Ellie Drown Abby? The Emotional Impact Explored

Hey guys! Let's dive into a heavy what-if scenario from The Last of Us Part II: What if Ellie actually did drown Abby at the end of their final confrontation? It's a question that gnaws at the soul, especially considering the emotional rollercoaster we ride throughout the game. To really get into this, we need to unpack the narrative choices that led us to that moment, the characters involved, and the overarching themes of the game.

The Weight of Revenge and the Cycle of Violence

The core of the game revolves around the cycle of violence and the devastating impact of revenge. Ellie's journey is fueled by the brutal murder of Joel, her father figure, and her quest for vengeance consumes her. We see her morph from a young woman seeking justice into someone almost unrecognizable, driven by rage and grief. This transformation is crucial because it highlights the central question the game poses: At what cost does revenge come? Ellie's obsession blinds her, leading her to make choices that alienate her loved ones and inflict immense pain on herself. Consider her relationship with Dina, which crumbles under the weight of Ellie's compulsion. The farm provides a temporary respite, a glimpse of the life Ellie could have, but the specter of Abby and Joel's death continues to haunt her, pulling her back into the abyss. So, if Ellie had drowned Abby, she would have completed her mission of revenge, but what would the emotional aftermath look like?

Think about it: killing Abby wouldn't magically erase the trauma or bring Joel back. Instead, it would likely deepen the emotional scars Ellie carries. The cycle of violence would continue, with Ellie becoming the perpetrator of the very act that caused her so much pain. There's a strong argument to be made that sparing Abby was the only way for Ellie to even begin to heal. The game subtly suggests that forgiveness – not necessarily condoning Abby's actions, but releasing the grip of vengeance – is the only path toward some semblance of peace. Drowning Abby would be a pyrrhic victory, a win that ultimately costs Ellie her soul. It's a dark thought, but necessary to explore the game's complex themes.

The Ripple Effect on Ellie's Character Arc

Let's consider Ellie herself. Her character arc is one of the most compelling and tragic aspects of the game. She starts as a young woman grappling with survivor's guilt and the weight of her immunity, then evolves into a vengeful force, and finally reaches a point of agonizing decision. The choice to spare Abby is not just about Abby; it's about Ellie choosing to step away from the darkness that has consumed her. It's a moment of profound self-awareness, a glimmer of hope that she can reclaim her humanity. Now, imagine that moment stripped away. If Ellie had killed Abby, that glimmer would be extinguished. She would be trapped, perhaps forever, in the cycle of violence.

Her relationships would likely suffer irreparable damage. Dina's choice to leave was already influenced by Ellie's obsession. Killing Abby would only validate Dina's fears and reinforce the idea that Ellie is too consumed by vengeance to be a healthy partner or mother. The fragile peace she found on the farm would be shattered completely, leaving her isolated and alone with her guilt. More broadly, the ending where Ellie spares Abby is a powerful statement about the futility of revenge. It challenges the player to consider whether the satisfaction of retribution is worth the long-term cost. If Ellie had drowned Abby, the game's message would be drastically different. It might inadvertently suggest that violence is the answer, undermining the narrative's complexity and moral ambiguity. This is why Ellie's choice to show mercy is so important. It's a testament to her resilience and her capacity for growth, even in the face of unimaginable pain.

The Impact on Abby and Lev

It's not just about Ellie, though. We also need to think about Abby and Lev. Abby's character is deliberately complex. She's not just a villain; she's a survivor with her own trauma and motivations. She, too, is caught in a cycle of violence, driven by the loss of her Firefly family. Her journey with Lev, a young Seraphite who challenges her worldview, begins to soften her edges. Lev's influence is pivotal in Abby's arc, representing a potential for redemption and a path away from hatred. If Ellie had drowned Abby, she would not only be taking a life but also potentially condemning Lev to a future of further trauma and suffering. Lev has already experienced so much loss, and Abby has become a surrogate mother figure to him. Her death would undoubtedly shatter him and perhaps set him on his own path of revenge. This is the insidious nature of the cycle of violence – it perpetuates itself, creating new victims and fueling more hatred.

Abby's death would also rob the narrative of a significant parallel between her and Ellie. Both women are driven by loss and vengeance, but their paths diverge in the end. Abby's choice to spare Dina and Tommy showcases her own capacity for mercy, a capacity that Ellie ultimately mirrors. This mirroring is crucial to the game's thematic resonance. It suggests that even in a world as brutal as this, there is still hope for empathy and understanding. If Ellie had drowned Abby, this parallel would be lost, and the game's message would be far more bleak. The complex relationship between Abby and Lev also adds a layer of depth to the game's world. It demonstrates that even within warring factions, human connection is possible. Abby's protection of Lev humanizes her and challenges the player to see her as more than just an antagonist. Killing her would erase this nuance and reduce her to a mere victim of Ellie's rage.

The Broader Narrative Implications

Beyond the individual characters, Ellie drowning Abby would have significant implications for the broader narrative of The Last of Us universe. The game is not just about personal vendettas; it's about the collapse of society and the struggle for survival in a world ravaged by the infected. The cycle of violence is a microcosm of the larger societal breakdown, where trust is scarce, and brutality is commonplace. The ending where Ellie spares Abby offers a glimmer of hope that humanity can rise above its baser instincts. It suggests that even in the darkest of times, empathy and forgiveness are possible.

If Ellie had killed Abby, the game would reinforce a much more pessimistic worldview. It would suggest that violence is the only answer and that the cycle of hatred is unbreakable. This would be a disservice to the game's complex themes and its exploration of the human condition. The ending we got is divisive, but it's also thought-provoking. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the nature of revenge. A more straightforward, violent conclusion might have been more cathartic in the short term, but it would have ultimately been less meaningful. The game's lasting impact comes from its willingness to grapple with difficult moral questions and its refusal to offer easy answers. Ellie's decision is a testament to this, leaving us with a sense of unease and a lingering question: Can we break the cycle?

My Own Gut Reaction

Honestly, if Ellie had drowned Abby, I think I would have felt a sense of hollow victory. There might have been a fleeting moment of satisfaction, a sense that justice had been served. But that feeling would quickly be replaced by a deep unease and a sense of loss. Loss for Ellie, who would have sacrificed a part of her soul. Loss for the potential for healing and reconciliation. And loss for the game itself, which would have missed an opportunity to make a powerful statement about the human capacity for empathy. The ending we got, while challenging, is ultimately more rewarding because it forces us to confront the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection. It's an ending that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and discussion. And that, in my opinion, is the mark of a truly great game.

In conclusion, the hypothetical scenario of Ellie drowning Abby is a powerful thought experiment. It highlights the importance of the choices we make, the consequences of our actions, and the enduring human struggle to break free from the cycle of violence. The game's actual ending, where Ellie spares Abby, is a testament to the power of empathy and the potential for redemption, even in the darkest of times. What do you guys think? How would you have felt?