The Last of Us Fans Celebrate Joel Becoming Ellie’s Dad In Episode 8

Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us have taken to social media to celebrate Joel (Pedro Pascal) becoming Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) dad in episode 8.

Spoilers for HBO’s The Last of Us episode 8 below!Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us celebrate Joel (Pedro Pascal) becoming Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) dad in episode 8, “When We Are in Need.” With food running low and Joel’s injury worsening, Ellie takes it upon herself to hunt to survive. Unfortunately, the prospect of a nice hot meal takes her on a collision course with David (Scott Shepard), a cannibalistic preacher who wants revenge against Joel for killing one of his men, and for Ellie to join him in his cult-like community.

After Ellie is captured, Joel races through the resort town to find Ellie bloodied and in shock after butchering David to death with a meat cleaver. The two embrace and Joel calls Ellie “baby girl,” a term of endearment Joel had for his daughter Sarah (Nico Parker). On the heels of The Last of Us episode 8, fans took to social media to celebrate Joel metaphorically becoming Ellie’s father. Check out some of their reactions below:

Related: The Last Of Us Season 1, Episode 8 Ending Explained

How Joel And Ellie’s Relationship Progressed In The Last of Us

After a 20-year time-jump following the brutal murder of his daughter, Joel had become a grizzled, resentful survivor. He and Ellie were initially at odds when they first met in The Last of Us premiere, wanting absolutely nothing to do with each other. However, after overcoming multiple traumatic life-changing challenges while on their perilous journey to the Fireflies, the pair began to care for one another.

Following Tess’ (Anna Torv) tragic death, Joel decided to continue the job as a favor to her, as it was her dying wish. As their trek continued, Ellie began to break through Joel’s tough facade with her precocious personality. He soon trusted Ellie with a small gun after saving his life from one of Kathleen’s (Melanie Lynskey) insurrectionists, even playfully teasing her as he taught her how to use it. In the same episode, Ellie made Joel burst with genuine laughter with a joke from her pun book.

Their relationship grew stronger over months with Joel opening himself to Ellie’s relentless questions. His love for her was clearly evident when Joel reunited with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) in Jackson, Wyoming. In stark contrast to the original video game, Joel broke down in tears as he begged Tommy to replace him as Ellie’s protector. Joel did not want to pawn her off on his brother, but honestly believed that he could no longer keep her safe. With The Last of Us season finale a week away, audiences can finally see Joel and Ellie at the end of their journey.

More: Who Are David’s Group? The Last Of Us Episode 8 Villains Explained

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