loose end that a future installment of the game could explore.
Letting Go of Joel Has Been Hard for Everyone
Joel Miller is arguably an imperfect man. He possesses a paternal instinct that drives him to desperate measures in order to maintain his connection with Ellie, even if it means endangering the rest of humanity. Despite his flaws, players grow to love him as they witness the deep bond that forms between him and Ellie. It is heartbreaking to witness Joel's tragic demise in The Last of Us 2, leaving Ellie alone and adrift in search of answers.
In the next game, the relationship between Joel and Ellie could take center stage by exploring the possibility of introducing Joel's former partner into the narrative. This encounter could provide Ellie with closure, allowing her to come to terms with Joel's death and find inner peace. The inclusion of Sarah's mother would introduce a new character with a blank slate, while also providing an opportunity to delve deeper into Joel's backstory—an enigmatic character that the gaming industry simply can't seem to let go of.
The Last of Us Part 1 is currently available on PlayStation 5 and will be available for PC on March 28, 2023.