The Last of Us: David and Ellie - Therapist reaction 1x8 “When We Are In Need"

Therapist Dr. Courtney reacts to HBO Max's The Last of Us S1 Ep 8. "When we are in need" Ellie crosses paths with a vengeful group of survivors - and draws the attention of its leader. A weakened Joel faces a new threat.
RESOURCES:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: [phone]
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network:
www.rainn.org/
Department of Defense (DOD) Safe Helpline for Sexual Assault
Hotline: [phone] - 5247
(safehelpline.org/)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
#thelastofus #reaction #therapy
00:00 - 00:44 - Intro
00:44 - 04:28 - Faith and doubt
04:28 - 06:12 - Ellie's control
06:12 - 07:28 - Hunting on her own
07:28 - 09:54 - Ellie's Joel impression
09:54 - 11:50 - David revealed
11:50 - 14:07 - Finding God after the apocalypse
14:07 - 14:41 - Caring for Joel
14:41 -19:10 - David's narcissistic traits and abuse
19:10 - 22:17 - David's will
22:17 - 23:43 - Humans hurting humans
23:43 - 25:11 - Glimpse into Joels past self
25:11 - 27:44 - Projection and manipulation
27:44 - 31:12 - Signs of Grooming
31:12 - 32:51 - Through the fire
32:51 - 36:10 - Final thoughts
36:10 - 36:23 - Surprise!
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr. Courtney Tracy, known as The Truth Doctor, discusses the world through a mental health lens using pop culture and the media as her medium.
The goal of this show is to provide psychological perspectives on topics, themes, characters, and, at times, real people as they are presented in mass media. The outcomes we hope for are increased understanding and compassion for the human condition and increased awareness of how the mind and body work.
Dr. Courtney is a licensed clinical social worker and a doctor of clinical psychology. She holds a LCSW license in the state of California and has specialized in substance use and co-occurring disorders throughout her career.
PLEASE NOTE: This show is not therapy, clinical advice, or medical advice. This show is intended to deliver psychoeducation and share personal experiences.
PLEASE READ: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room; for international crisis lines, please visit www.opencounseling.com/suicid...
Want to learn more about the host? Check out our website: thetruthdoctor.com/
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[@the.truth.doctor]

A very very heavy episode. My heart goes out to everyone who felt this one close to home. Please see the description for resources. ❤ If there is something missing from this episode that you'd like me to comment on let me know and I'll try and answer it in the comments or in next week's video. Thank you for being here! 👇

[@Kayjee17]

There's a deeper conversation to be had about addiction and faith in a higher power. I was an addict and had a firm belief in God - but it was a belief born in the mystical, magical aspects of a higher power; such as, narcotics are a gift from God so He wouldn't let me use His gift wrongly. I basked in that sure knowledge that God loved me and would always be there for me, and all the while my life and relationships with real people I loved were breaking down all around me. It wasn't until I opened my eyes to reality and started doubting in God (or at least the God of my parents) that I started gaining the gumption to step away from my addiction to narcotics and start busting my ass to rebuild my relationships with my family. I will always be an addict, and I am understanding better every day that I will always have to stay vigilant about things that feel "too good" to me, so I don't become addicted to something else. I am redefining MY belief in a higher power as I learn how to gain better control of myself - and right now my higher power is my love for my family. All that to say, a fanatical belief in a Higher Power can be an addiction too.

[@belb7083]

You're gonna love season 2 🤭

[@Kayjee17]

Also also: David was a teacher before the world fell... a perfect place for him to use and perfect his manipulations on his victim type. Where after the fall, most children are seriously protected or die - thus the switch to "finding God" as a way to get to and have power over children again.

[@tanelviil9149]

The more i see this show the more the important dialogue parts dont seem as impactful as in the game. The acting feels rushed and not with a lot emotion behind it. In the game David made it much more scarier when he told Ellie that everything happens for a reason . Here it has no impact in my opinion and it was lame. The David in the game was much more scarier and better than this one in the show ______________________ Also the part whenEllie was reading a diary when Joel wanted to left her with Tommy and when Joel said: " you are right, you are not my daughter and i sure as hell are not your dad" etc.... this part was much more emotional and real in the game than in the show. In the show it actually feels kinda lame. _________________________ Are you people seeing this too?? How the game dialogue was much more real and better acted ??? I liked the shows first 2 episodes but then it started to become lamer and lamer .

[@Gabriel_Moline]

Congratulations on your BOOK DEAL! 🎊🎉You absolutely deserve one, and I’m sure it will win awards!🌺☘️💐

[@J_Themborn]

23:52 “It’s okay I believe him.” aw Joel is learning to trust people again ^_^

[@Gabriel_Moline]

Hilarious!😂

[@MelPal0706]

Adorable

[@WhiteWolf1507]

this is the best comment I've ever seen XD

[@user-uy9tw2zb6g]

😂🤣🤣🤣

[@tomsamuel3219]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

[@prohiadam9]

Now we can see why everyone in the qz was terrified of Joel. He was stabbed, barely survived and still hunting down 3 men. You can imagine him like 10 years ago in his "prime" he probably was a terminator

[@technopirate304]

I see younger Joel is more of a John Wick but without the Italian business suits 🤣😂

[@Samu_Raaay]

​@@technopirate304 Cowboy John Wick

[@technopirate304]

@@Samu_Raaay Yep. He is just going to need a…gun

[@iverkjellkken6569]

@@Samu_Raaay Zombie hunter John Wick

[@alesksander]

@@technopirate304 "once he killed infected with f*** ration card"

[@miroh8]

I like that you pointed out how Ellie doesn't know how to love a parent or let a parent love her. I've seen some people argue that Ellie doesn't really see Joel as a father figure, but I think she just doesn't know what it feels like to have a father and is learning how to navigate that relationship because she's never had parents. She loves him in the way that she knows how to, and he is the closest thing to a father she could have.

[@user-dk3pp2hj3v]

This is the most correct comment that I have found on the Internet. Thank you.

[@annelisewhite9607]

Wow this is phenomenally well-put

[@FupaDoncic]

Yet she acts just like a teen, she runs away in the game. Distances herself in her college years later on also.

[@codaboggs8430]

@@FupaDoncic it gets a lot more convoluted than her just “being a teenager” but that’s spoilers

[@thankyoujames7257]

@@FupaDoncic her distancing herself in her “college years” is more than just growing pains. LMAO

[@andrewlevin7586]

Fun fact: Ellie lowering her voice when she first meets David was actually a happy accident. The actress Bella Ramsey said that it was so cold on set that day that her voice physically changed because of it. I mean, she was intentionally lowering her voice too, but the cold weather actually helped contribute to her acting choice.

[@Denashi]

It's funny that many of those things we think are meticulously planned out, are happy accidents... Joel's 'baby girl' wasn't originally in the game's script, it was just Troy Baker's inner Texan showing up and him saying it without even thinking about it... Neil Druckman noticed it and decided it should stay in the game!

[@wtimmins]

@@Denashi oh wow, I assumed that was intentional! Ha.

[@MjkL1337]

also she said that the rifle was so heavy that she couldn't keep it straight sometimes so the crew had to keep remembering her of that and also some on the fly adjustments are seen on the final product which is funny when you notice it lol

[@dipsydoodle2728]

It’s also from being so cold I know from living where it gets freezing in winter after being out in it your jaw and face kind of freezes and it alters the way you speak

[@technopirate304]

Dayuum that’s cold

[@mmmaryj]

Bella is a phenomenal actor! The screams, cry, all of it. Pure raw emotion. I was holding my breath the entire time Ellie was alone with David. He said she has a “violent heart”, yeah… she has to when there’s guys like him out in the already shitty apocalyptic world. Im so glad she did what she did to him. Then the cherry on top, when Joel called Ellie “baby girl”, the same nickname he used for Sarah.

[@user-dk3pp2hj3v]

Anna Torv, who played the role of Tess in one of the series in which she starred, also had the stage nickname "baby girl". This is strange... it turns out Joel had three "baby girls". Why did the creators of the series do this?

[@gailseatonhumbert]

@@user-dk3pp2hj3v it's a Texan phrase of endearment. Very common. The characters Joel and Tommy are Texans.

[@user-dk3pp2hj3v]

@@gailseatonhumbert Why did the creators of the series invite an actress who was also called "baby girl" in another series? Is this some kind of intention?

[@lockenessmotorsports818]

Yeah those screams are something else amazing acting

[@DeRockMedia]

@владимир мазепа dont hurt yourself reaching that hard

[@karennarvaez-pacheco1547]

This episode HURT. As a person who has been raped, it took me to a place I didn’t want to be. At the same time, watching Ellie do what I couldn’t was indescribable. It felt great and at the same time, I felt broken. I still do. In my experience, it was someone I loved and trusted. To this day, it’s hard for me to connect with others. It’s not just fear but mistrust as well. Even if I’ve known them for a while. I question everything. I know it’s due to my trauma/survival tactic and I know what it’s like to carry that with you. It breaks my heart that this is something Ellie will have to carry with her as well. I was looking forward to your take on this episode and you did not disappoint. Thank you. I’m not sure if it’s allowed on KZbin but it would be helpful to hear from you on how to heal from this kind of experience.

[@Cheese.water653]

I'm sorry for your past

[@mina_en_suiza]

Fortunately, I have never gone through your experience. I have only been assaulted and beaten up twice (without permanent damage), but was completely unable to defend myself, even though the imbalance of force was not nearly as big as in the case of Ellie. My helplessness was 90% mentally. With enough determination, I would have probably been able to fight my respective attacker off. I am still a very trusty person, probably because they were strangers, not people, I trusted in the first place. This must be the worst. I hope, you can recover from your experience. Most people are, in fact, good and don't intend to harm others.

[@Kasztan_101]

I'm sorry you've gone through this. Therapy with a certified therapist has the power to heal. It's hard to explain how it works by simply letting you talk about the experience, but it does. Took me two years of therapy to change from "my whole body remembers" to "I remember, but I don't feel it anymore". I hope you get there, too.

[@muzibal66]

I'm sorry, hope you're getting better

[@BubblyRainbows]

I know exactly how you feel. It wasn't someone I knew and trusted when it happened to me, but I was very young. I suffer from PTSD among other mental illnesses, and I actually couldn't even watch the last part of this episode because any depiction of sexual assault or violence against children causes flashbacks that send me right back to that place even after 12 years. Even the part where Creepy McGee was touching Ellie's hand while talking to her very nearly made me flee the room. This is one of my biggest complaints against TV and movies is how many characters like Creepy McGee find their way onto the screen. There are some supposedly great movies and TV shows that I just can't watch because sexual assault is so prominently a part of the story. I just can't deal with that. My dad is a huge movie buff, so I always have to consult him about whether a particular movie is safe to watch, has parts I should skip, or if I should avoid it altogether. Side note, I love that this video was split into chapters. It allowed me to know which parts were safe to watch and what I should avoid. Therapy can definitely help in some cases. It hasn't helped me much, but that's not a fair reflection on the effectiveness of therapy, since it's not just PTSD that my therapist has to help me with. I have Tourette's, and have been diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic in addition to the PTSD, so my case is very complex. I suggest therapy if you can find (and afford) a therapist. In any case, I wish you all the best in your recovery.

[@Obligatedx9]

When Ellie killed David, she lost a large part of her humanity, her innocence. When Joel embraced her and called her babygirl, he regained some of the humanity he lost when he, in his mind, failed Sarah. Joel and Ellie mirror each other so perfectly.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

This was truly the scariest episode of TLOU, because men like David are very real and more common than people like to think. His actor portrays the grooming, predatory community leader so so well. I am fortunate that I have had decades to process my own childhood trauma of CSA and grooming, but even still the similarities in his behaviour to my own abuser (and creepily even his physical appearance) was so so so unnerving. And the amount of people I've seen react to this video who did not recognize the warning flags early on was even more concerning.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

AHH! I just now got to the end of the video, CONGRATS on your book deal! I look forward to checking it out in the future!

[@fayesouthall6604]

I had a female do this to me, I didn’t realise it at the time. Only when I literally cut her out of my life and read about grooming and coercion did I see . I’ve met people like David and I ran.

[@Biomirth]

I'm not a survivor but I could not take David for one second. I had to wait 2 days to watch the second half. Thankfully some of us have sociopath radar installed. If only there were enough of us for enough of them.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

​@@fayesouthall6604 I'm so glad that you got out of there! And I'm sorry that it also happened to you - I did realize after the fact that I specified men in my comment but that was with my own abuser in mind tainting my bias a bit, *anybody* can be an abuser/groomer.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

​@@Biomirth I'm not glad that it made you uncomfortable but I AM glad you caught it right away. The thing about grooming is that it often happens so subtly and over such a long period of time that children are especially prone to just thinking things are normal and not questioning it, especially from somebody in an authority position like a parent, teacher or religious leader. They're subtle and they spend a lot of time gaining power and trust in the community. So a lot of people don't see the red flags if they have no prior experience with it. The doctor went over a lot of the hallmark signs in the video here but to me, even from the very first scene David exuded an uncomfortable amount of control over the group, was very handsy with Hannah (they never established David preying on her persay but he has zero issues invading her personal space and touching her while she was vulnerable), and VERY focused on convincing Ellie that she, a child, was equal with him, an adult. Something every kid wants to hear. It's so uncomfortable but I feel like more people need to pay attention to these things - the word groomer seems to be tossed around very flippantly these days (wrongly, by people who are just anti LGBTQIA tbh) but a lot of people can't identify real grooming behaviour in their own back yards. 😬 There are real children being hurt by people like this every day, and after my own experience of coming forward after years of continuous abuse and not being believed I think it's really important for people to be vigilant and think about these things, as uncomfortable as they are!

[@robincraft4682]

A terrifying thought is that David was a teacher pre apocalypse. Just an absolute monster. As always Doctor Courtney, an excellent reaction and analysis. Congratulations on your book deal. 👏👏

[@technopirate304]

The end of lawful civilization gave him the green light to let his dark side out

[@eat_pray_porg8450]

@@technopirate304 - Exactly. The end times enables many people to drop their facade of civility and empathy towards other people, unfortunately.

[@dialecticsjunkie7653]

Probably chose his professions specifically to get access to children. Ewgh

[@car855]

@@technopirate304 holy crap this gave me an idea! maybe the reason why David said it was the best time to find God post apocalyptic and that it was a blessing was because he was referring to the lawlessness that would come with it and what he could do now because of it. Maybe thats why he considered it a blessing to find God. Like the doctor mentioned being religious and talking about God was more about talking about himself and that he is the TRUTH and can do whatever he wants

[@erinflowers3173]

I also thought about how he told Hannah she’d “always have a father” and then he told Ellie “I’ve decided you DO need a father” so it made me think he was probably grooming Hannah as well 😢

[@joshgreiner2599]

There's a subtle demonstration of David's power over his people when he returns with the deer. The entire town is there, food in front of them (in a starvation situation remember). They all wait for David (who wasn't even in the room at first) to say grace and begin eating before they do. You can tell be the silence other than the loud clatter of silverware that they were extremely hungry, but were afraid of David more.

[@emilyhughes4297]

There’s also how David’s portion of food is bigger than everyone else’s, even though they are in a time when food is scarce.

[@joshgreiner2599]

@@emilyhughes4297 Ah yeah, I noticed that, but forgot to mention it :) Good eyes.

[@Overlord0011]

There's also the fact that David's the only one that got a full plate. Everyone else got maybe a ladle-full.

[@joshgreiner2599]

@@Overlord0011 Yup, good catch!

[@mcp866]

Not to mention that it looks like David has a larger portion than everyone else

[@jensenwahlquist]

Idk why but you saying that Ellie was doing a good job got me really emotional 😅 you can see how desperate she is to take care of him and how she has no idea if her efforts will be good enough Also I’ve seen quite a few SA victims on TikTok thanking the writers for having Ellie save herself and then having Joel be there to save her emotionally. They’ve said that him comforting her and saying what she needs to hear was both painful because they wished someone could’ve been there to say those things to them but also healing.

[@MarieTheOstrich]

omg same here. maybe we're children that also needed to hear something like this more often if we tried hard to do something

[@alistairghaern4_]

I love how they established the dichotomy between Joel and David, two people who are both "father figures" to young kids. David hits the kid whom he presents himself as a "father" to, while Joel does everything in his power to reach his kid even though he's dying. David takes Ellie's jacket from her prior to imprisoning her, and when Joel finds Ellie again, the first thing he does is give her his jacket.

[@AndrewJamison79]

i think those suppressed fatherly instincts he had with Sarah were resurfacing as he now viewed Ellie as his surrogate daughter in a sense. He would have moved mountains to save Sarah so it makes sense he was willing to kill to save Ellie

[@MrZomBie775]

David essentially being an evil counter part to Joel is so interesting to me. Tbh David is kinda lucky that Ellie was the one to kill him. If Joel got there a few minutes earlier seeing David try to hurt his little girl... there wouldn't be any force on earth that could stop Joel from tearing that man apart... he would've made sure David paid for what he had done.

[@user-dk3pp2hj3v]

@@MrZomBie775 David is the personification of the Demiurge, and Joel's name is translated from Hebrew as "Yahu is God." The creators are very openly hinting at this.

[@amelooloo]

“no one infected fights this hard to stay alive” 31:47 riley did. riley fought for every second she had left with ellie. that’s how we know he’s wrong.

[@anonymus390]

Also maybe David only said that to calm himself down. He's never met someone who survived an Infection, so he can't know if Ellies bite will still infect him or not.

[@psychotropicfan]

I took it as David indirectly revealing he's killed a lot of people infected and not. Trying to sound knowledgeable but revealing something about himself in the process.

[@whiteowlmassacre4907]

Not only was David manipulating Ellie by praising her, but at the same time he was being self-congratulatory by prefacing his praise with "you're just like me", then citing all kinds of great character traits. Also, at the end when you put the two examples of Joel using "babygirl" back-to-back, the juxtaposition and relevance of him pleading with Sarah to "come on, babygirl" and the relief and determination in the "it's ok, babygirl. I got you" to Ellie really hit me in the feels in a different way than just him naturally calling her babygirl in the moment, and almost more of a redemption or alternate ending for Sarah to him. Just happened to find this video, and I'm about to binge your perspective on this series. Great stuff!

[@pjotrh]

Another important point, is that the entire episode is shot with back and forth’s, sort of implying that Joel will save Ellie, but in the end she saves herself, because of what she has experienced and what Joel has taught her. And that is when their relationship goes to its highest level of trust, of father and daughter.

[@Da1337Man]

Joel did save Ellie by being there for her after she introduced the cleaver to David's face 21 times. What she needed was a way to heal mentally after that horrifying experience, and Joel is the only person on planet earth who could help her recover from that. Next episode is going to be a fucking problem.

[@lkcullen1918]

So glad you talked about Ellie's voice changing throughout her first encounter with David & James. It was one of my favorite 'little things' about this episode

[@VeraxMusic]

I personally just saw it as a kid doing an adult voice, not so much mimicking Joel.

[@kratosgow342]

Funny that happened by sort of accident because it was so cold where the shot on top of carrying real rifle which was heavy

[@lkcullen1918]

@@kratosgow342 I was also talking about her voice going up for the "medicine??" line, just the whole sequence really lol

[@liltetsuni]

I started crying when Ellie started muttering gibberish and hugged Joel and he comforted her. He didn’t know exactly how great his response was

[@mediacritique1065]

What I found interesting is how this show displays how and when grooming may or may not work. Like with the Fedra officer, Ellie immediately started to parrot him because he believed in her. And the same thing could have happened with David if there wasn’t already a person who loved and believed in her like Joel. He targeted her because he thought with Joel dead she would need another “father figure” and he could exploit that, but he said so himself. She didn’t need a ‘father’ or David. She had Joel and always believed he’d be there for her.

[@pinkmenace2452]

great analysis

[@mediacritique1065]

@@pinkmenace2452 thank u!

[@AB-nv7fk]

What's crazy is the thrill you get when Ellie first gets David with the cleaver, but then the shock and sadness kicks in halfway through as she keeps going.

[@Kayjee17]

It wasn't shock and sadness for me; it was understanding that she was unloading everything negative that had ever happened to her onto his dead body. That's a big reason why she was so numb afterwards - she let go of all those emotions she had been holding onto so tightly to keep herself under control, and so she literally had nothing left afterwards. People who unbottle negative emotions so abruptly and violently like that are usually very blank and calm seeming afterwards, but a lot of it is shock. That's why Ellie had no coherent words for Joel when she finally recognized him.

[@tanelviil9149]

The more i see this show the more the important dialogue parts dont seem as impactful as in the game. The acting feels rushed and not with a lot emotion behind it. In the game David made it much more scarier when he told Ellie that everything happens for a reason . Here it has no impact in my opinion and it was lame. The David in the game was much more scarier and better than this one in the show ______________________ Also the part whenEllie was reading a diary when Joel wanted to left her with Tommy and when Joel said: " you are right, you are not my daughter and i sure as hell are not your dad" etc.... this part was much more emotional and real in the game than in the show. In the show it actually feels kinda lame. _________________________ Are you people seeing this too?? How the game dialogue was much more real and better acted ??? I liked the shows first 2 episodes but then it started to become lamer and lamer .

[@EversonBernardes]

​@@tanelviil9149 nah, it's just you.

[@thomashiggins9320]

​@@tanelviil9149 Dude. Give it up. *Nobody* agrees with you.

[@AB-nv7fk]

​@@Kayjee17 I guess I was sad because this trauma is what I think will ultimately kill her innocence. This is her first "real" kill. You can say that the first few hacks was self-defense, but there's a moment where she slows down, but then she goes at it again, and that's what made me sad. Sure, you can say that it was the unbottling of everything she's been keeping down, and that is understandable, but this was a personal choice to kill a human... and I can imagine that changes you forever.

[@jareeohs]

Notice that in this episode James mentions they spotted two deer, referring to Ellie and Joel. I’m almost positive they’ve been hunting people and “supplies” were food. That’s why the four men at the university were so aggressive.

[@Pandaemoni]

I like the thought, though James's line is they spotted "some deer" not "two deer." He says they have "maybe two" weeks' worth of food, but he then says they (maybe) spotted "some deer." I did suspect that some of that was code, so perhaps "deer" was code for people. (But then what's the code for actual "deer"?)

[@jareeohs]

what prompted me to think it was code was when David told Ellie that game was hard to find due to the cruel winter. Also, the comment about retrieving the penicillin not being code made me think that they communicate via code amongst everyone, since David states later on that only a few people know.

[@xxxmochibaby]

This makes so much sense

[@ezioauditore4061]

Ellie killing David was years of pain all coming out at once. You think back to an earlier episode where Joel tells Ellie she has no idea what loss is. She does though. It's all she's known. Not even just loss of loved ones, friends, etc. But she isn't even in control of her own life. This mission is her sacrificing basic childhood freedoms to be part of a greater good, which I'm sure she doesn't even want ideally. Any girl would just want to be a kid. She's having to learn on the job these incredible responsibilities no kid should have to. Especially during a crazy pandemic and apocalypse.

[@Tensen01]

If you notice, in the Hunting scene, she does everything right EXCEPT she yanks on the trigger instead of squeezing, meaning her shot goes wide right meaning it wans't an instant kill shot, the same as when Joel was teaching her. She's almost there, but not quite. They probably knew to go in the house because there were fresh horse tracks leading from it, and probably drag tracks and blood from Ellie dragging in Joel a couple days earlier. Remember what Marlene said about Joel and Tess "I know what you are capable of, for better or worse." Well, we've now seen just what he's capable of.

[@Ixzion]

Nice catch! Fascinating.

[@gailseatonhumbert]

Deer often run like that when shot. A perfect kill shot would not be something she would be able to do yet as she was just learning the weapon recently.

[@TimSedai]

I've been waiting for your particular take on this episode. There were three moments I worried about them translating from game to show. The deaths of children, Henry and Sam, and this episode's ending. They knocked them all out of the park and Bella in particular has nailed emoting some truly difficult scenes.

[@system0fadowner251]

Yep, and I think they're gonna actually stick the landing. A 45 min ep didn't feel like enough to cover the finale, but when thinking about how they've adapted all the major moments up to now, I've changed my mind. 45 mins is more than enough for the actual story that's left, and I don't need an hr long action set piece at the hospital tbh. It doesn't change how THAT moment is gonna hit..

[@TimSedai]

@System0f aDowner yup a few buddies and I were talking about how the changes they've made have all made for better tv. While the deep character dives wouldn't have made good gameplay, watching Joel murder-hobo his way cross country would've made for a difficult to empathize with lead role.

[@system0fadowner251]

@Either Tim Or Asha yep and it makes the action hit so much harder when it's used sparingly

[@tanelviil9149]

The more i see this show the more the important dialogue parts dont seem as impactful as in the game. The acting feels rushed and not with a lot emotion behind it. In the game David made it much more scarier when he told Ellie that everything happens for a reason . Here it has no impact in my opinion and it was lame. The David in the game was much more scarier and better than this one in the show ______________________ Also the part whenEllie was reading a diary when Joel wanted to left her with Tommy and when Joel said: " you are right, you are not my daughter and i sure as hell are not your dad" etc.... this part was much more emotional and real in the game than in the show. In the show it actually feels kinda lame. _________________________ Are you people seeing this too?? How the game dialogue was much more real and better acted ??? I liked the shows first 2 episodes but then it started to become lamer and lamer .

[@HorseandHattock]

​@@tanelviil9149 I don't know why you made this a response to someone else's comment instead of making its own thread, but: No, I absolutely do not see what you are seeing, the leads in this show have been phenomenal. I think they did a great job in both renditions, but in a few places I've liked Bella's rendition more. The climax of this episode probably being the foremost.

[@richardfeynman4452]

That moment when she's been held on the table about to be slashed, just speaks louldly about Ellies skills and how she is a natural fighter, even in the middle of all the chaos she had the clarity of mind and quick thinking to come up with the "I'm infected" excuse, and absolutely make the most of it killing james and escaping. Goes without saying that the acting was phenomenal.

[@kevinpetsky49]

When the therapist says "I don't want to talk about it" that's when you know you've gone too far. Rest In many, many Pieces, David.

[@chrisberman410]

The first scene with Joel and Sarah... Tommy walks in and Sarah says "aw, he loves you," to which Joel replies "He's dependent on me. Not the same thing." Ellie is no longer dependent on Joel. She handled everything herself, including healing Joel. Makes the love between Joel and Ellie that much stronger now.

[@Skullzrapper]

Oh man, when you said Ellie is learning how to be a daughter right now.... that hit me in the feels lol. Especially considering what Riley said about "belonging to a family" in the previous episode. Ellie is learning what Riley was talking about. The stabbing scene was particularly horrific for me because I saw Ellie completely lose herself in that moment. It was like she wasn't even there until she snapped back to reality. Bella Ramsey absolutely knocked it out of the park this episode! Awesome reaction and insight as usual!

[@danielshaffer6067]

"Love has no fear" is in direct contrast to Bill's comment "I was never afraid before you came along." I think that showcases the difference between manipulation and true love. I've come to really love your reactions and your insight. You provide such a deep and meaningful perspective that I really appreciate. Thank you for your work!

[@wtimmins]

Great observation!

[@CJSymcox]

It's also a particularly heinous misuse of scripture. 1 John 4.18. As a priest, this whole episode had my blood boiling for how David was using religion for his own twisted ends, alongside all the other things that had my blood boiling. Great insight from Dr C in her reaction here, distinguishing between the goods religion can offer and the awfulness that it can be used for by those who wish to manipulate others.

[@wtimmins]

@@CJSymcox I appreciate, narratively, that David outright states that he's faking the whole religious thing to manipulate people.

[@CJSymcox]

@@wtimmins Absolutely!

[@hannahs.7297]

i love this take ❤

[@hessu275]

This is the most engaging and thrilling episode so far. Bella is perfection as Ellie and Scott Shepherd did a fantastic job as David. Pedro gave a really emotional moment with Bella in the end, the softness in his voice when he said "It's me"

[@passionsh460]

fr. was so impressed after watching this episode. I just sat there wondering how someone could play such a sick fuck as David. There is no way he wasn't in therapy after this.

[@HeimburgerMusic]

For Joel it's like part of his soul has been missing since Sarah died. It went away at his last use of the line "Baby Girl" and finally came back when he calls Ellie the same thing. It's like he's able to pick back up at this moment and become a father again. This episode he comes back to life both physically and emotionally.

[@LeftyConspirator]

"On the wicked she will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be his lot." - Psalm 11:6 (slightly paraphrased). I guess David never read that one.

[@jeremiahmacadam9284]

Some things I noticed: the parallels between what David claims is fatherly behavior vs Joel’s actual fatherly behavior, where David takes off Ellie’s coat and Joel wraps her in his. Also David saying ‘there’s no fear in love’ vs Bill saying ‘I wasn’t afraid until I met you’. Idk if this has any significance but I thought they were important to mention! Love these videos :D

[@jensenwahlquist]

Congratulations on your book deal! I’ve been anxiously refreshing all day waiting for this episode to drop

[@the.truth.doctor]

Thank you so so much! 😭😍

[@ryanratchford2530]

You're my favourite reaction channel for the Last of Us. I love how you dig into the most important character moments & analyse them.

[@sgtmian]

saamee. it's the perfeect story for analyzing how people's minds work too, i can't wait for her to react to the second season.

[@chapstikcrazy]

She is phenomenal with her insights. I am so glad her channel exists! It's great to dive deeper into the show with someone who is so versed in human behavior.

[@oOscarymvsbOo]

You hit the nail on the head with the scene of Ellie trying to be Joel when she first encounters David and James because that's exactly what it is and in the second game there is a moment where you can see she is speaking like acting like and trying to replicate Joel's actions and ends up making one of the biggest mistakes of her life because she's just trying to replicate something she's not really doing what makes sense in that moment

[@mots503]

In the basement when David and the men are coming and Ellie tells Joel what her plan is and what she needs him to do, that reminds me of how Tess did the same in regards to Robert and the car battery.

[@JigInsane]

Also, a similar reaction I always see to those who play the game at this point. The cheer when Ellie gets the upper hand on David, then the emotion shift when we realize all the traumatic release she must be having while hitting him. Ellie has had a rough time and always keeps so bottled and light. With that experience and sudden outlet you see all the pain and everything pouring out and the sink that you feel, or just the emotions for her is something, especially when Joel grabs her. A statement made from I dont remember if it were Neil or Mazin (writer and producers,) but "Joel didn't save her physically, he saved her emotionally just as she saved him" or something close to that. The next episode, although shorter, I'm curious to see how they handle what's to come.

[@sarah4hp]

David saying "there is no fear in love" just says it all about him. Of COURSE there is fear in love, like we saw with Bill saying "I was never afraid before you came along", and with Joel trying to push away anyone who awakens those feelings in him because he fears the pain that can come with allowing yourself to feel that way about someone else and then loosing them. When you love someone there WILL be fear, because loving someone means you CARE about them - how they feel, if they are safe, what they feel and think about YOU.... all of it. The thought of losing them is also something that can cause fear. But David has none of that, because he DOESN'T care about anything but his own power, his own desires and his own wants. Which is reflected in what he DOES fear - that others have doubts and won't see him as the God-like figure he sees himself as, and that he will lose the power he has gotten because people stop following him. He only loves HIMSELF, so he only fears FOR himself... so yes David, there IS indeed fear in love - even a messed up one like yours. Him equating violence to love when talking about the cordyceps and what they taught him, is further proof of his failure to even comprehend the concept. Sure, violence CAN be an expression of love, as we see with Joel using violence to get information about where Ellie is, or killing people to protect her, but using violence AGAINST someone is NOT in ANY way an expression of love towards that person.

[@BeauCardwellReacts]

I love the broken watch is framed with Joel Embracing Ellie signifying him letting his walls down and accepting his role as a father once again.

[@CodingToFreedom]

Right? It's such a simple and yet masterful detail.

[@joeokabayashi8669]

Yours are among the most insightful videos. Thank you. I interpretted David slapping Hannah at her stated desire to "kill both of them," as David's intent to supress the community's desire to kill Ellie, because his grand scheme was to recruit Ellie. And David's desire to maintain dominance over the group - his voice is the only one that matters, regardless if others agree or disagree.

[@shaynamatthias]

the last of us saved my life in every way that matters. 9 years ago, i watched a roommate play the original game. at that time, i was in an abusive relationship with someone who repeatedly raped me, but i hadn't yet recognized or processed the truth of his violence. watching my roommate play the last of us and then playing it myself helped me to face the reality of what was happening to me and gave me the courage to break up with my abuser 4 months into the relationship. i literally owe escaping from that abuse at least in part to ellie's story. although i'm largely healed from that particular trauma, it's never fully left me. as dr. courtney said, it's imprinted. watching this episode, i was activated all over again; tense, trembling, and crying for hours afterward, for ellie and for myself. we endured, and we survived, but part of us will always be grieving.

[@matsdaggerx3141]

I was so full of anger and disgust for most of the episode, so much so I didn't cry. I mentioned to my wife "Hey first episode I didn't cry." Two seconds later Joel called her "Baby Girl" and I lost it! 😭Awesome reaction and analyzes as always!

[@pjotrh]

The violence that Ellie enacts at the end also sets up something. It will make her believe she has a violent heart, that her only ‘good’ worth is to be a cure….. This is important for the next episode and the next season

[@perlamolica8072]

This episode was so painfully beautiful, Bella's performance was perfect. I couldn't wait to watch your reaction and it was a great one

[@johnbowersox738]

When Joel's daughter was dying, I believe that he called her "baby girl" and told her that she would be all right. To me, this cemented in the fact that Ellie has come to fill the place in his heart that his daughter once held (not that she has been replaced, only that he now has his purpose restored as a father). To Joel, Ellie is now his daughter.

[@virlinehonore9767]

Bella deserves all the awards for her performance in this episode 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mfpperera]

You definitely did justice to the episode. I wanted to see your reaction and it was totally worth it! The moment Joel said "I got you, baby girl" I started crying. They're finally seeing each other like father-daughter, and in a way I feel like Joel is coming to terms with the fact that Ellie might not be Sarah (as he told her two episode ago), but she could be a daughter to him. If this episode was THAT emotional, I don't know what to expect of the last one...

[@paradoxdriver4094]

David gives me such intense serial killer vibes, the actor who played David did such an incredible job.

[@clinicalia]

This episode got to me, and it did in the game as well way back when I first played it as a teenager. Having gone through that myself as a child for a very long time, I understood exactly how she felt in that moment; just wanting to rip him to shreds and walk away. I was watching it with my boyfriend and I knew it was coming, I knew what was gonna happen in this episode because I played the game, but it still made me break down and cry all over again. My boyfriend had to talk me down and console me afterwards.

[@JigInsane]

This is one part of the game I had to take a break after to process everything. When I tell you I realized what was happening, and the way my insides sank. In the game, Joel actually grabs her while she's bludgeoning David, and you hear a couple lines from them then the voices go silent, but the facial animations and scenes right after told so much and were so powerful!! Especially since some of these connect with real life situations for me. The acting was amazing, and you're spot on with so much and seeing you realize some of the stuff as it happened. Loving the reactions, and also, congrats on the book deal!!!! Can't wait for the discussion with or after the final episode. Stay great!!!!

[@TukaihaHithlec]

I had a similar response, but I decided to keep going until the end because I thought it was coming sooner. Kinda wish I took a break, because I was *drained.*

[@Rock-n-Rolla369]

I think the end of this episode speaks volumes. Joel is emotionally “all in” with Ellie at this point, as much as he tried to avoid it. You can see a close-up of the broken watch his daughter gave him as he hugs her.

[@jonathanross149]

The desperation of giving Joel that knife when she knew he wouldn't be able to move or even stay awake.

[@mharlon09.]

I'm glad for Joel and Ellie finally cementing their bond. This episode kinda felt like a combination of The Lovely Bones and Midsommar but unlike Susie and Dannie Ellie was able to scape her capture.

[@pepe-silvia]

They live in a world full of fungus infected monsters and David still managed to be the most terrifying of them all. Ellie's rage at the end was so powerful. On the one hand it was very satisfying because we all like to see the monsters of the world get what they deserve, but it's so incredibly sad as well because that rage was a result of desperation. She was made to feel trapped, powerless, victimized and utterly alone and it all just came pouring out at the end and she will never be the same again because of it. David is the ultimate dark reflection of Joel with his sick, twisted view of fatherhood. David wants to "keep" her and possess her, and it's clear that's what he thinks it means to be someone's father. But Joel at the end shows what it really means to be a father. It's ok baby girl, I got you. I'm so proud of Ellie for rescuing herself from that situation and so proud of Joel for being exactly what she needed in that moment.

[@peterkottke2570]

This episode leads in the reactions of "I don't normally go in favor of violence but kill that guy" even to the point where people are cheering her additional and probably unnecessary swings. David reminds me of those criminals who when they go to prison get beaten or killed by the other prisoners because the other murderers in the prison have "standards".

[@withcharmtospare]

You have been knocking these episodes out of the park. So cathartic to go through this one esp. with you and process all the horrible things that happened to Ellie while not babying her or belittling it all because Joel eventually showed up(points I’ve seen made 😢) She had to grow and learn to protect herself in such a short amount of time and you handled it perfectly without digging at those wounds to make a point. I’m sad there’s only one episode left .

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

Thank you for recognizing the difference in people using religion as a vessel to carry their own (in this case evil) intentions, and religion itself being bad. I've seen so many people that lack the ability to comprehend this, and they'd say David was the way he was BECAUSE he's supposedly religious.

[@andytaylor3443]

I’m 50 years old played the last of us game numerous times and “ I got you baby girl” gets me every time . I was worried the tv show wouldn’t do the game justice , the actors really have done a better job than I could ever imagine 👏

[@adeIIe]

“violent heart” maybe be a bit much but i do think ellie is a very angry person (understandably-her life has been pretty unfair). she often reacts angrily or violently to things. fighting with bethany & having a troubled history at FEDRA school. fighting w riley initially when she learned the mall wasn’t just a cute date spot riley found. her anger when they were bitten, yelling & smashing things. killing the infected in the basement ep 3. her constant desire to have a gun. even just when she was rude to the staring girl at tommy’s. she remarkably chooses fight over the other fear responses every time, as showed perfectly in this episode. when she chooses to appease it’s only to set her up to fight, like when she held david’s hand or told them she was infected. i think to her violence/anger means control to ellie, something she prob feels like she never has. & then u have joel, the closest person to her & someone she looks up to, & he is a violent & jaded person, someone who pointed a gun at her & beat a man to death the first day they met. i think ellie’s life & experiences has had a caged animal effect on her where she is quick to bare teeth & even fight just to feel some type of control, & that she doesn’t necessarily mean to be this way, she is just a product of what she’s been through, which at its bare bones is a very relatable thing.

[@adeIIe]

sorry for the essay & the typos lol

[@TukaihaHithlec]

Happy to see someone else recognize this.

[@weirdversions]

I just searched 20 minutes ago to see if you had posted it lol. I've commented in another channel about this series meaning a lot to me. This vulnerable side of Joel (specially shown in episode 6) hits me hard because of what happened to my dad 7 years ago. Listening to your insights on the story is a delightful experience.

[@LegitLord2000]

Yussss ❤ I’m sure someone’s already said, but the guy who plays James, Troy Baker, is the guy who played and voiced Joel in the video game.

[@b.u.l.1734]

James, David's right hand man, is played by Troy Baker, who's actually Joel in the game.

[@veeceey1073]

David made the daughter eat the dad, and the wife both ate and helped prepare the meal:/ Bella Ramsey was incredible this episode, I loved Ellie going full slasher movie at the end lol. It is absolutely what David deserved.

[@blinkachu5275]

"How did they know to go into that house" They didn't ^^ David instructed them to go door to door, they had already gone through a few houses by then :)

[@jmighty33zero]

I literally have just as much excitement waiting for your breakdowns as much as I do for the show itself

[@traybit857]

In the game, Joel actually came in and found her still hitting David. Then it played out pretty much exactly as it did in the show. This show, and the game are just incredible. * edit to add, James is also the voice actor for Joel in the game. So Ellie kinda kills Joel right there. Little Easter egg.

[@Leon-jx8wc]

Love how you looked away from all violence apart from when Ellie attacked David

[@eleashaghot]

I was waiting all week for your commentary and insights. Always so informative . Can’t believe we only have one episode left.

[@squidhimself9371]

Omg I’ve been waiting for your reaction to this all day!! Can’t wait to see your take on David.

[@tylerjackson1806]

I always look forward to your analysis for every episode. You do such a great job explaining things.

[@kieranireland2598]

Always look for your reactions after an episode. Really does help break down things most people would miss and not think about etc it's really insightful.

[@Overlord0011]

As soon as I knew which part of the story this episode was going to deal with, I knew you'd have plenty to unpack. Also, something I noticed when you showed the part where Ellie was learning to shoot. When she was learning to shoot, she kept her glove on, but when she was shooting the deer, she took it off, since it can mess with the handling and aim. It shows that not only has she had more practice with it, but she's taking it more seriously.

[@mlynareknicolle2]

Girl I’m so grateful for your channel ♥️

[@mikaelaeriksson8189]

Ive processed my own SA enough to be able to watch that final scene with ellie and david that it doesnt trigger me. That rage tho that ellie felt afterwards is something i understand very well, that fear in ur mind that you cant do anything but then afterwards you have this anger that builds up with being totally dehumanised and violated. I also understand you have to be very careful when showing anything related to SA in tv or film. I wanna praise bella ramsey who plays ellie for an incredible acting and how she could really capture that emotion that many of us who have been through SA feel... Also great reaction i always look forward to watching them❤️

[@lukeshumway7274]

This was the first video of yours I've come across, and WOW. Probably the most insightful commentary and analysis I've seen on the show thus far. And from somebody who really knows what they're talking about! Just phenomenal. I am absolutely going back to watch the previous videos, and will definitely recommend your channel to as many people as I can. Keep it up 🧡 🧡

[@Kiraj8de]

Man, I felt so much anger towards David, and was genuinely so pleased by her destroying him. Part of me was sad that she had to do it... but mostly I was just super happy that David was killed so violently. -- Then cut to Joel saying "I've got you Baby Girl." Suddenly I was just sobbing. It is wild how good this show is at affecting my emotions.

[@PatrickBoyda]

I love watching yours and Cinema Therapy's reactions to characters who exhibit malignant narcissism or psychopathy -- there's a comprehension, and then almost like a frustration. When they manipulate or exploit people it's almost like y'all are saying "I know exactly what they're doing, and they do too," or like "They know better but don't care" Idk it's fascinating to watch an expert in the field discover a predatory but (relatively) sound-minded person

[@TheBinski]

Thank you so much for taking care of the viewers for this VERY traumatic and powerful episode. As a counsellor in Australia and a HUGE fan of the games, I appreciate SO much what you offer each week and how cleverly and clearly you break down the cinema, the psychology and the feelings we share. Thank you SO much.

[@papa_xan]

I've been waiting for your commentary on this one, and I wasn't disappointed.

[@Joeindimension]

I love the attention to detail, these reactions have been incredible.

[@badlndss]

this is probably my favorite video i watched in a very long time. just love how you read this characters so well just like a book.

[@eemersonm]

I can’t express enough how much I appreciate your reactions/commentaries. They are so enlightening. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@johnbowersox738]

Also I wish to say thank you. These episodes are not easy to unpack and I can only imagine how hard it must be to take an episode which alone I feel could be several differing case studies and provide concise breakdown. Thank you I appreciate your analysis and insight into such a complex and powerful show.

[@amandah3731]

I have been waiting for you to do this one. Fantastic video as always.

[@rox6699]

I find myself looking forward to your reactions just as excited and impatiently as i wait for tlou episodes. Great perspective and analysis! Thank you for sharing with us

[@RunningTogether]

Absolutely fascinating, incisive analysis as always! I always jump to watch your analyses as doing as I can. Keep up the great work, congrats on your book deal, and good luck with everything! 👍

[@ragefast2813]

I'm so glad Joel is finally beginning to trust people again. "It's OK, I believe him."

[@nate0765]

I really appreciate that you posted that warning at the begining of the video. I know somebody personally that went through some pretty bad stuff and I can't imagine how triggering those scenes would be for her. Thank you.

[@ALROD]

I just love how observing you are. Many details I didn't notice when I watched it a couple of days ago.

[@LUC0R]

You sincerely have theee best character analyses out there! Thank you sooo much🙏🏽 Always have my bell notification on eagerly waiting for your upload🙌🏽

[@mrrahbieh]

It's my first time watching your vid. I am amazed by how you interpreted the scenes in detail unlike the other "therapist reaction" I've watched. I really enjoyed this.

[@llamallama1509]

Thank you for these videos, I appreciate hearing your insight on these episodes

[@danf6513]

been watching a lot of reactions to this series but I feel yours are by far the most insightful and closest to the material's intended themes...big props FWIW

[@detusai]

When you said that we have to remember that they are all human beings during Joel's torture scene will be very important in Season 2.I really love your perspective for this series as it gives me an even deeper glimpse of each character and how good of a job they all have done to bring this to life. Not only does it make the show more entertaining but educational as well. Thanks so much for your reactions!

[@Scott_Forsell]

"How did they know to go in that house?" Snow. Snow preserves / shows footprints. Ellie was super obviously coming and going from that house. These are observant hunters: second nature. I was on a walk earlier today and it had snowed heavy, wet snow. I saw squirrel, rabbit, dog, and racoon tracks. Humans, too. And I live in a city, not the burbs. Snow is a perfect medium to preserve the traces of a physical body moving.

[@peenzert1994]

I have been waiting for this all week ❤️ I knew you’d have a lot to enlighten us with

[@carotauro]

I extremely appreciate and like your videos and your content. The way how you explain everything through a series and the small signals that a professional of your size can only see its spectacular and amazing. I appreciate that you exit Dr. Thank you so much. I love your videos ❤ and the way how your explanations blow my mind up and expanding my perspectives and ways of seeing things. Thank you. Always.

[@LaaszloKiss]

35:03 - "Trauma is not what happens to you. It's the result of what happens to you." This sentence I just heard a couple of days ago from Dr. Gábor Máté, the Hungarian-born Canadian doctor in his 2021 documentary about handling trauma. He's such a great person and has the ability to explain complex things in an easily understandable and reasonable way. It was nice to hear this basic psychological principal from you, too.

[@caipagkatipunan6297]

rewatching this and just saw the editor's note at the end. congratulations on the book deal, dr. courtney!