The Last of Us Episode 6 Recap: Family Matters

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The Last of Us Episode 6 Recap: Family Matters

Joel and Tommy reunite in this week's episode of HBO's The Last of Us, and we get to see a few familiar faces as tensions rise between our two heroes. Will Joel get back on the horse?

We're past the halfway point in HBO's 9-part series of The Last of Us, but there's still a lot of ground to be covered. Deep in Wyoming, three weeks after their encounter with Kathleen, Joel and Ellie hold up the home of an elderly couple (Graham Greene & Elaine Miles) in need of directions. They give an ominous warning to not go West of the river (spoiler: they do), raising the question: who's leaving dead bodies behind in the snow?

Joel's panic attack

Joel's range thus far has been gruff, grumpy and decidedly stern. The presence of Ellie, a girl the same age as his daughter when she died, has slowly melted the icicle of his heart to the point of a few giggles, hunting tips and gun holstering. And that's a lot for Joel. 

Joel's first panic attack, outside the couple's snowy cabin, surprises us. It's rough and ready, and he's clearly got something to hide. Mental health is referenced heavily in The Last of Us through character arcs, actions and repurcussions. Henry's shooting of Sam represented the burden of Michael's death doubling down on his conscience; where s**cide was the only feasible option. Kathleen's grief manifested as reckless endangerment of not only herself, but her group. Seeing such a strong figure staggered for breath speaks to the trials and tribulations of post-apocalypse.

Joel and Elllie's plans for the future

Camping out in a deserted cave by the lake, Joel and Ellie fantasise about the future if their venture has a positive resolution. Joel dreams of owning a farmhouse, and rearing silent sheep; while Ellie dreams of an adventure to the moon. Their conversation is open, teasing and easy; they're forming a familiar bond with each other that isn't so easily broken. 

When Joel wakes from a nightmare to see Ellie stood keeping guard, we see that protection goes both ways. Judging from his hearing loss, aching knees and panic attacks, it's clear that Joel is not who he once was. We come into his story when he's found a partner (however loosely termed) in Tess, and a friend in Ellie. Gone are the days of killing to endure and survive, now he's finding something to live for. And Ellie, recognising the signs of an aging companion, shoulders the responsibility of caretaker when needed. 

River of Death

Pushing through the snow, Joel and Ellie are surrounded by a group of horse-mounted assailants, and they're armed. They can't talk themselves out of this one, as the group produces a sniffer dog to detect Infected people. As the dog approaches Ellie growling, Joel freezes. We almost expect a flashback here; but as the sound drains from the space and his expression turns to one of blank panic, the giggles of a delighted Ellie being smothered by the affectionate pooch bring us back to reality. She's okay.

The group's leader is Maria, who brings them back to the Wyoming encampment. But this is no swords-and-sticks, with tents and burning rubble - this is living. Men, women, children and animals roam the boundaries of the camp. Buildings stand tall, lit with fairy lights and neon signs. Laughter and the sounds of play catch in the air like falling snow. And Tommy, hearing Joel's pained cry, comes running to embrace his brother, while Ellie looks on with an unreadable expression.

Tommy and Maria form a community-elected council, and a strong partnership, that provides decent people with the chance to not only survive, but thrive. Ellie, still dubious of her surroundings, goes on the defensive, accusing the pair of murdering innocent people. Her concerns are well-founded, but the community we see (and a glimpse of Dina) is thriving on old movies, shared commodities and selective intakes.

Truth Hurts

After a hot shower, warm meal and a haircut, Ellie has a frank discussion with Maria. She bats back the warning to mistrust those closest to her, deflecting with the hard truth that whatever Joel might have done in his past, Tommy did too. We get a glimpse into the shared grief of Maria and Joel, each having lost a child, marked by the dates in Maria's living room. Ellie absorbs this advice, and departs for her movie night.

Joel and Tommy share a whisky at the commune's fully-operational bar, where Tommy reveals he is soon to be a father. Joel's now instantly transported to the flip side from the first episode - he's now the uncle. Tommy refuses to shoulder Joel's responsibilities, wanting to stay behind and protect his growing family. And it's only later that they, in the tool-shed, really say what's on their minds. Joel divulges Ellie's immunity, his struggle with mental health, and the fear he experiences knowing that somehow he will let Ellie down. His nightmares plague him, and he's aware of all his drawbacks as a protector; so he asks Tommy to take her off his hands.

"Everyone I've ever cared for has either died or left me. Everyone except for f**king you!"

When Joel and Ellie fight later that evening, we get an almost word-for-word recreation of the heart-wrenching scene from the games. Ellie confronts him about Sarah, and accuses him of wanting to get rid of her. Joel angrily retorts that she's not his daughter, and that they're going their separate ways. The air is tense, and it's performed majestically. 

But the next morning, when Tommy leads Ellie to her horse, Joel offers her the choice herself. He's been reflecting on her relationship with Sarah, flashing back to decorating Christmas trees and the look on her face as he entered the room. It's tough to swallow, but as Ellie shoves her backpack into Joel's chest it's clear: she chooses him, now and always. 

Monkeys and Hunters

Along the five-day journey, we're gifted to a few almost father-daughter exchanges about the past, the future and American football. Soon we're at the home of the Rams, and the Biomedical Sciences unit. Lab monkeys litter the building and grounds, picking apart the remains of the Firefly stronghold. It's deserted, with only packing lists and maps left to lead the way for our titular pair. But we can't rest on our laurels too long, as we hear Hunters roaming around outside.

Joel appears to hold off the inital attack, snapping the neck of the first Hunter. But as the pair make eye contact and Joel pulls a shiv from his abdomen, we can sense trouble on the horizon. Ellie pulls Joel onto the horse, and sprays bullets at the remaining assailants before they disappear into the distance. Just as we're beginning to think, "thank goodness, they've managed to escape", we see Joel fall from the horse. Ellie clings to her protector as Jessica Mazin's cover of Depeche Mode’s Never Let Me Down Again plays hauntingly in the background.

10/10