The Cost: Cause and Effect in The Last of Us Part II

[@WolfofThorns]

The song playing in most of this video is "May She Guide Us" by the amazingly talented Created Nor Destroyed. Please show him some love by following him on Twitter: twitter.com/createdestroyed and checking him out on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3VBbDAmIcbkmBi5TFza7qZ If you are really digging my content, please consider checking me out on Twitch where I stream most days: www.twitch.tv/wolf_of_thorns You can also join my Discord here: discord.gg/GWZKGBQyRY​ Once again, thank you all for being a part of my channel and this evolving experience! 🤠❤🤠

[@skov1949]

Great video as always Wolf!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, SkoV!

[@jstephenj]

@@WolfofThorns Do you think Abby will be featured in part 3? If TLOU3 is meant as the closer to a trilogy, I have to assume that all attention is going to be placed on Ellie. Or do you see ND using the same 50/50 formula as TLOU2? Also.... Which trope do you see TLOU3 using? Pairing Ellie with an estranged biological parent similar to Harrison Ford / Sean Connery, or having Ellie stepping into Joel's role as protector of a child character?

[@WolfofThorns]

@@jstephenj Hey, Stephen, I go into my thoughts on Part 3 in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKimZYWviMhgo6s

[@DanFarrell98]

I agree with what you say about Tommy. He used to be the hopeful brother compared to Joel. He left to join the fireflies and left Joel because he couldn’t deal with Joel’s destructive mentality based on this grief. He was willing to take Ellie to the Fireflies after only just meeting her. And he set up a peaceful and ‘good’ community in Jackson. However, the loss of Joel destroyed him and has changed him forever, physically and mentally.

[@Hazzzyyyyyy]

Man I love the Last of us part 2. I’m so glad many people can honestly see what a master piece it is. Even if it is depressing, stress inducing, and it gives you a terrible since of sadness, and dread... I believe that’s what makes it a masterpiece

[@WolfofThorns]

One hundred percent, Hallow Tempest. The greatest art is that which challenges us to look within, rest assured!

[@BRKCHNFLD]

This is awesome! A new Wolf video! You know it’s a great day when Dan releases a new analysis of TLOU2!!!

[@WolfofThorns]

Awwww, you're too kind, B0rkman! Thank you!

[@Ytnzy250]

Urah!

[@l.b.r2134]

“Babe wake up, Wolf of Thorns uploaded a new video”

[@WolfofThorns]

Awwww.... that's so sweet!

[@ChicoBravado]

Everyone of your videos gets me excited for the future of this franchise.Naughty dog Isn't afraid throw curve balls when telling stories. Revenge stories are told all the time and are instantly forgotten. This story has haunted my brain since day 1 and i need more.

[@WolfofThorns]

We can be excited together, Chico. Can't wait to see what is in store for us.

[@ryanli8371]

I agree with your point on revenge stories. Too often we see what I call "glorified revenge stories" in movies, games, and tv shows. They're glorified because they always portray the revenge journey as something justifiable, heroic, and glamorous. In terms of justifiable, its when the villains/antagonists are actually genuinely evil and the kind we agree they "deserved to die". Gladiator (with Russel Crowe), Kill Bill series, Django Unchained, John Wick, Death Wish, Rambo: Last Blood, Without Remorse, and upcoming Wrath of Man are examples of glorified revenge stories. Lets be honest, Tarantino loved to glorify his revenge stories so that is not new. And we all loved John Wick because it also glorified the violence and most importantly, the man who killed his dog got what he deserved. For games like God of War (exclude 2018), GTA 4, Dishonored, Watch Dogs, Prototype 2, Mafia 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, (and probably others I forgot) also have glorified revenge stories. The one thing these stories have all in common is that these villains are truly evil and they all share the "they deserve to die" mentality. Some of those examples are genuinely good revenge stories like Kill Bill and John Wick, make no mistake. The real reason more people are attracted to "glorified revenge stories" is not because they are good (it is a matter of tastes), but because they are EMOTIONALLY APPEALING and CATHARTIC. By now, I think we know that TLOU 2 doesn't go the traditional glorified revenge story formula. Instead, it exposes the darker and murkier aspects of revenge journeys, especially with the severity that is presented in TLOU 2. Real life revenge (the ones that involve killing the person who took away your loved ones) is NOT glamorous, it is not a journey of a hero or glory. Most likely it is a path of damnation. You most likely won't come out of this journey alive or if you do, you won't be the same person. And there is always a chance of repercussions, that you don't walk away scot free. You see how the journey slowly took a toll on both Ellie and Abby, even though their reasons for revenge differs. Most examples of revenge stories I provided above don't really delve into the realistic and darker side of revenge journeys. I was annoyed and angry with people angry about the whole "revenge bad" message and took it for face value. Its equivalent as saying "drugs bad" or "alcohol bad". Instead, what if we reword the phrase to "What happens if you do this..." instead of outright saying "bad". What happens if you choose a path of revenge to avenge a love one? TLOU 2 showed this in Ellie and Abby's journey. I don't think I need to provide these details. So you might think "Okay, its bad! I get it!" What if instead, it asks "Now that you have seen what that the path of revenge looks like, are you still willing to embark on this journey?" To be truthful, I can't say. If you're reading this, I hope you and I never find ourselves in Ellie or Abby's shoes. But make no mistake, the desire for revenge, especially ones that involves avenging loved ones is a very human feeling because its in our nature to do what we call "an eye for an eye".

[@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667]

@@ryanli8371 Your comment is by far the best one I've read regarding the theme of The Last Of Us 2. It always annoys me to see people point to revenge plots in games and movies Red dead Redemption 2 and John Wick as a way to highlight what the game got wrong, when in reality, they simply just don't understand that revenge isn't as emotionally relieving as they think. Not all revenge stories need to have the same cathartic conclusion where the villain get his comeuppance and the hero ends his quest on a high note. There is a darker, morally gray side to vengeance, one that surprisingly isn't explored often in storytelling, and the fact that gamers aren't able to see that is really disappointing.

[@ryanli8371]

@@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667 Exactly! This is one side of TLOU 2 aspect I focused heavily on BECAUSE of how a lot of people looked at it this way based on the comments I've read. The issue that I'm trying to get at is that a lot of people got too used to these kinds of romanticized revenge stories I mentioned in my comment. Make no mistake, there is nothing wrong with watching these kinds of revenge stories. But the thing is that its kind of teaching a lot of audience/gamers that revenge must always succeed in a triumphant manner and the villain must get "what they deserve" ending, which is why it's so difficult for so many people to accept Ellie sparing Abby. The problem is that it doesn't always apply to real life. One who enact a revenge journey of this calibre do not come out the same. TLOU 2 just exposed those dark aspects of life. But the desire of getting revenge is also realistic, one thing that all revenge stories got correctly, but unfortunately that is the extent of that in their storytelling. If you played Mafia 3 (one example I mentioned), there is scene that Lincoln says before he starts his revenge "You taught us kids to turn the other cheek, not fight back. Problem is, that don't work. Not in real the world." While this quote may apply more to conflicts in general, it certainly applies to revenge as well. We as humans have that innate nature to get back at people who wronged us, especially when they took our loved ones away. But like I said, this is the extent to most revenge stories and then it makes them glorified and the villains get what they deserve. But ironically, some of the glorified revenge stories that you and I mentioned kind of also explore the darker side of revenge, the consequences. Red Dead Redemption 2 ends with John killing Micah to avenge Arthur. We all loved that, but it eventually put John on the radar for the Edger Ross and it eventually led to John's death in Red Dead Redemption 1. John Wick killed the man who killed his doge, we all loved that. But it cost John's mentor's life and it puts John back into the life that he wanted to leave behind. John Wick was left in constant scenerios of revenge, up till the end of John Wick 3. Even Santino in John Wick 2 points out that John let vengeance consume him and that "its all he have".

[@T3AMKILL]

Hi Wolf, Great video as always. And yet again a long comment by me. I just wanted to give my opinion on why Ellie left the farm and some other things like the items in the room. The trip to Santa Barbara was a last attempt to fix her trauma. She would’ve otherwise killed herself on that farm. She went to SB to confront her trauma, and overcome it or die. If she stayed, it was wait and die. But she decided to go and fight for a chance of life. For a chance to be able to live a life. She felt guilty of Joel’s death. In her panic attack he yells out Ellie’s name. Keep in mind Ellie already had severe survivor’s guilt before all this. Now Joel died saving her. This adds to her survivor’s guilt x100. Her mental state was so bad that she had to leave in the middle of the night like some sort of addict. Also, Halley Gross said: "To my mind, when she’s leaving the farm it almost isn’t about Abby at that point so much as it’s about “I literally cannot survive if I don’t try and handle what’s going on because this PTSD is just getting worse, I’m losing control, I feel like I’m at risk to my family, and I have to hope that there’s an answer on the other side because I don’t know how to live with this. If I stay here it’s suicide.” It’s more a conversation about mental health and surviving than it is justice for Abby or even seeking Joel. It’s just like “I don’t know how to be a person anymore.” Her trip to SB was overcoming her trauma. And she was able to overcome it without having to kill Abby. We see throughout the game that what Ellie is doing in Seattle is hurting her because it isn’t her. She had so much pain and guilt pent up she had to go to rock bottom to let it all out and that’s where she got her catharsis. The trip shows how much and the lengths she is willing to go for her life. At the end it cost her 2 fingers and her family (we assume), but she finally became free and let go of the past and regained her autonomy. About Abby: I agree. She mirror Joel in so many ways. We see how ruthless Abby becomes after losing her father and hellbent on killing the monster who killed him. We then see Abby become the very same monster she sought to kill. “If you gaze long enough into the abyss...” These parallels and intertwined stories is what made Part 2 so interesting. Also the clever idea of having Abby pick up coins. I think the reason Ellie hunted Abby wasn’t for “revenge” in the usual sense, but because she waited 1 day too long to forgive Joel and that chance was taken away forever. She can never make things right with him. To me, Ellie’s journey wasn’t for “revenge” of Joel’s killer. It was anger, guilt and trauma that this person took away the chance for her to make things right with him that put her into a rage, on top of the trauma of witnessing the brutality of Joel’s death. Abby on the other hand I would say was a normal revenge journey as we know it and it is Abby’s arc that shows us that revenge does nothing. It won’t fix anything, and we see her find her redemption by doing something good, by helping to children in a selfless act even if it might have been for selfish reasons. Abby too then finds her new purpose in life and motivation to live after her revenge journey cost her everything. We also see Ellie overcome her trauma. We experience her worsening PTSD, we experience her hit rock bottom, and we experience her overcome it all. To me, she finds her life as a purpose and goes through hell for it. Not someone else giving her reason to live, but herself giving her reason to live. It is a complete flip of what she was like initially. Thinking her life’s purpose was to die, but through Joel and her realization I think her life’s purpose is now to live. This is also why I think a vaccine story is out. In the room, almost all the items are Joel’s and/or from Ellie’s past, like Sams robot and No Pun Intended and they are NOT Ellie’s possessions. I think that was Ellie saying goodbye to her past and her survivor’s guilt, and not coming home to an empty house.

[@T3AMKILL]

@Voytron ❤️

[@Alohomorovich]

This.

[@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667]

Absolutely beautiful comment. You constructed Ellie and Abby's characters perfectly, in my opinion.

[@T3AMKILL]

@@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667 Thank you! I just feel like Ellie is very misunderstood with Part 2. She has a downward arc which is something uncommon, as most people are used to a normal positive arc as we see with Abby. This makes her decisions due to her trauma very misunderstood. We see throughout the game that no matter how much Ellie tries, she isn’t Joel/Abby. The fact that she spared Abby even though having every reason to kill her says so much about her character. She didn’t forgive Abby, but she realized killing her wouldn’t do anything, it wouldn’t fix anything. This is something no other character realized and she did this at her lowest point. Joel’s death was not heroic, but the circumstances absolutely were. He died saving Ellie’s life. His death is what motivated Ellie to move and from her past and survivor’s guilt. He basically convinced a suicidal girl what life is. He saved an innocent girl who only wished to die because of the guilt and burden of the world she had on her shoulders and Joel took this guilt away from her and proved to her that her life’s meaning isn’t her immunity and that she is a person deserving of love. Joel’s death was utterly tragic, but he died so Ellie could live. If he knew that him saving Ellie would mean his torture and death he would’ve still done it. Joel got his happiness is seeing Ellie alive. In seeing her grow up. Have a crush. Fall in love. Even if he couldn’t be in it, it didn’t matter. Thankfully he died knowing Ellie loves him and wants to forgive him. Going back to the beach, killing Abby would have denied this love. That seed of love Joel left her in Jackson, that at the end cost him his life, but saved an innocent girl. Proof of Joel’s love. The ultimate sacrifice that broke Ellie’s survivor’s guilt. Killing Abby would have denied this. He sacrificed humanity since he believed they had no cure for their inhumanity. Joel found the missing humanity in Ellie, and she proved him right in the end. Ellie was undoubtedly the protagonist of this game, and to end with something Neil said about her: She was doing the wrong thing but her intentions were good - and he said a great quote from McKee about Ellie in that “The more pressure apply to a character, the harder the choice they have to make the more they reveal their true character.” Ellie was at absolute ROCK BOTTOM on that beach, and Ellie’s actions and choice at the end show who Ellie truly is. EDIT: and just to add my thoughts on a Part 3. To me, both Part 1 and Part 2 were games about love. Joel’s love to Ellie in Part 1, and Ellie’s love to Joel in Part 2. Part 3 should be Ellie’s love to herself, her life, with the people she cares for. People say redemption, but Ellie doesn’t need redemption, unlike Joel and Abby who did. It should be on recovery. Ellie’s journey of recovery. Her life, her relationship, everything. A journey of healing and overcoming disability (her loss of fingers).

[@marcileatherboots1]

Dude, as always, I *LOVE* your Last Of Us content. One thing I think too many of the "haters" forget, or don't realize at all, is that the storytelling in TLOU 1 & 2 is, as you said, a masterclass. How Naughty Dog draws parallels, similarities, contrasts, and opposition to characters is nothing short of phenomenal. Keep up the 💯🔥 work.

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you so much, Marci!

[@marcileatherboots1]

@@jdzspace33 ... You could just said: I hate Part 2 cuz they killed Joel. Would have been a lot easier to type. And you don't like Part 2, it didn't work for you? That's fine. But for you to say the story was bad, the writing was bad, it was unearned, forced, etc... Literally tells me you have no idea how story and character arc progressions work. I could literally type a dissertation citing specific examples from the story, dialogue, and subtext on why you're wrong, but you'd never listen because tHeY kIlLeD jOeL. Again, you're free to not like the game. But your criticism is pretty hollow because it is abundantly clear you missed 90% of the game.

[@marcileatherboots1]

@@jdzspace33 ... Listen up... 1. Your criticism that the characters aren't "human" is flat out absurd. The characters in Part 2 are some of the most authentically written human characters ever because they make terrible decisions; they let their hate, anger, and rage over the loss and trauma they've experienced override their brains. 2. In Ellie's story, you're forgetting that this is HER narrative, not yours. She's 19 and her 3 days in Seattle is her putting the events of the story together. Because Ellie is so young, she flip flops on killing Abby. Finally, at the end she realizes that Joel never would have wanted Ellie to "avenge" him. In Part 1, Joel resists giving Ellie a gun until they reach Pittsburgh and then it is for "emergency use" only. It takes Ellie to the end of Part 2 to realize that what Joel wanted for her was to be happy, safe, and surrounded by a community of people who loved and cared for her. Joel never wanted Ellie to become the ruthless, shitty person he was. 3. Abby's story is her dealing with the emotional fallout of her actions in Jackson. Go back and watch the cut scene just after Abby delivers the final blow to Joel. Watch her body language and facial expressions. With out any dialogue, you see the regret in Abby as she realizes she made a horrible decision and mistake because on the other side, she finds no catharsis or relief. She is still dealing with the trauma, ptsd, and she's still having nightmares. Her change comes when an enemy shows her compassion and cuts her down. From there, she realizes that being a part of the WLF has made her stop looking for the light. Her compassion is rekindled when she puts herself through hell to obtain that surgical kit so Mel can operate on Yara's arm and save her. After that, Abby goes to sleep and finally has a great night sleep where she dreams about her dad who is alive and smiling at her. This is the turn back to the light she needed and she realizes that she's carrying a massive amount of guilt for what she's done and realizes that protecting Lev and Yara, although done for selfish reasons (to lighten her guilt load) is ultimately the right thing to do. 4. Throughout the game, Dina somewhat functions as Ellie's conscience and Owen has the same role in Abby's life. Both Dina and Owen at multiple points in the game ask Abby and Ellie some variation of: Is this what you should do? Because Ellie and Abby are so similar in their mentality, they are not going to let anything interfere with their twisted idea of "justice." And I haven't even mentioned the function of subtext and how that influences character actions and motivations. After Tommy and Jesse get Ellie from the aquarium, and they're back at the theater, Tommy asks Ellie, "...is that okay?" Ellie shakes her her no but says, "...it has to be..." meaning the subtext of that scene is telling you, without directly saying it, that after they return to Jackson, Ellie will seek out Abby again because she cannot yet let it go. Abby's interaction with Lev where he tells Abby she'd benefit from reading his Prophet's writings, the subtext there foreshadows Abby's turning back towards the light and finding something good and positive to fight for. I could go on and on but what I have typed above is just a small percentage of reasons why I believe you may have played the game, but 90% of it went over your head.

[@marcileatherboots1]

@@jdzspace33 ... I'm going to pick out one specific thing because I don't have time to address the multitude of utterly flawed "analysis" you've put forth: Your criticism of Dina and Ellie's relationship proves you missed damn near EVERYTHING. 1. Naughty Dog does NOT spoon feed us on Ellie and Dina's relationship. 2. If you were able to piece the narrative together (which you clearly didn't) you would realize that Ellie and Dina spent 4 years flirting with each other. Ellie was initially terrified because she didn't know if she would infect anyone as evidenced by her journal entry where she talks about her at the time girlfriend Kat. 3. Dina, at multiple points, asks Ellie is this the right thing? For example, leaving the TV station, Dina tells Ellie "[Leah] She didn't hold the club it would have been pretty fucked up to make her talk." Translation: What are you doing? You're hurting a lot of people who were only marginally connected to what Abby did. I will close by saying I have read all your posts and while you're entitled to your opinion, none of what you say is supported by dialogue, scene, or subtext; or what you said is so wildly off-base and misconstrued.

[@Thatdeal79]

I’ve decided the main antagonist of the 2 games is a combination of Abby’s father & Marlene. Together they decided not to give Ellie or Joel the option to choose if Ellie lives or dies. Then after they made the decision Marlene in a manic episode decided to get hostile with Joel for asking to see Ellie. Some people say Joel is the villain but I disagree. To make a choice to kill a 14 year old girl & not give her or her father figure any choices about it they automatically escalated the situation. Created super hostile conditions.

[@paratraxx]

Still one of the best stories AND gameplay in gaming!

[@duncanb.a.s2886]

Mate, you should know, every single time a new video of yours come out, it makes me truly happy. This is the game I love the most and I love hearing your insights about it.

[@WolfofThorns]

I am so glad to hear that, Duncan!

[@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667]

Whenever players criticize this game's message as just "revenge is bad", I believe that mentality perfectly highlights that we've become too spoiled with how we often view revenge stories in movies and video games. Not every villain in these stories needs to be some irredeemable psychopath who deserves a comeuppance, and the goal of revenge in and of itself is not as morally righteous as people think. The Last of Us Part 2 is basically what the saying "actions have consequences" would look like if it was a video game, and Naughty Dog made sure to exemplify that at every turn possible. A quest for revenge isn't clean and spotless, and the emotion on its own isn't healthy for you long-term. Such a goal will ultimately cost you dearly in ways you never thought possible. We see this in both Ellie and Abby, as their vengeful journeys cost them their friends and relationships, and it led to a point for both where they realize that revenge wouldn't resolve their issues. Abby learned this lesson from Lev, as he was there to be a reminder that the progress she made in getting closure would all be destroyed if she went back to seeking revenge. She realized that if getting revenge didn't help her the first time, what difference would it make if she did it again? This was a risk that Lev didn't want her to take, which is what led to her sparing Ellie and Dina, in my personal opinion. Whereas for Ellie, she learned this lesson from what Joel meant to her, that the life he wanted to give her is something she didn't want to tarnish and throw away over a selfish desire. This, I believe, is what led her to spare Abby, which honestly perfectly mirrors Abby sparing her months before. What she did was basically this... if my own sworn enemy was willing to let me live despite what I did to her, then there's no reason for me not to do the same. Like it or not, we do need movies, TV shows, and games to do this kind of risky storytelling every now and then. If all we ever get is a constant wave of cathartic feel-good revenge stories, it will leave us with false, misleading notions of how humans work. Sure, when they're in the moment, it feels good to give the villain what you believe they deserve, but in the long run, what you're left with is emptiness and depression.

[@ryanli8371]

I remember you responding to my post somewhere in this video as well. I'm glad there is someone who recognize the problem of modern media's revenge story portrayals. Just like you said, a lot of people are now too used to these "cathartic feel-good revenge stories" and can create dangerous and misleading notions of how humans work that can be applied even in real life. I wished I found your post much sooner. Very good comment on your part!

[@thebatmanofneo-gotham5667]

@@ryanli8371 Oh yeah, I remember responding to your post. You worded your argument so perfectly, and in fact, it was the very comment that inspired me to post this one to begin with, so I actually have you to thank.

[@lm4585]

Great analysis of how the characters caused their own suffering, which also lead to the suffering of others. You understand the symbolism of this game perfectly. Most people miss these points.

[@WolfofThorns]

I'm not sure that I agree that most folks miss the game's details, but I am glad that you are enjoying the content, L M.

[@akeditz1687]

My friend Ellie is already redeemed person by the end Her action saved many prisoners (who would likely die if she was not there) + not to mention Abby and Lev got saved her by too So in my opinion she is redeemed anyways At last in my opinion she lost Dina but Dina likely did understand now why Ellie left Farmhouse? as now time passes So she will take her anyways

[@remeers7417]

Outstanding video as always Wolf, thank you again!!

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Remee!

[@CrazyAsian_303]

And yet another amazing video! You always explain the things I try to explain but cant.

[@WolfofThorns]

Aw, you're too sweet, Crazy. Thank you

[@evangriffin7749]

4:26 idk how many people know this but at each of these moments, the music song that is played is called an eye for an eye. This is such a brilliant example of attention to detail.

[@remeers7417]

Perfect timing to upload this, I’m on my lunch break! Lmao

[@WolfofThorns]

You know I planned it that way, Remee!

[@unbrokengaming5954]

These are some of my favorite videos on yt, always hit those notifications as fast as I see them

[@WolfofThorns]

That means the world to me to hear, UnBroken!

[@nickb6425]

I recently came across your channel and as a big fan of TLOU2 I'm so glad I did; it's one of the best feelings to see appreciation for this game in the form of multiple analyses :) idk if this would make for a full video but a symbol I've noticed is the boats. There's a boat on a shore in both title screens and to me it symbolizes choosing to walk away from needless conflict. When Ellie rides a boat she finds she's headed towards danger. Not only that but her boat malfunctions a couple times. When Abby rides a boat it's to find and help Lev with Yara. Abby and Lev also use a boat to escape the chaotic warzone between the Wolves and Scars, who are too busy with hate and bloodlust for each other to even see the two from each faction escape. In the end when Ellie cuts down Abby, Abby even offers Ellie a way out of the cycle in the form of the boats. Unfortunately, Ellie is too distraught by her revenge and her PTSD to take the safe way out. After their fight, Abby and Lev once again ride the boat in order to escape conflict in which had they stayed they most likely would've gotten killed.

[@NapalmNovocaine]

This video reminds me so much of a conversation we were having on Em's stream last night about personal accountability vs. victim-blaming. Many of us there are (or are studying to be) therapists/counselors and so many clients tend me feel like we're "blaming the victim" if we challenge them to consider what might be within their power to alter the unpleasant circumstances that they're facing. Yes, some events are beyond our control and even our emotional reactions are often beyond our control. But our own behavior is *always* within our control (save rare cases of extreme mental illness). The way we choose to look at things, to frame them, to reframe them... that's within our control. And how empowering is that!?!?! But the inability or reluctance to change a potentially maladaptive behavior, the unwillingness to examine another perspective, and the addictive nature of extreme rage are all part of the human condition. So I can't judge real people (or fictional characters) too harshly when they get "stuck." Ah, one of the many things that makes TLOU2 so brilliant! Thanks for another fantastic, insightful, and extremely well-executed video! And HAIL QUEEN FIREFLY! She's my new lucky charm!

[@WolfofThorns]

ALL HAIL QUEEN FIREFLY indeed! I am still mindblown by that mid-game blind flip. And wonderfully articulated thoughts as usual. I always love hearing your perspective and hope you bring that to your streams!

[@NapalmNovocaine]

@@WolfofThorns I'm certainly planning to do my best to make that happen! And thank you as always for appreciating my perspective!

[@Its.Just.Michaela]

New subscriber here and all I have to say is wow....why am I just now finding this channel?! Amazing content! Keep up the good work Wolf!

[@WolfofThorns]

Wow, thank you! So glad to have you here, Michaela!

[@gugax5842]

Frickin fantastic work as always, Wolf

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Gustavo!

[@malachigrimsley]

No matter what i have going on in life, these videos always make my day. Thanks Wolf

[@WolfofThorns]

My pleasure, Malachi. Thank you for sharing the love!

[@NerdyGamerReacts]

Mannnnnnn, u really broke it down, love the analysis of this game, one of my favorites! 🙌😃

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jquan!

[@matthew7388]

Wolf, I’ve only played through TLOU2 once last summer but it’s been in my head ever since, I just heard about the 60fps patch and I’m so excited to try it again! I hope you get the chance to play as well, if you do, I’ll catch you on the stream!

[@WolfofThorns]

I hope so too, Matthew. Need to get my hands on a PS5

[@matthew7388]

@@WolfofThorns I know it’s really hard to get one, I got very lucky! I hope you can get one soon as well!

[@urbiznesnunuv6938]

I always subconsciously never saw the bracelet as hope they were back together, maybe Ellie headed back and told Dina what she did, but just like a partner who continually ditches meeting up because they can’t accept themselves, Dina wasn’t going to be burned again and gave that to Ellie to symbolize what she lost

[@pr3ppr396]

Great video, love to see you uploading, quality editing!

[@WolfofThorns]

Much appreciated, Preppr!

[@allin1visionprod.142]

I really love your videos man! It’s something about the lore and how you dive right into it

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you like them, All in 1! Means a lot to me

[@kamelea_roze4069]

first video I ever watch of yours and I'm already in love with your narration style and analysis. looking forward to watch all other vids 💚

[@WolfofThorns]

Welcome, Kamelea, and thank you so much for the kind words. Hope you continue to enjoy the content here

[@ramsesthepharaoh]

You pick the best song from TLOU soundtrack to end your videos on! Amazing video and analysis as always Sir Wolf, may she guide us. 🙏

[@WolfofThorns]

Left Behind is an amazing song, no doubts there. Glad you enjoyed the video, Ramses.

[@nbkx1963]

LOVED the video! didn’t notice how abby worse owen’s backpack or the firefly dog tag either! keep up the good work man! 🔥🔥

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Jacky! Will do!

[@markcano1891]

Awesome video as always! Your hard work really shows, my dude!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you so much, Rocko!

[@DoomsdayDave3D]

Your videos are always incredible! Notification bell on!

[@WolfofThorns]

That means a lot to me, especially coming from you, Dave!

[@ThatFont]

This is an excellent coverage of the characters. Very chilling to put things into perspective, I wish others had the ability to see the depth of the writing instead of wining they weren’t glorified like marvel characters.

[@AC-nl7qr]

Another classic from my favorite last of us KZbinr good job wolf

[@WolfofThorns]

Aw, thank you A C, that means a lot to me!

[@sergiopaulino859]

Man I love you're comments absolutely great , big fan of the last of us . thank you !

[@WolfofThorns]

My pleasure, Sergio! Glad you're enjoying the content

[@claire5161]

another BANGER of a video! yesssss

[@WolfofThorns]

Aw, you so sweet!

[@ragnarlothbrok3231]

Your LOU prequel video was soo good Could you maybe do something similar?

[@Jozombies115]

Great commentary! Can't believe im just now finding your channel.

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Jozombies! So glad you found us--hope you enjoy your stay!

[@tracybrady453]

Before Ellie enters the old farmhouse the game shows us two things about her: 1) She has lost two fingers, and 2) She is wearing Dina's bracelet again. Bizarre how many people doing reviews for and essays about TLOU2 have missed, or misinterpreted, or wholly ignored that detail. The camera literally pans all the way out to show us both of Ellie's arms, for us to see the contrast between her maimed hand and her hand wearing her "wedding" bracelet. The writers make a point of showing us that Ellie's guitar playing skills are diminished, and that she has reconciled with Dina. In short, being alone is not part of Ellie's punishment. She is back with Dina.

[@ezio123sh]

Worth the wait!

[@WolfofThorns]

So glad you think so, Shayan!

[@maartenstoffelen2517]

Good job man

[@siboraremy9135]

I am so ready for this!

[@TheBiakko]

I think what TLOU creators wanted us to realize is that in a post-apocalyptic world, our choices would be more primal and less thought (I.e. fucking up mankind’s future for saving one person only, risk your life and your friends’ just for a shot at avenging someone etc...)

[@thegamermansion27]

It's been a while, nice to get a new video.

[@ajex4real327]

great one

[@Vixen703]

Do you think you would ever talk about American McGee’s Alice? It’s such an amazing story and game

[@Firegirl427]

Great video as always Wolf! 👏🏻 😊 Hope to see soon another collab /talk with mr Strategist ! 🙏🏻😁✌🏻

[@WolfofThorns]

Thanks, Firey! It's always great working with Strats! 🔥

[@primateboogaloo]

High-key informative, low-key ASMR...

[@WolfofThorns]

😂

[@driftera2z745]

Another excellent last of us video, Dan!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Drifter!

[@happyadz8352]

Some of my favourite content, hearing such intelligent and well made analysis on my favourite games. Well done again Wolf, very excited for potential Life is Strange content!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Happy! So glad you're enjoying the content, and YES, Life is Strange video coming soooooon!

[@arkindomino]

I love all of this insight.

[@TheMarine316]

Another last of us analysis video... click, another great video 👍🏻

[@WolfofThorns]

Thanks again, Marine 03:16!

[@lambdaweaponscache5394]

Anyone else see the parallels between the statue of the moose being taken down by wolves seen by Ellie in the museum and... perhaps Joel, brought down by wolves?

[@WolfofThorns]

A very good observation, Craig. We go into that very parallel in my Wolf Symbolism video that I published last year and mention in this video.

[@Kiddo_williams]

Yay new video

[@wickdaline8668]

Neill Druckmann. The author of their pain.

[@NovaXGamingtm]

I wonder what joel would have told Ellie If he could, because “spoiler below” When Joel died he was ready. He said “read whatever speech you have written up and get this over with” he knew he was a monster willing to do anything to protect those he loves but he also knew that no one is innocent after the apocalypse as such^^

[@wrench9782]

Amazing

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Wrench! Cheers!

[@starace4031]

Such a great and poignant analysis. 🌟

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you for saying so, Eilidh!

[@starace4031]

@@WolfofThorns Aw no worries, wishing you the very best! I always look forward to your videos. 😊 Thanks for taking the time to respond to me and also thank you for all the time and effort that goes into making your content. It's really enjoyable to watch.

[@LexLutha]

I am so eager for a third game. I just hope it doesn’t take 7 years 🥲

[@WolfofThorns]

Same here, Lex, but it takes the time it takes, unfortunately. Either way, I'm sure we're in for a treat.

[@LexLutha]

@@WolfofThorns your absolutely right. My obsession with the world of TLOU overcomes all reason lol

[@happyguy2k]

Will there be a 3rd game? I doubt it

[@jenniferpatterson2404]

Even Jerry’s single minded quest for the cure ended up with his daughter growing up without a parent and to there (seemingly) never being a cure to the disease. Joel AND Jerry never gave Ellie a choice. A choice that I think Ellie would have gladly made to save humanity and end up being a bittersweet happy ending. But wouldn’t that have been a twist if killing Ellie didn’t yield any good results?

[@WolfofThorns]

Indeed, though, from my view, Jennifer, the problem, from a storytelling perspective, if that if the Fireflies had given Ellie a choice, a choice we know she would have accepted, then there would have been no tension in the conclusion of the game. The masterpiece and the more satisfying and challenging play-out in the first game's conclusion really works on Joel (and our) selfishness in not being able to let go of our adoptive daughter. That really doesn't work if she says "Yes" then we really, really take her out of there against her will and slaughter everyone--then we and Joel just become a complete monster. Part I as it happened and played out, meaning without the Fireflies "asking her" just makes a better story, you know? So, Part II has to flow out of that encapsulated narrative without too much criticism to the events that came before because, it's more or less perfect storytelling. At least, from my humble point of view.

[@finn8261]

Will you be playing TLOU2 again on Twitch with the new 60fps patch?

[@Daltonator87]

I LOVE this

[@WolfofThorns]

And THIS loves you, Daltonator

[@YouMe-ru6wi]

Wonderful video love it you rock good sir. Naughty Dog just released a new PS5 enhanced performance patch for TLOU2 giving the game 60 FPS. And I've been playing it again on my PS5 and the game is now even more amazing and impressive just splendid.

[@WolfofThorns]

I can't wait to check it out like that once I get my hands on a PS5

[@deadboy13]

This right here. This that good shit.

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you for saying so, Dead Boy!

[@rogercasulleras3224]

You release masterpiece after masterpiece of videos everytime! Love this one too :D (fyi, I'm the same Roger from other comment sections, I just changed my profile picture to bill xD)

[@WolfofThorns]

Very sweet of you to say, Roger, and no worries, I know who you are because of your name, let alone the Bill avatar

[@Ytnzy250]

Any chance you can talk about the Dead Space series?

[@CollinTheGreat00]

As a videogame developer, if your long term goals are to be the best in your field and push your talents to the max then why hold yourself back. A wise man once said "You are your own worst enemy". Sure Naughty Dog is one of the best studios out there BUT why develope a game for last Gem console when the PS5 is going to be release months later. "Just because your at the top doesnt mean you should stop" 🤔 lol hey that rhymed. My point is I love The Last of Us 2 but a pointless Fps patch over 8 months later is not going to make me beat the again for the third time. Why not go the whole mile and make a PS5 version ???????? I would definitely go back and beat the game then. Read my comment twice if you don't understand me.

[@tracybrady453]

You are being indulgent to ignore the storytellers' choice to SHOW us the bracelet. The balance of cost is that Abby loses Owen because she is paying for killing Joel. Ellie keeps Dina because she being repaid for not killing Abby.

[@AesirUnlimited]

Billionaires are immune to cost. Lol

[@mikeboyke6790]

I couldn't be happier with the Last of Us series but I would really like the story to end with Ellie walking off. I think it's to good of an ending to continue. But that being said, I still would be stoked if the make a sequel.

[@WolfofThorns]

That's an interesting perspective, Mike. Though, narratively, and regarding her arc, there is a lot that is left unresolved about seeing how she will choose to live in the wake of these trials and these events. A third part allows Ellie (and us, the players, the experiencers of her story) to see how she moves forward and finds meaning in a new path as a payout and release of all the damage, tension, and energy of this dark middle story, as it is most clearly not her final tale.

[@smileyask]

Let me say this I dont hae the fact that joel was killed, its that he was killed like an NPC. Like he had no value to the game, just slaughtered bro

[@bloodyjosueky2184]

Cool no dislikes 😁

[@xavierroque674]

Oh yeaahhhh

[@katlyndobransky2419]

Gameplay was honestly fantastic. I do miss Ellie’s old model, she looks a little off sometimes in its sequel. And even though I found the story to be lacking, there are still so many awesome details in the sequel. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece but it wasn’t a total flop. I’m still sticking around for part 3 (but I swear if they make it about Abby I’m suing)

[@caiovargascomarella2996]

Tlou2 is a masterpiece.

[@caiovargascomarella2996]

Abby>>joel 🥰

[@katlyndobransky2419]

@@caiovargascomarella2996 ok well that’s your opinion lol

[@Kaytrose9]

Hi