The Last of Us Brings Joel Back: Episode 6 Is Pure Emotional Damage
Get your tissues ready because the next episode of The Last of Us is going to destroy you completely. Here's what we know.
Season 2 of The Last of Us has already put viewers through an emotional wringer, particularly when it comes to Joel's death. As inevitable as it was, it was still brutal and painfully sad. Yet the next episode may be even more devastating to all of us.
The Last of Us Episode 5 Hinted at the Joel’s Flashback
In the best traditions of TV shows, Episode 5 left us hanging with Joel coming into Ellie's room and setting up the tone for the next heartbreaking episode. The new trailer just confirmed what we all knew: this will be one of those flashback weeks.
The new trailer reveals what appears to be an entire episode dedicated to Joel and Ellie's early days together. For game fans, the mere mention of “the museum sequence” is enough to trigger some tears.
The Last of Us Episode 6: What to Expect
Without giving away any major spoilers, we'll just say that this episode is going to get even deeper into what made Joel and Ellie's relationship so special. Expect dinosaurs, space dreams, and the kind of thoughtful birthday gift that only a caring father can make (aka Joel).
The episode also hints at exploring the backstory of their eventual falling out, which sets up a bittersweet contrast that makes the museum scenes even more wrenching.
Critics Are Already Calling The Last of Us Episode 6 a Masterpiece
Even before the show came out, critics were already pointing out that Episode 6 is going to be something special. As Ross Bonaime (Collider) wrote:
“However, perhaps the most impressive work here comes from Druckmann, who directs the penultimate episode, and brings to life some truly memorable moments from his game in stunning fashion. It quite possibly could be the best episode of the series so far, as well as one of the best television episodes of 2025.”
Bonaime wasn't the only one who highlighted that episode in particular, Kathryn VanArendonk (Vulture) also said:
“The show is full of the magic and horror of parenthood and how hard it is to let your children become their own people. That’s most visible in the season’s standout (not a bottle) episode, which comes near the end of the season, when Joel and Ellie have some time away from the apocalypse to simply be together.”
When The Last of Us Episode 6 Comes Out?
Season 2, Episode 6 comes out May 18. New episodes are coming out every Sunday at 9pm ET on HBO and Max
