‘The Last of Us’ Creators Break Down “The Most Father-Daughter Moment” Between Joel and Ellie in Episode 4

HBO series ‘The Last of Us‘ is having ‘an outbreak’ on the entertainment screens. The series’ perfect portrayal of the post-apocalyptic world through the vision of Naughty Dog’s video game title has taken the viewers by surprise. From Ellie’s joke book to Bill and Frank’s relationship backstory, the series encapsulates surprises different from the game. Following episode four, the creators of the show discussed how Joel is on a permanent path to achieving fatherhood again.

Joel and Ellie are the two leads of the story bringing the suspense, the emotional tension, and a reflection of a developing relationship. Starting off as strangers, the two finally shared a smile in episode 4, props to Ellie’s joke book and Joel’s experience in humor.

Creators of the HBO series ‘The Last of Us’ talk about the significance of episode four’s ‘gun’ moment

In episode four, we do see Ellie shooting a person for the first time. Little did we know that it was actually not her first time shooting/killing a person. Seeing the gun in her hands, which Joel had been reluctant to happen, he succumbed to the necessity of it. He then trains her to hold a gun firmly and entrusts her to keep one.

This ‘gun’ moment becomes a crucial turning point in the duo’s story. Addressing this, the showrunner Craig Mazin said, “This is the most father-daughter moment they’ve had.” He continued, “He wiggles it to show her that it can’t get loose, and she laughs. Which is a laugh that every parent who’s taught a kid has seen this laugh of discovery and joy like I’ve learned.”

Voicing Joel’s perspective, he said, “Even though Joel doesn’t get it we know there’s no coming back. Once he gives her that gun and he shows her how to use it, he is on a permanent path towards returning to fatherhood.”

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Naughty CEO Neil Druckmann said, “I think Joel, he’s giving in. Like the world is reminding him again and again you will fail. You cannot do this by yourself and this is the first time where he’s giving in to that. We’re now more on equal footing than we were before and I have to trust you on this journey alongside me.”

As for Ellie, her mixed emotions of almost crying and then being happy to carry a gun displays the joy of getting acknowledged and being in the company of Joel. This interaction does bring forward the father-daughter regard that Ellie and Joel carry.

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What has been your favorite moment in the series till now? Do tell us in the comments below.