The Last of Us creators explain Joel's panic attacks and how they're related to episode 5
The Last of Us episode 6 is punctuated by Joel suffering from panic attacks - something that doesn't ever happen in the games - and the creators have explained in-depth why they made the change.
Now, before we explain any further, here's your *spoiler warning* for The Last of Us episodes 5 and 6. If you aren't caught up, turn back now so we don't ruin anything for you.
In The Last of Us HBO podcast (opens in new tab), hosted by video game Joel actor Troy Baker, co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin explain that Joel's panic attacks are directly connected to the tragic events of episode 5.
As if there's any possible way you've forgotten what happened to brothers Sam (Keivonn Woodard) and Henry (Lamar Johnson) in The Last of Us episode 5, here's a very brief recap: Sam is bitten and infected during a struggle with a horde of infected and is killed by Henry, who then turns his gun on himself to Joel and Ellie's horror. Pretty grim stuff.
Well, in episode 6, we see Joel clutching at his chest and struggling to steady his breathing a couple of times throughout the episode. And while there are about a million very solid reasons for someone to be experiencing severe anxiety in the world of The Last of Us, Druckmann and Mazin have confirmed that Joel's panic attacks are specifically about Sam and Henry and how their deaths impacted his confidence in his ability to keep Ellie safe.
"We wanted to explore the impact of what's happened to Joel in the wake of Henry and Sam, despite time having passed significantly and it's shown when he exits the cabin and seizes his chest," the duo said (thanks, Collider (opens in new tab)).
"What's happening is Joel is having a panic attack and he doesn't know why. It's your body telling you
Read more on gamesradar.com
