The Shocking Last of Us Villain No One Expected to Fuel Ellie’s Dark Revenge Plan

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In the gripping world of “The Last of Us,” it’s not always straightforward to distinguish between right and wrong. Characters may appear good or bad, but the lines often blur in this post-apocalyptic setting. At times, viewers might find themselves hating certain characters so much that they question the goodness of those who associate with them. However, a surprising shift in allegiance from someone once considered good challenges this perception. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not Abby who fits this description; her fate is different from what many assume after the events that transpired.

In the popular TV series, it’s clear that Abby is the character generating the most conversation, similar to the buzz surrounding The Last of Us Part II video game in 2020. However, unlike before, there’s a valid explanation for why Abby kills Joel. Conversely, Seth, a character who gained instant disfavor among fans due to his open homophobia, lacked any justification for his actions. An intricate moral quandary arises when Ellie aligns with Seth regarding the execution of Abby and her companions in Seattle. This situation presents a challenging dilemma about who should be granted forgiveness, and how small concessions can escalate into something significant over time.

Who Is Seth on The Last of Us?

In the first episode of Season 2, Seth enters the scene bearing resemblance to the video game character from The Last of Us Part II. At the family gathering on New Year’s Eve, Seth unexpectedly interrupts a kiss shared by Ellie and Dina. He sternly admonishes them for their actions, making a derogatory comment that prompts an angry reaction from Ellie. Joel steps in to defend Ellie, forcefully pushing Seth to the ground.

The following day, I found myself asking Seth, a fellow movie buff, to apologize to Ellie for his regrettable behavior the night before. His remorse seemed genuine, but he blamed it on too much alcohol and claimed ignorance about the impact of his words. However, even in his intoxicated state, his words were clear and deliberate, and Ellie, rightfully so, couldn’t forgive him. In the game, Seth meets an unfortunate end, becoming a known figure in Jackson. Yet, the series cleverly uses him as a tool for Ellie to channel her anger, helping her progress towards avenging Joel’s death.

Seth’s Speech Was a Product of Hate, Not Love

In Season 2, Episode 3, Ellie suggests to Tommy that they travel to Seattle to track down and eliminate Abby and her companions for their actions against Joel. Given the chaos in Jackson following the events, it’s crucial to discuss this matter at the council and invite the community to voice their opinions. Unfortunately, what unfolds is far from satisfying.

Most residents voicing their opinions on the matter expressed that while Joel holds significant importance for the community, they’ve suffered enough losses and can’t afford to risk more by launching a manhunt. Their apprehensions make perfect sense, but it doesn’t diminish Ellie’s pain, as she was unable to find closure following her guardian’s murder. In contrast, only Seth advocates for going to Seattle, and he appears dismayed throughout the meeting. As Carlisle talks about Jackson’s teachings of forgiveness and compassion, Seth, in confusion, interjects forcefully.

As a film enthusiast, let me rephrase that sentiment for a more engaging and personal narrative:

“Goodness gracious! It seems we’re all caught up in a whirlwind of complaints here. ‘Poor us, it’s not fair.’ But wait, should we always forgive when someone invades our space and insults us? They’ve trespassed into our sanctuary, they’ve stolen something precious from us. If my own brother were gunned down, would I open the door wide for them next time? Let’s grow up, folks! They’ll return, mark my words. And when they do, they’ll be chuckling. And trust me, you’ll all have it coming. A bunch of pitiful victims, if ever there were any.

Ellie appears clearly taken aback by his strong reaction, as she’s surprised he supports her stance and finds someone as agitated as herself. However, Seth’s impromptu speech isn’t an expression of solidarity with Ellie or concern for Joel. Instead, it’s to preserve his own image, as he views Jackson as a community that outsiders should avoid. His harsh words and aggressive tone shape his argument into a blame-shifting narrative, concealing his own fear of being perceived as weak by others. This suggests that Seth holds prejudiced opinions, possibly stemming from homophobia and misogyny.

In simpler terms, Seth initially seemed to reconcile with Ellie due to Maria’s intervention in the second episode. However, in the third episode, Seth reinforced harmful masculine ideals, implying that mercy and forgiveness are signs of weakness, while vengeance and aggression are traits of strength. This is ironic because Jackson, who enforces a compassionate code, remains accepted among them, but only when it suits him. Similarly, Ellie seems to follow this pattern too.

Ellie’s Alliance With Seth Is a Sign of Both Growth and Regression

In The Last of Us, Ellie hasn’t been portrayed as entirely innocent since her debut. She’s often playfully defied and broken rules to assert her independence and seek excitement. Her distaste towards Carlisle advising her to set aside vengeance to uphold Jackson’s principles is understandable. After all, it’s simpler for him to advocate forgiveness when he hasn’t been directly impacted. Later on, Dina and Seth conspire to help Ellie and themselves escape Jackson with the essential supplies for their journey to Seattle without revealing their plan to everyone.

This suggests that Ellie hasn’t strayed from her moral compass. Dina’s inclusion of Seth, an individual notorious for supporting unrighteous causes, puts Ellie in a position where she must reconcile with him. The fact that the one voice defending Ellie in the meeting is a well-known adversary raises questions about her character. It might be a warning sign for Ellie to consider how her actions could impact the integrity of Jackson’s members.

Ellie tends to react aggressively, and while some upbringing may have influenced her, she remains largely shaped by her inherent characteristics. Despite her independence, Ellie seeks validation from others. Growing up in a militarized zone without stable role models left an impression on her, creating a need for approval. When Seth starts his diatribe, Ellie thinks, “If he, of all people, agrees with me, then I must be correct.”

However, because Seth supports her, a man who is concerned about how Jackson’s masculinity affects him, indirectly, Ellie is accepting such delicate insecurities.

She doesn’t acknowledge it consciously due to her intense desire for revenge, which is problematic in its own right. From an external perspective, Ellie and Seth appearing united in seeking vengeance for Joel might seem like a noble act. However, “The Last of Us” aims to portray characters as complex rather than one-dimensional. In this context, Seth’s situation is intriguing because it adds depth to the narrative. It’s not a criticism of the show to depict these two adversaries working together as exceptions within their community.

Once again, The Last of Us presents an engaging storyline that leaves viewers torn about a character’s actions. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Seth isn’t driven by the same motivations as Ellie. Her ignorance of this fact and her willingness to overlook it underscores the dark road she’s chosen. If she’s ready to act with the same defiant hostility towards someone who publicly used a homophobic slur, what else might she tolerate in pursuit of her goal?

New episodes of The Last of Us premiere every Sunday at 9 PM ET on HBO.

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2025-04-28 05:22