Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6!
After the emotional highs of The Last of Us season one, viewers eagerly awaited how the story would unfold in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6. Early predictions had fans wondering whether the series would jump straight into adapting the second video game or create more time-filling adventures for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Instead, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann stuck close to the game’s storyline, pushing the action five years forward and introducing major changes, most notably Joel’s tragic death in the opening episodes.
However, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 brings a breath of fresh air with a flashback birthday episode that delves deeper into the dynamics between Joel and Ellie. The show skips ahead in time, exploring their relationship as Ellie matures from a rebellious teen into an even more defiant young adult. For those who missed Pascal’s strong presence, this episode’s heartwarming yet heartbreaking portrayal of Joel is a welcome return, delivering a thoughtful gift for fans.
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 | Flashback to 1983 – Meet Mr. Miller
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 kicks off with a flashback to 1983, when a teenage Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) are nervously awaiting the return of their father. In a tense moment, it’s clear that Tommy has done something bad, but older brother Joel, ever the protector, decides to take the fall. In this flashback, we are introduced to Mr. Miller, their father, played by Tony Dalton. To everyone’s surprise, Joel’s father is a cop.
Rather than resorting to violence, Mr. Miller, who senses Joel is covering for Tommy, shares a surprising moment of understanding. He offers Joel a can of beer and tells a story of his own childhood, when his father had reacted violently to his own wrongdoing. Through the conversation, viewers learn that Mr. Miller recognizes the cycle of violence in his family and is trying to break it. But his solution, while gentler than his own father’s methods, is still deeply flawed. This opening provides insight into Joel’s complicated upbringing and the deep-rooted issues that have shaped him into the man we know in the post-apocalyptic world.
The Return of Joel and Ellie’s Complex Relationship
As The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 continues to explore the growing bond between Joel and Ellie, this episode provides much-needed context to their relationship. Through the flashbacks, we see Joel slowly letting go of some of his emotional barriers while still grappling with the pain and trauma of his past. And, of course, there’s the constant back-and-forth between Joel’s protective nature and Ellie’s need to assert her independence.
Many Happy Returns (of Joel) offers a much-needed respite from the intense plot developments of earlier episodes. Yet, it also sets the stage for more heartbreak, reminding us of how deeply Joel’s past will continue to shape his future decisions and his relationship with Ellie.