The Last of Us Recap: Father Days
In the opening scene of an episode set in 1983, we discover that Joel has always been cautious about those dear to him. This time, it’s Tommy who needs protection following a brawl triggered by a marijuana deal gone awry with a cop. Tony Dalton plays a convincing Miller patriarch in this role. Both Joel and Tommy have experienced their father’s punishment before, and they are aware that physical punishment could be meted out again (symbolized by “the belt”). Therefore, Joel’s effort to safeguard Tommy is not trivial. Interestingly, Joel’s father seems to be moved by the gesture, and in a surprising turn of events, he shares his own past abuse at the hands of his own father. He tells Joel, “I’m managing better than my father did. I hope when it’s your turn, you can manage better than me.