The brutal killing of Joel in The Last of Us Part II sent shockwaves through the gaming community. Understanding Abby’s actions requires piecing together several key elements of the narrative. Many players grapple with the question: how did Abby pinpoint Joel as her target, and why did she ultimately spare Ellie and Tommy? This article delves into the motivations and circumstances behind Abby’s revenge, clarifying the crucial details that are sometimes overlooked.
The Firefly Connection: Tommy’s Unintentional Link
Abby’s past is deeply rooted in the Fireflies, a militia group that sought a cure for the Cordyceps infection. Unbeknownst to Joel at the time of his controversial decision at the end of the first game, he killed Abby’s father, a surgeon who was on the verge of potentially developing a vaccine. This event set Abby on a path of vengeance.
The question then arises: how did Abby, who wasn’t present during her father’s death, identify Joel as the responsible party? The answer lies in Tommy, Joel’s brother. Both Tommy and Abby share a history with the Fireflies. Tommy was a former member, and Abby, deeply connected to the organization through her father, was also part of their ranks.
After the Fireflies disbanded, Abby began searching for “Tommy Miller,” a known former Firefly. Her inquiries led her to discover that some of Tommy’s old comrades had been absorbed into the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), mirroring her own experience. This connection is vital: the Fireflies knew Tommy’s identity. They recognized his face and name from their shared past. When these Fireflies were integrated into the WLF, they maintained contact with Tommy, potentially through trade or shared networks in Jackson, unknowingly paving the way for Abby to locate him.
The Lodge Revelation: Tommy’s Unwitting Disclosure
A crucial, often missed detail, is how Abby confirmed Joel’s identity. Many debates arise concerning the scene in the lodge, questioning why Tommy would reveal his and Joel’s real names to strangers. However, this criticism overlooks a critical point: Abby already knew their names before they reached the lodge.
During the tense escape from the blizzard horde, communication became paramount for survival. In this chaotic moment, Tommy, seeking to establish clearer communication within the group, took the initiative to introduce himself and Joel. He turned to Abby and asked her name first, then stated, “I’m Tommy. That’s Joel,” in a straightforward attempt to foster cooperation and ensure their collective safety amidst the immediate threat.
Abby’s facial expression in this scene is telling. It’s a moment of dawning realization. The odds of encountering two brothers named “Tommy and Joel” just outside Jackson, the very place she had tracked Tommy to, were astronomically low. In that instant, the pieces clicked into place. These were the men she had been relentlessly pursuing. Tommy’s innocent act of introduction inadvertently confirmed Abby’s suspicions and solidified Joel’s fate.
Why Abby Spared Ellie and Tommy: Owen’s Influence
Following the brutal act of revenge, Abby faced another pivotal decision: what to do with Ellie and Tommy? Despite the intense emotions and the cycle of violence, Abby ultimately chose to spare them. This decision wasn’t driven by a sudden change of heart, but rather by the wishes of Owen, Abby’s close friend and moral compass within their group. Owen, throughout the game, expresses a desire to break free from the cycle of violence and seek a more peaceful path. His influence on Abby, even in the aftermath of Joel’s death, played a significant role in her decision to let Ellie and Tommy live, preventing further bloodshed in that moment.
In conclusion, Abby’s killing of Joel was a calculated act of revenge, meticulously planned and executed. Her Firefly past and Tommy’s unwitting revelations provided her with the means to identify and locate Joel. While driven by vengeance, Abby’s decision to spare Ellie and Tommy highlights the complex moral ambiguities and the lingering influence of compassion within the dark and brutal world of The Last of Us Part II.
