Just like a myriad of other moments scattered throughout the length of the story-driven, post-apocalyptic title, the dramatic ending to The Last of Us Part 2 has proved immensely divisive among players - but the cause of this controversy could be partially rooted in confusion. After all, on the surface, Ellie's actions during the closing sequence are inherently out of character, straying far from the tune she had been playing for most of the game up to the final moments. As such, TLOU Part 2's ending cannot be explained with a single, simple answer, but rather with a series of complex realizations Ellie experienced towards the end of the sequel.
[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2.]
Following the success of HBO adaption of The Last Of Us, Ellie's story has seen a massive wave of attention from both TLOU players and new fans alike. Season 2 of the show hasn't yet entered production - a feeling that players waiting for The Last Of Us Part 3 are all too familiar with. In fact, a recent interview with creative director Neil Druckmann might even indicate that there might not be a TLOU Part 3, after all. Any players with questions about the ending of The Last Of Us 2 may thus benefit from revisiting the topic, as it could be the last glimpse they're allowed into Ellie's life.
Ellie Saw The Humanity In Abby In TLOU Part 2's Ending
Ellie grew and changed a lot over the course of The Last of Us Part 2, but it seems that she especially developed after stumbling across the Rattlers and seeing them torture and humiliate Lev and Abby. When she sees Abby tied up on the pole, she has a different perspective of her for once. Abby is weak and vulnerable; she’s not the idyllic monster Ellie has in her head of the woman who claimed Joel’s life. Seeing Abby cut down Lev again reminded her of the humanity in her proclaimed enemy. She realizes that their stories are closely intertwined, and that the two are more similar than she anticipated.
Ellie Thought Of Joel During TLOU 2's Ending
Ellie also likely realized that murder isn’t what Joel would’ve wanted. To kill someone when they’re weak and emaciated - and even more, to leave Lev orphaned and alone - would have been contrary to what Joel did for her. While Ellie is beating Abby, the look on her face implies that it doesn't feel as satisfying as she had expected it to. Through that, not only did Ellie realize that this wasn’t going to bring back Joel (or honor his memory), but that it would only be contributing to the cycle of violence. Allowing Abby to live in TLOU 2's ending was symbolic of her finally letting go.
After watching her adopt a colder, more brutal mentality after Joel's death, the decision to spare her archenemy's life can initially seem senseless and out of the blue. But by witnessing Abby's low point and by recalling the impact that Joel had on her, Ellie seems more human and realizes that what she's become is far from who she intended to be. When considering this emotional turn of events from this perspective, it becomes much easier to understand why Ellie didn't kill Abby in The Last Of Us Part 2's ending.