Does Joel Return in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5? Flashback Explained and What It Means for Episode 6

Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us were left stunned as Pedro Pascal’s Joel made a surprise return in Season 2, Episode 5, despite his character’s death earlier in the season.

This unexpected appearance has quickly become a trending topic, sparking intense speculation and excitement across social media and search engines.

In the closing moments of Episode 5, titled “Feel Her Love,” viewers witness Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) brutal encounter with Nora, a member of Abby’s crew.

After Ellie’s violent interrogation, the screen fades to black-then suddenly, Ellie wakes up in her bedroom in Jackson, greeted by Joel standing in the doorway with his signature, “Hey, kiddo”. This emotional scene marks Pedro Pascal’s first on-screen return as Joel since the character’s death in Episode 2.

What Does the Flashback in Episode 5 Mean? Major Clues for Episode 6

The Significance of Joel’s Flashback

Joel’s return isn’t a resurrection but a carefully placed flashback. The showrunners have emphasized that Joel’s presence would continue to be felt throughout Season 2, mirroring the structure of The Last of Us Part II video game, where Joel frequently appears in flashbacks to deepen the emotional narrative and explore his complex relationship with Ellie.

The flashback at the end of Episode 5 signals a shift in storytelling. It’s not just a memory-it’s a narrative device meant to:

• Highlight Ellie’s trauma and guilt: The flashback is triggered after Ellie kills Nora, underscoring how Joel’s influence and their unresolved relationship continue to haunt her actions.
• Set up future revelations: This flashback will continue in Episode 6, potentially revealing more about Joel and Ellie’s time in Jackson and providing crucial context for Joel’s controversial decision at the hospital (the Season 1 finale).

When Does the Flashback Take Place?

The brief flashback at the end of Episode 5 is set during Ellie and Joel’s time together in Jackson, before the events that led to Joel’s death. This period is significant because it explores the evolving, sometimes strained, bond between the two central themes in the game and the series.

What to Expect in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6: The Flashback’s Impact

The integration of Joel’s flashback is more than fan service. It’s a strategic move to:

• Deepen Ellie’s character arc: By revisiting key moments from her past with Joel, the show will likely explore Ellie’s internal struggles and motivations as she seeks vengeance.
• Reveal hidden truths: The continuation of the flashback in Episode 6 is expected to provide more insight into what happened at the hospital and how it shaped both Joel and Ellie moving forward.
• Maintain Joel’s emotional presence: Even after his death, Joel remains a driving force in Ellie’s journey, ensuring his legacy and impact are felt throughout the season.

Conclusion

Joel’s return in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 is a pivotal moment that honors the original game’s narrative style and sets the stage for deeper emotional storytelling in Episode 6 and beyond. The flashback’s timing and content promise to reveal more about Joel and Ellie’s past, ensuring that fans will eagerly tune in to see how these memories shape the series’ future.

About The Last of Us 2

The second season of The Last of Us, premiering on HBO on April 13, 2025, continues the post-apocalyptic story based on Naughty Dog’s video game franchise.

Set five years after the first season, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) now live in Jackson, Wyoming, alongside Tommy (Gabriel Luna), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino).

Renewed shortly after its January 2023 debut, the season adapts The Last of Us Part II, with co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann joined by writers Halley Gross and Bo Shim. Filmed in British Columbia (February–August 2024), the seven-episode season features directing by Druckmann, Mazin, Peter Hoar, Kate Herron, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Mark Mylod, and Stephen Williams. Gustavo Santaolalla returns as composer.