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Warning! Spoilers for The Last of Us season 2 finale!

In the show The Last of Us, creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin discuss the decision-making process behind Jesse (Young Mazino) and his actions, particularly his vote in Jackson and his disagreement with Ellie. The second season primarily revolved around Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) mission for vengeance against Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who had killed Joel (Pedro Pascal). A proposal to pursue Abby in Seattle was presented before the council, but it was ultimately rejected. Despite this, Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) persisted in their pursuit of Abby. In the season finale, Jesse admitted that he voted against Ellie’s plan to safeguard Jackson’s residents.

At a press event where ScreenRant was present, Druckmann and Mazin were questioned about Jesse’s voting preference in the series and his frequent conflicts with Ellie, contrasting his more laid-back demeanor in the game. Druckmann asserts that Jesse remains consistent with his video game persona, choosing to protect Jackson, a decision Joel might also make. Mazin, on the other hand, sees Jesse as an innate leader and observes that the show emphasizes more of his scout-like qualities, reminiscent of an Eagle Scout. You can read their detailed response in the link provided.

Druckmann: In the game, I wouldn’t characterize him that way. When discussing how Jesse might vote, we were both on the same page – he likely would choose to safeguard Jackson, as Jesse is primarily concerned with his community, not humanity as a whole, unlike most characters who prioritize individuals or justice. There’s a resemblance between Jesse and Joel in this regard, as I believe they would make similar decisions in comparable situations.

Mazin: I was really impressed by how dedicated an Eagle Scout Jesse turned out to be, and in the series, we give him a bit more recognition. We even put him on the council and suggest he’s the future leader, like Maria one day. This makes us look up to him and aspire to be like him. He seems like the perfect role model, unlike Ellie who is grappling with her own anxieties and instincts.

What struck me about the final episode, and especially the scene where Ellie and Jesse clash, when she learns of his vote, is her argument that resonated deeply with me. It’s not that what she’s doing is justified, but it challenges his perceived morality so profoundly that I find myself questioning, “Ah, another hero?”, because she’s right. His sense of morality seems so questionable and arbitrary – he considers himself noble and self-sacrificing towards those within the wooden fence, but is willing to let outsiders die, even if they’re children. And I appreciate that, because in reality, very few people truly embody the ideals of an Eagle Scout, except for actual Eagle Scouts.

What This Means For The Last Of Us

The Show Is Filled With Moral Dilemmas

After Joel’s demise in “The Last of Us,” it’s understandable that the audience sympathizes with Ellie, who seems justified in seeking revenge. The council’s decision not to pursue Abby is a hard hit. Yet, Jesse’s reason for voting against chasing Abby also resonates. As Mazin explains, “Jesse’s moral compass has its limits,” which is evident by his statement that he would let anyone outside the fence die.

In “The Last of Us”, one of its strong points is that it provides a platform for viewers to understand and relate to multiple perspectives in a conflict. For instance, in Season 2, Episode 6, when Joel deceives Gail (Catherine O’Hara) regarding her husband’s death, the audience can side with either character based on their personal beliefs. Similarly, when Jesse chooses not to pursue Abby at Ellie’s urging due to feelings about Joel, both arguments are presented clearly, allowing viewers to make their own judgments.

Our Take On Jesse’s Decision

Jesse Does What He Thinks Is Best

In the series, Jesse is portrayed as being more like an “Eagle Scout” than in the game, making his decision to vote against Ellie seem reasonable. Ellie often acts impulsively, letting her emotions guide her choices. However, as demonstrated in the finale of The Last of Us season 2, her actions can lead to tragic outcomes, such as accidentally killing a pregnant woman named Mel (played by Ariela Barer). What keeps viewers hooked on The Last of Us is the moral dilemmas each character must confront.

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2025-05-27 15:18

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