Last of Us: Tommy's Dark Reason for Backing Ellie's Revenge!

Caution: Spoiler Ahead! Stepping into the shoes of a passionate movie buff, let me share my thoughts on the latest episode of “The Last of Us,” Season 2, currently streaming on Max.

In this gripping installment, we find ourselves delving deeper into the lives of our protagonists as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic world. The narrative continues to unfold with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. I must say, I was left breathless by certain revelations that shed new light on the characters’ pasts.

The emotional depth and intensity of this episode are truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll. If you’re a fan of the series or just appreciate thought-provoking storytelling, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Just remember, if you haven’t seen it yet, be prepared for some major spoilers!

In the third episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2, we, as viewers, along with the survivors in Jackson, find ourselves pausing, collectively holding our breath, as we grapple with the devastating impact of Joel’s death and try to make sense of what lies ahead.

According to Gabriel Luna, who portrays Joel’s brother Tommy, there’s some work that needs to be handled. It’s intriguing because the town is still grappling with the aftermath of what transpired at Jackson, but also dealing with the loss of a crucial figure, not just for the Jackson community, but our family as well. The central figure who held everything together has passed away.

After Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) demise, Tommy is left in charge of Jackson’s rebuilding process while grappling with his personal sorrow. He realizes that the road ahead won’t be easy, as Ellie (Bella Ramsey), now out of the hospital, begins plotting her revenge for Joel.

One approach Tommy uses to understand Ellie is by consulting with the town’s therapist, Gail. Their discussion held significance for Luna, who collaborated with Catherine O’Hara on another HBO production, “Temple Grandin” in 2010. As Luna shared, they had saved a photo taken in the hair and makeup trailer that meant a lot to them. They were then able to replicate this image on the set, which was quite amusing, and even had their makeup artist, Rebecca, stand in the same position as the original makeup artist from the photograph taken 15 years ago in Austin, Texas.

Luna had a conversation with EbMaster concerning the design of the initial scene for the episode set in the Jackson morgue, discussing Tommy’s handling of his duties towards Ellie, as well as his intentions regarding his encounter with Gail.

The episode opens with Tommy going to see Joel’s body. Tommy doesn’t break down, but you can tell he’s in pain. Can you tell me about calibrating the right emotional reaction for that scene?

On the day I consumed it, it was under the direction of Peter Hoar – known for the “Long, Long Time” episode – which made me confident about the emotional depth of the production. Despite a few instances where emotions ran high and required multiple takes, I’m delighted with the self-control shown by Timothy Good, our editor. The scene is filled with anger, yet there’s a comforting notion that Joel is with Sarah, my niece, and his daughter – a sentiment that softens the blow of his loss. Losing him was an immense, profound sorrow.

On that particular evening, each shot captured varied emotional responses. It was intriguing to observe the final selection during editing. While I believe the choice made is accurate, the raw footage evokes an overwhelming sense of anger upon seeing the extent of the destruction.

Tommy’s character has experienced a significant amount of death, and I find myself content with the choices made. It’s a determined reaction to losing the last living relative on Earth. As we progress, we’ll witness where this determination takes him. We filmed that scene initially with more dialogue, but I’m relieved they edited it down because after saying “Give Sarah my love,” there wasn’t much else to add.

During production, how did things change after Pedro Pascal left?

Indeed, he’s an attractive actor with a packed timetable, and it was amusing because we filmed everything, but we were block shooting, which means events from earlier in the season were shown later. This allowed us to anticipate his return, making it seem less like a permanent farewell.

As I stood in that chilling morgue set, filming a pivotal moment, I couldn’t help but feel the profound shift unfolding. The baton was being passed from Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever, to me, and to those who would continue this captivating tale. It was a poignant moment, a testament to Pedro’s exceptional work on this series, his artistry, and the heart he poured into every frame.

As a movie buff, I recall a heartfelt conversation that was originally left on the cutting room floor. It revolved around the character Ellie, who was deeply injured and in great distress. I remember reassuring her, “Don’t worry, you’ll be alright. I’ll look after you.” In that moment, I couldn’t help but feel that the story itself and its production were intertwined, making it as much about the narrative unfolding as it was about the filmmaking process.

By the time Ellie gets out of the hospital, how do you think Tommy has been processing Joel’s death?

The focus is on the extent of his obligation towards those still depending on him. They require his full attention, yet a portion of him must detach because deep within, he is that person. His essence embodies life, progress, and the will to endure, prosper, advance, and flourish. If he clings to this, only his wife and son will suffer, along with everyone else who depends on him. However, as we delve deeper into the narrative, he finds himself bound by duty towards Ellie, now under his care.

What is it like acting opposite Bella Ramsey?

Bella is my idol, and they possess remarkable beauty, skill, and emotional wisdom that few can match. Whenever they are engaged in a task, there’s always this sense of wanting to be by their side, ready to support them. They have consistently shown their unwavering support for me, as well as those around them, making it effortless to adore them. Their relationship with Tommy and Ellie is characterized by love, pride, and admiration, reflecting who they are and their incredible strength. However, their formidable power could lead them towards self-destruction if I don’t intervene or assist in managing it.

Even though Tommy doesn’t necessarily condone Ellie’s plan to go after the killers, he still says that he’ll back up her proposal at the town hall. Why do you think that is?

In a nutshell, the character chooses to take matters into his own hands to seek justice, provided the town agrees and follows due process. Despite reservations, personal judgment, and opposition from his wife, he is determined to proceed. Interestingly, even though Maria also supports this decision, it’s worth noting. The scene becomes intriguing because, on that particular day, the actor’s son was too ill to be present, which alters the dynamic slightly. As the actor portrays the character, feeding the chickens serves as a reminder of his familial bond with Ellie, signifying his unwavering commitment to her and their shared goal, even if some nuances might have been lost during filming due to unexpected events.

How does the conversation on the baseball field with Gail after the town hall then affect Tommy’s understanding of Ellie?

The central focus revolves around predicting Ellie’s actions during the storm, similar to guessing what a natural force might do. Ellie, who is often likened to a force of nature by “The Last of Us” co-creator Craig Mazin and others, embodies this character trait as well as the actress Bella Ramsey does. The aim is to comprehend her actions now that she’s awakened from a coma, and to understand how deeply her role as a steward, protector, and one who fulfills duty impacts her. We are trying to determine the extent of her actions and if there’s a chance for her salvation, whether she can remain with us, and if she can find happiness living with this burden following what she has witnessed. I am seeking reasons to deny her revenge and justice, not only for her sake but also for my own, as we both share a desire to rectify our individual wrongs. This exploration, however, is equally about Ellie and Tommy. It’s like searching for an external viewpoint that aligns with our objectives.

Gail has personal connections to my family, Joel, and the events that have unfolded. This is intriguing because Tommy, who has never been to therapy, is essentially having his first session, observing children playing on a baseball field from afar. For me as an actor, working with Catherine O’Hara during this scene is one of the greatest gifts I’ve received in my career.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-28 17:18

Last of Us: Tommy’s Dark Reason for Backing Ellie’s Revenge!