What Did Joel Tell Ellie About The Fireflies?

In The Last of Us, Joel tells Ellie that the Fireflies found other people like her but were unable to come up with a cure. After his death, he confesses his lie to Ellie and tells her what really happened. Ellie then goes on a search to find the remaining Fireflies in order to make a cure. The Fireflies need Ellie to create a cure, but by removing the infected portion of Ellie’s brain, the Fireflies will kill her.

Ellie wakes up and finds out that Joel killed the Fireflies and lied to her. In the third flashback of The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie explores Saint Mary Hospital where Joel killed the Fireflies and finds a tape of a recording. Joel tells Ellie that there were other people like her, but all of the experiments of the Fireflies didn’t work on them.

After the game’s tense, abrupt ending, Joel’s reason for doing so remains ambiguous. After a lighthearted moment of Ellie reading Joel her terrible puns, the two are ambushed by the Fireflies. When Joel awakes, Marlene reveals that Ellie could possibly provide a cure. Once the Fireflies capture Ellie and Joel, they separate them and put Ellie into surgery.

Joel lies to Ellie about the Fireflies finding many people who are immune to the fungus and that they have stopped looking for a cure. After escaping the hospital, Ellie wakes and asks Joel what happens. Joel lies to her that the Fireflies stopped looking for a cure after other immune people began showing up. A group of raiders attacked the hospital shortly after, and they barely escaped with their lives.

Ellie’s reaction to Joel’s story is hard to read. There are a million reasons why Joel lied to Ellie about saving her from the Fireflies. He didn’t want her to carry the weight of all the people he killed, and Joel clearly felt that he must kill all of the Fireflies to prevent Ellie from having to sacrifice herself in the future.

How Did Tommy React To Joel'S Death?

After Joel's death, Tommy reveals a harsher demeanor, seeking vengeance on Abby and her faction. He resorts to torturing WLF soldiers, employing brutal tactics reminiscent of Joel's methods, and indiscriminately killing WLF members he encounters. Both Joel and Tommy had previously resorted to violence to secure what they needed, suggesting a complex moral landscape where even torture might have been a means to an end. Tommy's character from the first game is compelling; he sacrifices himself for Joel and Sarah, portraying selflessness.

However, inconsistencies arise in the narrative, such as Tommy surviving a gunshot from close range, which strains credulity. Following Joel's death, he urges Ellie to pursue Abby, revealing the narrative's struggle with character actions. The aftermath of Joel's demise introduces a cycle of violence that the game critiques, particularly through Ellie’s perspective of vengeance. Tommy, who had once been close to the Fireflies, is depicted as increasingly aggressive, raising questions about his moral integrity.

Tommy and Joel had been each other's last support system after Sarah's death, navigating the Boston Quarantine Zone together. Joel’s decision to confide in Tommy about Ellie’s immunity highlights the importance of trust in their bond. The recognition by Marlene, leader of the Fireflies, suggests Tommy's significant role in the organization, which adds depth to his character backstory. Ultimately, the narrative intertwines themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the relentless brutality of their world.

Why Is Ellie Immune?

The finale of "The Last of Us" reveals the origin of Ellie’s immunity to the cordyceps infection, confirming a long-held fan theory. It suggests that Ellie’s immunity stems from her mother, Anna, who was bitten by an infected just before giving birth. This encounter allowed some antibodies to be transmitted to Ellie through the placenta, a barrier that typically protects a fetus from harmful agents.

Consequently, Ellie’s body produces a chemical messenger that confuses the cordyceps fungus, giving her immunity. Throughout the series, Ellie is depicted as a key character, navigating a world devastated by the deadly fungal outbreak.

As the story unfolds, it is disclosed that Ellie was born on the same day her mother died from the bite, suggesting that exposure to the cordyceps virus in utero played a critical role in her developing immunity. Marlene, a character from the Fireflies, conveys that Ellie’s unique condition is tied to her mother’s infection, which took place during childbirth. This revelation extends the lore of the original game and enhances the narrative by illustrating the rarity of Ellie’s immunity.

Neil Druckmann, the creator of the game, has left the details surrounding Ellie’s immunity somewhat ambiguous, but the implications are clear: without Ellie’s immunity, the story takes a drastically different path. The finale highlights how Anna’s sacrifice influences Ellie’s survival and potential as a key to a cure, a plotline that raises questions for the future developments of the series. Thus, the connection between Ellie and Anna not only specifies her immunity but also deepens the emotional stakes of the narrative.

What Were Joel'S Last Words To Ellie?

Joel and Ellie’s relationship was complex, marked by tension but underpinned by Joel's deep desire for Ellie to be safe and happy. Their last significant conversation occurs during a flashback where he expresses hope for her forgiveness regarding his controversial decision to save her, despite her own wishes. Initially, many assumed their final exchange was an argument at a party, but reflective moments, like Ellie reminiscing about a movie night with Joel, amplify the emotional weight. It is interesting to note the creators originally intended for Joel to whisper "Sarah" as his last words, yet he opts to remain silent, which adds to the poignancy of the moment.

Notably, the game's finale reveals a pivotal lie that shapes the narrative going forward, as Joel tells Ellie the cure couldn't work, masking the existence of other immune people. Despite the moral ambiguity of his actions, Joel's motive to protect Ellie remains paramount. Their last meaningful dialogue centers on her confronting him about choices made, culminating in Ellie’s painful acknowledgment, "I don’t think I can ever forgive you for that, but I’d like to try." This moment encapsulates their fraught but ultimately profound bond, leaving viewers emotionally affected.

The game’s conclusion, paired with their shared history and Joel's comforting language, resonates deeply with players, illustrating the complex interplay between love, guilt, and forgiveness within their relationship.

What Truth Did Joel Tell Ellie?

In the finale of HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 1, Joel embarks on a violent mission to rescue Ellie from the hospital, killing anyone who obstructs his path. After saving her, he deceives Ellie by claiming that raiders had attacked the hospital, saying there are others like her but that the doctors couldn’t find a cure. However, Ellie, being perceptive, confronts Joel about this false narrative.

She threatens to leave Jackson if he doesn't come clean, leading Joel to admit he lied in order to protect her. This revelation causes Ellie to emotionally break down, highlighting the trust that is now strained between them.

As they make their way through the hospital, Joel discovers that Ellie is in surgery, and he is confronted by Marlene, an old friend from the Fireflies, who reveals the possibility of Ellie being the key to a cure. Despite this, Joel’s lies seem more self-serving, painting him in a morally ambiguous light. Ellie's foundational fear of being alone resurfaces during her confrontation with Joel, as she grapples with the reality of his dishonesty.

The episode further complicates their dynamic, echoing Joel’s own past traumas, including his brokenness after Sarah’s death. As Ellie learns about the Fireflies’ true intentions through a recording, her internal conflict grows. Although Joel's motivations for lying are geared toward her safety, his actions breach the trust they developed throughout the season. Ultimately, this deception has lasting consequences, paving the way for the complex emotional landscape in the follow-up series. Even though Joel's intentions may have been protective, his lies foreshadow deeper rifts in their relationship.

Why Did Ellie Not Forgive Joel?

Ellie's inability to forgive Joel for his actions in the first game drives her need for revenge against Abby. This anger is compounded by her internal struggle over not reconciling with Joel, her father figure, before his death. Unable to find closure, Ellie believes that avenging Joel’s death is her only path to peace. The themes of found families and forgiveness are central to her turmoil. During a final conversation with Joel in a flashback, Ellie expresses a desire to forgive him, indicating a complex relationship where she simultaneously loves and resents him for his choices.

Her decision to spare Abby at the end of The Last of Us Part II reflects this complicated forgiveness. Rather than simply recalling Joel, Ellie sees Abby as representative of Joel himself, someone who has also committed unforgivable deeds. Ellie’s spared life signifies a misguided sense of justice and her internal conflict regarding forgiveness. Joel remains unforgivable in her eyes, and his decision to save her only deepens her feelings of guilt and betrayal; he lied to protect her from sacrificing herself.

In the culminating moments, Ellie realizes that her obsession with revenge stemmed from Abby taking away her chance to forgive Joel. Ultimately, she lets Abby go, signifying that she has found forgiveness for both Joel and herself, freeing her from the burden of vengeance. Ellie’s journey underscores the deep emotional scars left by loss, the desire for justice, and the struggle to find closure in complicated relationships. The end scene with the guitar signifies her resolution to move forward, emphasizing that in releasing her hatred, she allows herself to heal.

Why Did Joel Kill The Fireflies?

The season 1 finale of The Last of Us features a dramatic climax where Joel resorts to violence to save Ellie from the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. The Fireflies plan to dissect Ellie’s brain to study her immunity and create a vaccine, which would ultimately result in her death. Faced with this harsh reality, Joel chooses to eliminate any threat to Ellie, leading to a brutal scene of him killing the doctors and guards at the hospital.

As Marlene informs Joel of Ellie’s fate, he reacts fiercely, killing the two men tasked to escort him, and embarks on a rampage against the Fireflies. Despite the couple’s lighthearted moments earlier, the situation escalates into violence as Joel confronts the grim truth about the Fireflies' plans.

The finale reveals Joel’s deep love for Ellie, prompting his ruthless actions. He understands that if Marlene escapes, she could rally remaining Fireflies to continue their mission to find another surgeon, potentially jeopardizing Ellie’s safety. Consequently, Joel decides to kill everyone in the hospital, including Marlene, to ensure Ellie’s survival.

Ultimately, Joel’s actions reflect a selfish but fiercely protective instinct. The moral ambiguity of his choices—sacrificing others for the sake of one—sparks discussions about love, duty, and the lengths a person will go for someone they care about. As Joel fights to create a safe life for himself and Ellie, he embraces his role as her protector, even amidst the violent consequences of his decisions. Thus, the finale leaves viewers contemplating the nature of love and sacrifice.

Is Ellie The Only Immune Person?

Now, 14 years later, Ellie is the only known person immune to the Cordyceps infection. As Marlene explains through medical examinations, Ellie’s immunity results from a "chemical message" sent to the Cordyceps that entered her body at birth, after being bitten. While she is the only documented case of immunity, it’s possible that others exist who are unaware of their condition, potentially limited to those under 20 who were born post-outbreak. This significance of Ellie as the sole immune individual presents her as humanity's last hope, emphasizing her role as a potential savior.

Ellie showcases an "immune memory," offering naïve immunity for a brief period, but she would eventually succumb to the infection once her mother's passive immunity diminishes. Her unique immunity raises questions regarding the motivations behind efforts to eliminate her—risking the loss of potential answers for a cure. The narrative conveys a clear understanding within the original game that Ellie remains the only immune person known to the Fireflies.

There remains speculation regarding the existence of other immune individuals, but Ellie stands out due to her recognition and the genetic anomalies present at her birth, considered sheer luck. The Last of Us finally provides a scientific rationale explaining why Ellie survived a Cordyceps bite, addressing a major mystery concerning immunity in the series. Ultimately, Ellie’s exceptional case is pivotal for the narrative, underpinning themes of hope amidst a ravaged world, marking her as a miracle in the struggle against the Cordyceps epidemic.

Why Did Joel Lie To Ellie?

The ending of HBO's The Last of Us Season 1 leaves much to speculation, especially regarding Joel's lie to Ellie, which is pivotal for the story's progression. Joel’s character is deeply entwined with themes of loss and longing, having experienced numerous tragedies. His decision to lie primarily serves his self-interest, casting him in a villainous light. He understood Ellie's strong desire to save humanity, knowing she would strive to turn herself over to the Fireflies for the greater good. Given their bond, Ellie felt torn; despite knowing the truth, she chose to believe Joel's lie out of love and trust. After waking up in a hospital gown, she struggles to grasp the reality of her situation, only to be misled by Joel, who tries to shield her from the reality of his actions. Throughout their journey, Ellie grapples with the deaths of loved ones, including Riley, Tess, and Sam, which adds to her internal turmoil. In the final moments, Joel lies about the Fireflies, claiming they were conducting tests and that there are others like her. His motivations remain ambiguous—while he lies to protect Ellie, he does so at the cost of breaking the trust they had built together. Joel’s actions are both selfish, as he fears losing her, and selfless, in that he wishes to spare her from bearing the guilt of his path of violence. Ultimately, Joel's lie about Ellie's fate not only alters their relationship but sets the stage for the conflict ahead.

Did The Fireflies Kill Ellie?

In "The Last of Us," Joel’s actions lead to a critical moral dilemma regarding Ellie’s survival. The Fireflies, a group seeking a cure for the Cordyceps Brain Infection, intend to operate on Ellie, who is potentially immune, but this procedure would ultimately kill her. Marlene hints at this fate without explicitly stating it, which prompts a violent response from Joel. He views Ellie as a surrogate daughter and is unwilling to sacrifice her for the potential cure.

The pivotal moment occurs when, after learning of the Fireflies' intentions, Joel goes on a merciless rampage to save her, demonstrating his ruthless nature. He shoots his way through the hospital, killing both armed guards and those who surrender, emphasizing his determination at any cost. Despite the grim implications of sacrificing Ellie for the greater good, Joel's emotional connection drives him to reject this notion entirely.

This culminates in a confrontation where he takes out the Fireflies, eliminating anyone in his path, marking a stark transition from protector to aggressor. Marlene explains the situation he faces, yet Joel's immediate reaction prioritizes Ellie’s life over any potential solution to the infection that has ravaged humanity. His final reassurance to Ellie—asserting the failure of the Fireflies—follows a series of morally ambiguous decisions that pit personal affection against broader ethical consequences.

Ultimately, Joel’s choice signifies a deep sense of survivor’s guilt and emotional turmoil; by saving Ellie, he neglects the larger implications of their actions on society. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.