Ellie, Tommy Navigate Grief After Joel's Death in 'The Last of Us' Episode 3

Season 2, Episode 3 of 'The Last of Us' explores the aftermath of Joel's death, focusing on the profound grief experienced by his brother Tommy and adoptive daughter Ellie. The episode opens with an emotionally charged scene in the Jackson morgue, where Tommy says a quiet goodbye to Joel, a moment made poignant by the symbolic presence of Joel's broken military watch. As Ellie struggles with PTSD in the hospital, Tommy seeks solace and understanding from the town's therapist, highlighting the community's collective mourning. A three-month time jump reveals that both Ellie and Tommy continue to grapple with their loss, with Ellie returning to Joel's home and finding personal mementos that deepen her sense of grief. The narrative underscores how their mutual pain and desire for vengeance bind them, reflecting on the lasting impact of violence and loss. Throughout, actor Gabriel Luna draws on personal experiences of loss to convey Tommy's reserved but deep sorrow, adding authenticity to the character's journey.