The somber ending ofThe Last of Us 2left fans with a multitude of questions about where the series could go next. There have been some reports of the story for a third game being written, but nothing is in production as of yet. However, withan upcoming HBO seriesand a loyal fan base, it would make sense for another game to be made. In imagining where the series may go next, it’s worth keeping in mind the turmoil, hardship and trauma all of these characters have been through. As such, it may make more sense to let some fade out from the series. The main characters in these games are complicated and flawed in a cruel world, but in the case of Joel’s brother, Tommy, it may feel excessive and repetitive to have yet another spiral into fruitless and punishing revenge.
The narratives of these games have always emphasized the cyclical and futile nature of revenge. However, the way we see characters deal with this differs in each game. The first gamewas about hope in dire circumstances as Joel slowly comes around to loving and protecting Ellie, and then eventually commits an act of extreme violence to protect what he loves.The Last of Us 2,however, is all about loss and grief as Ellie embarks on a quest for vengeance that never comes, and leaves her alone. Tommy’s devotion is to his brother, and later to Ellie too, but he is drawn out of his life of peace and family into the chaos of Joel and Ellie’s violent journey.
RELATED:The Last of Us' Cordyceps Development Could Be Very Different
Tommy’s Journey In The Last of Us Series So Far
InThe Last of Us,Tommy is living a stable life with Maria in Jackson post-outbreak.He retains his humanity more so than Joel, who has become disillusioned with the fight for survival in this post-apocalyptic world (until he bonds with Ellie, that is). Tommy makes a decision in the first game that hugely informs his character, which is that he chooses to return to his life with Maria rather than accompanying Joel and Ellie to the Firelfies' lab. He later welcomes Ellie and Joel into his community and, although he is aware of what Joel has done, he understands the familial love and devotion that Joel has experienced.
The events ofThe Last of Us 2,however, completely traumatize Tommy.Not only does he lose his brother Joel,but he was present (albeit knocked out) at his death. Joel’s death is the catalyst for Tommy finally choosing the path of violence and chaos over his life with Maria. This is ultimately Tommy’s downfall, but like both Joel and Ellie, his actions are motivated by love. This is the moral dilemma at the heart of the franchise, which explores the outcome of dark and violent actions done in the name of love. Joel chooses to save Ellie, Ellie and Tommy both try to avenge Joel, and all of the violence only begets more violence.
At the end of the second game,Tommy is blinded in one eye and left with limited mobility. He returns to Jacksonville but is left bitter and estranged from Maria. He is then the catalyst for Ellie to leave Dina at the farm and again seek out Abby to exact revenge, which leads toThe Last of us 2’s somber endingof Ellie attempting to play the guitar after losing fingers in her fight with Abby.
RELATED:Now is the Best Time to Play The Last of Us 2
The Future For Tommy In The Last of Us Series
Certainly,there is a lot left to explore about Tommy’s character.He’s a man who’s lost everything and his future seems very uncertain. Over the entire series, we see repeatedly how violence and revenge bring no satisfaction, and Tommy emphasizes this point. The game goes to great lengths to show us the motivation behind these actions, be it Tommy and Ellie’s quest for revenge, Abby’s quest for revenge, or Joel’s decision to save Ellie. At the same time, though, it shows us in great detail the consequences of these actions, too.
Both Ellie and Tommy are left physically impaired by the events of the second game. If Tommy were to continue his quest for revenge, it’s hard to imagine how much more his body could take. His story would eventually mirror Ellie’s in exemplifying how both mentally and physically punishing seeking revenge is. While fans might get some catharsis from a happy ending for him in the next game, it seems almost too painful to haveTommy endure more physical and psychological tortureto reach that point.
Furthermore, consider the narrative arc of the games as a whole, Tommy returning would not work. The first game was part of a larger trend in video games wherein players assumed control of father figures with a young child character to protect or rescue. Playing as Joel and keeping Ellie safe evoked strong feelings from players, who could see the love behind Joel’s violent actions (though not necessarily condone them). The second game dealt with the loss of the connection built in the first, by having players now control Ellie without Joel and see first-hand howthe loss affects those who knew him.
The next game in the series may need to remind fans of the strength of a bond like Joel’s and Ellie’s in the next game, rather than meditating on the ruthless and futile nature of revenge. It seems hard to imagine Tommy as a vital part of any new story since he is so closely intertwined with Joel. His character has had a brush with darkness, and it may be better to retire him in Jackson with the hope that he eventually reconciles with Maria or reconnects with Ellie. Tommy may be better suited to ashort DLC to wrap up his storyas opposed to a full-on game, though even that may not be necessary. After all, yet another story focused on watching him suffer could be a bit of overkill.
The Last of Us Part 2is out now on PS4 and PS5.
MORE:How The Last of Us 2 Ending Could Have Been Much Different
