The Last of Us Season 2 Features Joel Flashback in Episode 5

The Last of Us Season 2, episode 5 featured a poignant surprise with the brief return of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, in a flashback scene that left fans both emotional and eager for more. Joel's appearance occurs as Ellie, chasing Abby's accomplice Nora, uncovers painful truths about Joel's past actions, including his shooting of Eugene, which has strained Ellie and Joel's relationship. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have confirmed that episode 6 will explore these flashbacks in depth, providing context to the tension seen between Joel and Ellie earlier in the season and addressing lingering mysteries such as Eugene's death. The flashback scene, showing Joel waking Ellie with a warm "Hey Kiddo," contrasts sharply with the current timeline's grim events and highlights the emotional core of their bond. While Joel's death early in the season remains, these flashbacks serve to deepen the narrative and character development, with Pascal's return offering a bittersweet connection to the show's earlier moments. Fans anticipate that future episodes will continue to weave these past scenes to enrich the present storyline and Ellie’s quest for revenge.