In "Left Behind," the seventh episode of HBO's "The Last of Us," we are treated to a poignant exploration of Ellie's (Bella Ramsey) past, offering a glimpse into her life before meeting Joel (Pedro Pascal). This standalone narrative, while not advancing the show's main plot, serves as a critical character study, enriching our understanding of Ellie's resilience and the depths of her capacity for love and loss.
The episode opens with a dire situation for Joel, who, after being stabbed in the previous episode, is now in critical condition. Ellie, determined to save him, finds them a temporary refuge in a cozy suburban home. Despite Joel's insistence that she leave him to find Tommy, Ellie refuses to abandon him. This initial scene sets the stage for a story that explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of despair.
As Ellie searches for supplies to treat Joel's wound, she experiences a flashback to her time in the Boston Quarantine Zone (QZ), where she was a trainee in the FEDRA military. The flashback provides a stark contrast to the present, showing a younger, more carefree Ellie. We witness her struggles with the rigors of military training and her defiance against the oppressive FEDRA regime. This period of her life is marked by a fateful encounter with Riley (Storm Reid), her best friend, who has joined the Fireflies, a rebel group opposing FEDRA.
The heart of the episode is the relationship between Ellie and Riley. Their friendship, forged in the confines of the QZ, blossoms into something more as they share a night of adventure in an abandoned mall. The mall, a symbol of a lost world, becomes a playground for the two teenagers, who momentarily forget the harsh realities outside its walls. The episode captures the essence of youth and rebellion, as Ellie and Riley indulge in the simple pleasures of life that have been denied to them, from the joy of riding an escalator to the thrill of playing arcade games.
However, the night takes a tragic turn when Ellie and Riley are confronted by the reality of their world. Infected by a clicker in the mall, they face the prospect of a grim death. Their decision to spend their remaining time together, vowing to stay by each other's side until the infection claims them, is a testament to the power of love in the face of despair.
The episode concludes with Ellie, back in the present, tending to Joel's wound. The parallel between her past and present situations is striking. Ellie's determination to save Joel, despite the odds, mirrors her efforts to save Riley. This episode solidifies the bond between Ellie and Joel, as she refuses to let him slip away, just as she refused to let Riley's memory fade.
"Left Behind" is a masterful episode that stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. It is an emotional rollercoaster that explores the depths of human connection and the lengths one will go to hold onto those they love. As the series progresses, this episode serves as a critical piece of Ellie's character arc, offering insight into her past and the experiences that have shaped her into the survivor she is today.