Is Vengeance Worth the Cost? The Last of Us Season 2 Puts Redemption on Trial!

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Joel has met his end in the game titled “The Last of Us”. Abby has spent a grueling five years pursuing retribution for the slaying of her father and the other Fireflies in Salt Lake City. Similarly, Ellie aims to take Abby’s life due to the same motive. Ellie had anticipated that the inhabitants of Wyoming would side with her in seeking vengeance, but not everyone within this troubled town shared her sentiments. The council of the commune also disagreed. They decisively rejected her proposal following a passionate discussion.

In ‘The Last of Us’ season two, episode three, the question was left unanswered: Was it correct for them to turn down Ellie’s plea for revenge over Joel’s murder? Or is retribution not merely a moral choice but a necessary step for Jackson’s safety? The answer seems to emerge from observing Ellie herself, who has become as resolute in her quest for vengeance as Abby was earlier. This transformation in Ellie serves as evidence supporting the council’s decision. However, this doesn’t mean we wouldn’t feel compelled to follow in Ellie’s footsteps under similar circumstances.

The counterarguments for the retaliation plan were sensible, thoughtful, and morally sound. Jackson, Wyoming, is still mourning and struggling with the aftermath of the attack by the infected. Its citizens are not psychologically prepared for another round of conflict. The town itself remains fragile, more vulnerable than ever. As Rachel stated, many of its strongest defenders and builders have perished. The walls, which were already weak, are still under repair. At this point, the commune is too weak to risk losing 16 of its top warriors on a mission where there’s a high probability they won’t return. If for no other reason, these people are needed to protect the town against potential raiders.

Despite being fully reestablished, Jackson, Wyoming stands out among other places we’ve encountered in The Last of Us due to its people’s commitment to preserving their civilization. This commune represents a beacon of hope and tolerance, a testament to humanity’s resilience amidst a world overrun by monsters. Compassion, a hallmark of our species, is evident here as they forgive those who have harmed them, regardless of whether the offenders seek or deserve forgiveness. This act sets us apart from other creatures in the wild.

Showing compassion and pardoning others is not only moral but also sensible and shrewd. As Confucius put it, “Before you set out on the road of retribution, prepare two graves,” because in seeking revenge, you risk becoming a victim just as much as any of your adversaries.

In The Last of Us season two, episode three, Ellie didn’t advocate for revenge as one might expect. Instead, she followed Jesse’s advice and presented an argument for justice rather than stirring up anger. Although Gail may have suspected Ellie was bluffing, her reasoning was sound. Given the dangerous world they inhabit where everyone seems intent on their demise, the people of Jackson must trust each other to defend themselves. In a society without formal courts, they can only expect justice if they actively pursue it. Justice, in its essence, is good, and since there are no established legal systems left, the justice they will ever receive will be the justice they fight for themselves.

Prior to Ellie presenting her case, Seth had already made an argument that she desired. This was the argument many of us wished we could make ourselves. In The Last of Us season two, Seth advocates for revenge, as Joel was one of them and someone took his life. A response other than fear, mercy, or victimhood is appropriate in such a heinous situation, and that response is retribution. Despite his rage, however, Seth did make a valid point in The Last of Us season two’s third episode. If it becomes known that Jackson does not respond to the murder of one of its citizens, others might perceive this as a sign of weakness, potentially leading to their demise. One unanswered killing could be the start of many more.

In simpler terms, Seth and Ellie presented compelling arguments, some based on logic, others on emotion, but in the end, Rachel and Carlisle’s side was more convincing when it came to voting – as they rightly should have been. Regardless of how important Joel is to the town, or how much they might desire revenge, in this particular situation, seeking retribution in the manner proposed is short-sighted and potentially dangerous. Jackson is a community for everyone and cannot risk the lives of 16 people for any reason that doesn’t directly concern the town’s security. Traveling to Seattle to search for Abby doesn’t enhance the town’s safety; instead, it creates danger.

The purpose of a government lies in its decision-making process through councils, where elected officials make tough calls guided by logic rather than emotion. These leaders are entrusted with the duty to act righteously, even when the path isn’t straightforward or pleasant. Approving Ellie’s proposal, despite personal inclinations, might not have been justified in this instance. The council demonstrated responsibility by taking a measured approach.

It’s a fact that we acknowledge. We may not like it, but we understand that the vote was justified in The Last of Us. In Ellie’s shoes, with her abilities, we would likely be taking the same actions irrespective of what the council decided. This is because, much like Abby, who spent five years pursuing Joel, we would be driven by the same motivation: revenge. When the person you cherish most in the world is cruelly taken away, emotion overpowers logic every time. Grief always holds more weight than rational thinking. The spilt blood carries a bond that transcends community connections.

However, the outcome of Abby’s journey could serve as a foreshadowing of what Ellie may experience. Joel’s death has sparked a chain of violence, much like we’ve seen in Ellie’s quest for vengeance, and we know where that path often leads. If Ellie manages to find Abby and kills her, her search for revenge might result in Ellie joining Joel in the ground.

Mikey Walsh, who serves as a staff writer at TopMob, initially would have cast a “no” vote. However, he ended up acting just like Seth did. You can keep tabs on him by checking out his Bluesky profile @burgermike. Additionally, you might find him in discussions where the Targaryen kings are being ranked.

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2025-04-28 05:08