This article contains spoilers from Season 2, Episode 6 of The Last of Us, currently airing on HBO and streaming on Max (set to revert to HBO Max soon). It also references the video game The Last of Us Part II, available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
In a recent interview, The Last of Us co-creator and executive producer Neil Druckmann revealed that he was initially uncertain about which episode of the show’s second season he wanted to direct. Having previously directed the action-packed Episode 2 of Season 1, he knew that this time, he wanted to be involved in writing the episode he directed. This narrowed his options to either the season finale or the penultimate episode, both of which he co-wrote with co-creator Craig Mazin and Halley Gross, his collaborator on the acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II.
Ultimately, Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, influenced Druckmann's choice by requesting him to direct Episode 6, as it would be his final full episode in the series. “It just made sense,” Druckmann expressed, adding that he was excited about directing an episode that focused more on character development rather than action. He emphasized that Episode 6 captures the essence of the story.
Titled “Birthday,” Episode 6 takes place on Ellie’s birthday over several years, showcasing the evolving relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) within the tight-knit community of Jackson, Wyoming. The episode highlights the complexities of their adoptive father-daughter dynamic as they navigate new challenges together.
For Ellie’s 15th birthday, Joel surprises her with a cake and a handmade guitar. However, their relationship takes a turn when Ellie intentionally burns her arm—previously bitten by an infected—so she can wear short sleeves again. As Ellie turns 16, Joel takes her to a nostalgic natural history museum, featuring the Apollo 15 moon landing capsule, reminiscent of a beloved scene from the video game.
However, tensions escalate by Ellie’s 17th birthday when Joel discovers her smoking weed and getting a tattoo from another girl, Kat (Noah Lamanna). This confrontation ignites an intense exchange, highlighting the friction between their generational perspectives. Their conflict culminates in Ellie demanding to move into the garage, a decision Joel reluctantly accepts.
Fast forward to Ellie’s 19th birthday, where she prepares to confront Joel about his choices from five years earlier—the massacre of the Fireflies in Salt Lake City, which he justified to protect her. When they encounter Eugene (Joe Pantoliano), who has been bitten by an infected, Ellie pushes Joel to allow Eugene to say goodbye to Gail (Catherine O’Hara) before taking action. However, Joel, prioritizing safety, deceives Ellie and kills Eugene, deepening the rift between them.
Ellie’s outrage culminates when she reveals the truth to Gail, leading to a shocking confrontation with Joel. Their relationship reaches a breaking point as Ellie declares, “You swore,” underscoring the betrayal she feels. Nine months later, the emotional weight of their past decisions resurfaces, culminating in a heart-wrenching confrontation where Joel reveals the truth about his actions in Salt Lake City.
Druckmann explained the creative decisions behind the episode, emphasizing the importance of showing the evolution of Joel and Ellie’s relationship. The inclusion of scenes like Ellie burning her arm and Joel building the guitar was essential for creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers. He noted the differences in storytelling between the game and the show, aiming to capture the emotional truth of their experiences.
The dynamic between Joel and Ellie, particularly regarding Joel's acceptance of Ellie’s identity, adds layers to their character development. Druckmann elaborated on how their misunderstandings reflect the challenges of parenting a teenager, showcasing Joel's efforts to support Ellie while grappling with his own biases and fears.
Throughout the episode, music plays a significant role in conveying emotional depth. For instance, Joel sings Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” to Ellie as he gifts her the guitar, a poignant moment that connects the narrative to the game while also highlighting the emotional stakes of their relationship.
One of the most impactful scenes involves Joel lying to Gail about Eugene, which serves as the catalyst for Ellie’s realization of Joel’s deception. This moment emphasizes the theme of trust and betrayal, showcasing how Joel's protective instincts ultimately lead to deeper emotional scars for Ellie.
As Season 2 progresses, the intricate storytelling and character arcs continue to captivate audiences. The emotional scenes between Joel and Ellie lay the groundwork for future developments, leaving viewers eager to see how their relationship evolves. The Last of Us remains a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection in a post-apocalyptic world.
