The Heartbreaking Detail Added to Joel’s Grave in The Last Of Us Season 2

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Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us season 2, episode 3.

In “The Last of Us” season 2, episode 3 titled “The Path,” we find Ellie three months after Joel’s unexpected demise. Having healed from her injuries and discharged from the hospital, she learns that Joel has been laid to rest among Jackson’s deceased in a field not far from town. However, what makes his grave particularly poignant is a new inscription added to his headstone.

In the video game, Ellie pays her respects at Joel’s grave before heading to his house to collect his watch and revolver. However, in the TV show, she doesn’t visit the grave until after she and Dina have left town on their journey to Seattle. At dawn’s gentle light, Ellie pauses for a solemn moment at Joel’s graveside, and one subtle change makes this scene even more poignant compared to the game.

The Last Of Us Season 2 Adds “Beloved Brother & Father” To Joel’s Gravestone

In The Game, His Headstone Just Said “Joel Miller”

In “The Last of Us Part II”, Ellie’s visit to Joel’s grave is when the reality of his death truly hits her. The gruesome and intense scene of his demise could easily have one focusing on the horror, but as the camera descends to reveal a grave marked with flowers and a headstone that reads “Joel Miller”, it becomes undeniable that he is gone. However, there’s no additional information; just Joel’s name etched on the tombstone.

In the TV series, a poignant inscription adorns Joel’s tomb: “Dearly loved brother and father.” This only intensifies Ellie’s emotional connection with her lost kin. The scene takes on a more intimate feel compared to the game, as does Ellie’s gesture of leaving coffee beans for Joel, symbolizing his cherished drink.

Joel’s Epitaph Highlights His Best Qualities In The Last Of Us

So Much Of This Storyline Focuses On The Worst Thing Joel Did

A significant portion of Abby’s storyline in “The Last of Us” revolves around the most regrettable act by Joel – the slaughter of the Fireflies, denying mankind a cure for Cordyceps, and deceiving Ellie about this very act. However, this inscription underscores Joel’s most admirable traits. He is an unwaveringly protective brother to Tommy, going to any lengths to ensure his safety, and he was not only a good father to Ellie but also a loving father to Sarah before her. Despite being proficient at killing, Joel truly excelled as a father.

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2025-04-30 12:37