Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Spoilers follow for the season finale ofThe Last of Us, Look for the Light.
The finale begins with the moment Anna gives birth to Ellie.
At the time of the flashback, Marlene was in her fledgling stages of becoming the big Firefly leader.
The flashback is a snapshot of what Marlene sacrificed.
And then, how hard it is to make the choices she does in the finale.
Theres a continuity for your performance of Marlene that isnt there for any other character.
I can interact with the characters without having to add my imagination to it.
I think it offers a new layer of depth and connection for the audience.
When you see her in real time and in the flesh, something spiritual, visceral happens.
Do we need to add a little bit more?
I think Joel might partly blame Marlene for Tommy leaving the Boston QZ and for the rift between them.
How does Marlene fit into that?
I love what you said, thorny and polarizing.
What does it take for her to choose good for all over what she desires for herself?
That takes a certain kind of person.
Whywouldhe give it up?
What Marlene and Joel share is that they both love this girl.
The difference is, Marlenehasprotected her, her entire life.
And now here is Joel wanting to protect her in a different way.
The turning point in Ellies life, and arguably for the world, is in Joels decision.
And yet she chooses it anyway.
I cant put my finger on why, because I know the situation inside and out.
I know whats at stake.
But it was difficult laying in Marlenes blood.
It was difficult to see Ellie in Joels arms and beg him to let me sacrifice her.
Im overwhelmed by her choices, and by the situation both of them are in.
He is unrelenting in what hes capable of.
I had a hard time.
And yet it is the crux.
It is so simple.
It is that point of no return.
In this moment, we decide everyones fate, basically.
And can you argue that Joel taking this choice off the table is wrong?
He loves that child.
If you are a parent, you know.
Not every person who makes a bad choice is a bad person.
It shapes who they are.
As an audience member, I cant tell Marlene shes wrong, and I cant tell Joel hes wrong.
I feel for both of them.
In our darkest days, how do you let your soul survive?
How do you let your spirit rise above?
And what would you do, or sacrifice, for love?
