Tommy is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his brother Joel in the latest episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2. As he navigates his grief, he also takes on the responsibility of overseeing Jackson’s recovery and supporting Ellie, who is determined to avenge Joel’s death.
The episode opens with a poignant scene of Tommy visiting Joel’s body in the morgue. Actor Gabriel Luna, who plays Tommy, spoke about the emotional intensity of the scene and the challenge of portraying Tommy’s complex feelings of anger, sorrow, and resignation. Luna revealed that there were several takes with different emotional reactions, but ultimately, the scene was edited to capture Tommy’s restrained but furious response to the devastation of losing his brother.
Luna also discussed the impact of Pedro Pascal’s departure from the show and how it affected the production. Despite Pascal’s busy schedule, Luna emphasized the importance of honoring Pascal’s contributions to the show and the transition to Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever taking on more prominent roles in the story.
As Tommy continues to process Joel’s death, he grapples with his role as a leader and caretaker for the survivors of Jackson. Luna highlighted Tommy’s internal struggle between his grief and his duty to protect and support those around him. With Ellie now out of the hospital and intent on seeking revenge, Tommy must find a way to guide her while also dealing with his own emotions.
Overall, Episode 3 of “The Last of Us” Season 2 delves deeper into the aftermath of Joel’s murder and the ripple effects it has on the characters. As Tommy navigates his grief and responsibilities, viewers can expect to see how his journey unfolds in the upcoming episodes. His spirit is one of life and moving forward, always striving to survive, thrive, and grow in a positive and progressive state. However, his dedication to this mindset sometimes causes suffering for his wife and son, as well as those who rely on him. As the story unfolds, he finds himself duty-bound to Ellie, who becomes his responsibility.
Acting opposite Bella Ramsey, who portrays Ellie, is a remarkable experience. Bella is not only talented and emotionally mature but also a hero in the eyes of many. Working with her feels like a constant desire to support and uplift each other, creating a strong bond on and off-screen. This dynamic mirrors the relationship between Tommy and Ellie, built on love, pride, and strength.
Despite his reservations, Tommy agrees to back up Ellie’s proposal to seek justice for the killers at the town hall. Individually, he harbors a desire for justice and feels capable of carrying out the task if needed. His decision to support Ellie’s plan, even against his better judgment and his wife’s wishes, stems from a deep-rooted love and commitment to her.
A pivotal moment occurs on the baseball field when Tommy converses with Gail after the town hall meeting. This conversation prompts Tommy to question Ellie’s intentions and the extent to which she will pursue revenge. Tommy grapples with the idea of saving Ellie from the darkness she seeks and coming to terms with his own desires for justice. The interaction with Gail offers a different perspective and insight into their shared pursuit of making things right.
Overall, the journey of Tommy and Ellie’s characters delves into themes of duty, love, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. As they navigate through challenges and decisions, they confront their inner demons and seek a path towards redemption and healing. Through compelling performances and emotional depth, the characters’ evolution captivates viewers and highlights the power of resilience and connection in the face of adversity.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
