The Last of Us season 2 episode 6 delivered emotional flashbacks and powerful scenes that highlighted Joel and Ellie’s deepening relationship.
The Last of Us returned this week with its sixth episode of season 2, offering fans a powerful detour into the past with emotional flashbacks and some of the most heartfelt scenes of the season. While the episode paused the momentum from last week’s intense events, it brought the focus back to the heart of the series: the complex and evolving bond between Joel and Ellie. Here are the biggest moments from the episode.
1. The flashback structure that captured the passing years
The episode unfolded through a sequence of birthday flashbacks that beautifully illustrated the years Joel and Ellie spent together in Jackson. Each memory revealed a different layer of their relationship, from moments of joy to emotional conflict. It was a slower pace, but one that allowed the audience to fully feel the depth of their connection.
2. The museum trip — a moment of pure joy
Among the most touching scenes was the museum visit, pulled directly from The Last of Us Part II. It stood out for its lighthearted, tender energy — a rare moment of happiness and normalcy in their lives. This sequence was expertly adapted, offering a breath of emotional warmth and capturing the wonder and closeness that define Joel and Ellie’s bond.
3. “Future Days” finally plays
Fans were treated to the long-anticipated moment where Joel sings “Future Days” to Ellie — a scene many had hoped to see in the season premiere. Though its placement may have surprised some, it was a deeply intimate moment that reinforced Joel’s love and vulnerability, showcasing Pedro Pascal’s emotional range.
4. Joel supports Ellie’s independence
One of the most compelling developments was seeing Joel slowly support Ellie’s growing independence. He hesitates at first but eventually helps her move into the garage, setting up power and upgrades. It’s a small but meaningful sign of his evolving role as a protector who is learning to let go.
5. The Eugene dilemma
When Joel and Ellie encounter Eugene in the woods after a patrol call, the story takes a darker turn. Eugene is bitten, and Joel makes the hard call to end his suffering — a decision that fractures trust with Ellie. It’s a dramatic and tense moment that underscores the moral complexity of survival and the painful choices that come with it.
6. Ellie confronts Joel with the past
In the most emotionally charged scene, Ellie finally confronts Joel about his lie regarding the Fireflies. She demands the truth and tells him that another lie will end their relationship. Joel’s honesty here — and Ellie’s heartbreaking response that she wants to try to forgive him — is a poignant climax that highlights the show’s emotional depth.
7. Their final moment together
What makes this episode especially powerful is the realization that this was Joel and Ellie’s last shared moment before tragedy. The tender exchange on the porch, where they face the truth and express love, becomes all the more heart-wrenching in hindsight. It’s a farewell without either of them knowing it, made all the more devastating by the history they’ve shared.
The Last of Us has always thrived on character-driven storytelling, and this episode was a reminder of that strength. While some creative changes may spark debate, the emotional resonance of these scenes and the performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey made this a standout chapter in the season.
