Pedro Pascal Reappears in ‘The Last of Us’ Flashback Episode Uncovering Truths About Ellie and Joel’s Conflict

A Journey Through Time with Ellie and Joel

Sometimes, a TV show just gets it right – it hits that sweet spot between drama and emotion. The latest episode of this particular series, well, it might just have done that. I was just sitting there, coffee in hand, thinking maybe this episode would finally give us some answers. And, in its own way, it did.

This time around, we got treated to a highly anticipated flashback episode. There’s something about seeing Ellie and Joel’s past in Jackson that draws you in. It’s like peeking into a secret world. We saw how they spent those pivotal five years together, but it all started even further back in Austin, Texas, back in 1983. Young Joel, portrayed by Andrew Diaz, has a heart-to-heart with his dad (played by Tony Dalton). It’s one of those father-son talks that stays with you – the kind you never forget. And the watch… Joel’s watch… who knew it was originally his father’s? Somehow, that felt like a tiny piece of the puzzle.

Then we jumped forward to 2024. Ellie and Joel are living in Jackson. It’s her 15th birthday. What do you do on such a day? Well, if you’re Joel, you get a cake and make a guitar for her. That moment when he called her “babygirl” – let’s not delve too deep into that.

By the time she turned 17, things took a turn. Ellie started doing all those rebellious teenage things – tattoos, drugs – creating her own space by moving into the garage at night. It’s funny how teenagers need that room to breathe. Joel’s words echoed: “You may not like the rules, but this is my house.” Ellie’s response was pretty straightforward: “No, it isn’t.” Her words were like a mirror reflecting the shifting dynamics.

The story then skipped ahead to 2028 – a year before everything changes forever for Joel. Ellie was trying to muster up the courage for a tough conversation about the past and what really went down with the Fireflies. It’s hard when you have something weighing heavy on your chest and you’re not sure how to get it out.

A nine-month leap brought us to New Year’s Eve 2028. The day before… well… before things changed irreversibly for them both. This time, they finally confronted each other about the hospital incident from the end of season one – where Joel admitted he had killed everyone to save Ellie because they wanted to use her immunity to develop a cure.

Ellie felt betrayed: “You’re such an a**,” she said to Joel. His admission meant everything could have been different – her life could have had that heroic purpose. But as always, love complicates things. Joel confessed he’d make the same choice again because sometimes love makes you selfish.

The conversation ended in tears for both of them – perhaps there’s nothing more raw than seeing someone you care about cry over choices made out of love.

And then… “I don’t think I can forgive you for this,” Ellie murmured through tears. Yet she added, “But I would like to try.” An olive branch extended amid their turmoil.

The episode left viewers hanging with Joel dying the next day. It’s one of those moments where your heart sinks just a little bit more.

If you’d like more details or updates on this captivating series’ unfolding drama, check out BBC News. There’s always more beneath the surface if you’re willing to look.

New episodes continue every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO – just in case you’re ready for another emotional rollercoaster ride.