The following contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 9, "Look for the Light," which debuted Sunday, March 12 on HBO.
Video game fans have been divided over The Last of Us' ending. Some find the climax to be underwhelming, while others see it as a logical conclusion to the game's story. Not much is changed in the season finale of HBO's TV adaptation. Joel defends Ellie in the best way he can -- even if that means using violence.
The finale "Look for the Light" wraps up the show's themes quite well. Season 1 explored Joel's development into a hardened survivor after losing his daughter Sarah, his partner Tess and so many others. He's become so numb he can't possibly fathom loving anyone again, and then he develops a bond with Ellie. Through his relationship with her, Joel becomes the parent he's always wanted to be: someone who's willing to do anything to protect the child he loves.
Joel Is Finally Able To Save His "Daughter" in The Last of Us Finale
At the beginning of The Last of Us Season 1, Joel was a hardened survivor simply trying to make ends meet in the apocalypse. After losing his daughter Sarah, he struggled to find meaning in his life. He wishes he could have saved Sarah from the soldier who shot her, and he carries this guilt and loss throughout the season whenever anyone else dies -- whether it be Tess, Bill, Frank, Sam or Henry. He constantly loses so many loved ones that he doesn't want to get attached to anyone. Joel's choice in the Last of Us finale is violent, but it allows him to accomplish what he didn't before. He's able to save Ellie from the Fireflies, making up for being unable to protect Sarah.
Joel Creates His Own Moral Code to Protect His Found Family
Sarah's death demonstrates how unfair The Last of Us' post-pandemic world is. Whether it be FEDRA's oppressive rule or the Fireflies' constant attacks, there is no set of moral laws to ground the society Joel and Ellie must endure. In "Look for the Light," Joel shows he'll fight anyone to protect the people he loves. He kills everyone in his path at the Salt Lake City hospital -- even when some of those people put their weapons down and their hands up. He's shown that he's willing to adapt to the lawless reality of his world if it means that Ellie is able to survive.
Joel Lies to Shield Ellie From the Violent Truth
Whether it be changing the endings of fairy tales or avoiding difficult subjects, parents will often protect their children's feelings in order to keep them happy. This is exactly what Joel does during The Last of Us' season finale. Ellie clearly doesn't believe him when he tells her more people are immune, and he doubles down on his lie in the conversation that ends the episode. Joel lies to preserve Ellie's feelings, so she doesn't have to be exposed to what he just did or feel guilty about not providing a cure.
Joel's arc as a character comes full circle in the TV adaptation of The Last of Us. Ellie is able to break through his hardened exterior through the course of their adventures together. The two ultimately share a bond similar to the one he had with Sarah. Though Joel initially felt he had failed as a parent, his actions in The Last of Us' season finale show him being the best possible guardian for Ellie. He's able to protect her in multiple ways and build a new life with her.
The Last of Us Season 1 is now streaming on HBO Max.