Trust is a difficult thing to earn in the world of The Last of Us, but our protagonists happen to find dependable companions in brothers Henry and Sam. On the previous episode, they worked together to safely escape Kansas City but tragedy strikes. Once again, Ellie and Joel find themselves heading west just the two of them.
The time on the road in these travel adventures is ideal for bonding. Joel tries to comfort his partner after revealing her attempts to save Sam. He’s always trying to shield her from the horrors of the world, but this time, he is protecting her from herself.
In addition, the pair’s discussions on hypotheticals serve as opportunities to dive more personally into each character as they reveal what they would ideally do once they save the world and everything goes back to normal. It says so much about Ellie, that she would want to go to the stars. Underneath the foul mouthed, and at times bratty, kid is a dreamer.
The visual of the scene just prior as she watches the Northern Lights helps reinforce this side of the character. The cinematography of this episode of The Last of Us is great in general capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings and making the most of the snow-covered landscapes during the winter season.
They receive a semblance of normality when they finally reach Jackson. Their introduction to the community begins with tense tests to prove they are unaffected. The suspense is especially high with Ellie, considering her condition. It is peculiar the difference in outcomes here compared to the end of the first episode.
The Last of Us is proficient in uplifting the mood after traumatic deaths. We received the acclaimed “Long, Long Time” following Tess’s heroic sacrifice, and we definitely need a palate cleanser after Henry and Sam’s passings. This is helped set up in the opening with some lightheartedness with the old couple, despite being held at gunpoint.
However, the real impactful moment is when Joel and Tommy are finally reunited. The amount of relief and joy is tangible as the brothers embrace. In addition, seeing this small town of 300 thrive together is a stark contrast to both the FEDRA and Militia run cities we’ve crossed paths with. You wouldn’t think they live post apocalypse with all their modern luxuries and cheerful caroling.
“Kin” plays up the inner conflicts amongst the main characters. The Last of Us has gradually been showing Joel’s limitations. As he puts it, he’s “too slow and too deaf,” and he even begins to develop cardiac issues this episode. So far, Joel has been stoic and a rock as they move from one danger to another, but Pedro Pascal shows real vulnerability in a rare instance that his character opens up while talking to his brother. You catch a glimpse of the tortured soul within for failing his daughter at the beginning of the pandemic.
For her part, Ellie’s insecurities, and fear of abandonment bubble to the surface. Bella Ramsey can say so much with a simple look and glance. Her character can’t be as thrilled to see her protecter with actual family. There are also the reminders of Sarah, Ellie comes across knowing that she will never be Joel’s blood daughter. Despite the tease of ending the relationship, Joel does come to his senses and they continue their trek together. The Goodbye Girl, the film screening in town, seems a fitting choice as it too features an unconventional father figure after being placed in a precarious situation.
Their reconnection serves as a turning point with the pair wanting to be together rather than out of obligation. Their interactions have a more intimate, familial, and even playful feel as they do target practice and discuss football and college, especially from Joel’s end. He seems more encouraging than before.
But this is The Last of Us, and you know we can’t stay happy for too long. First, finding the Fireflies isn’t as easy as Tommy said and they have to travel even further. Then, the cliffhanger leaves them at even more of a disadvantage. It has the potential of a role reversal that could further strengthen their bond.
“Kin” cleanses the palate after last week’s upsetting ending. The heartwarming family reunion and the reaffirming of Ellie and Joel’s strong bond are enough to lift your spirits despite the cliffhanger ending.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO.
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