We loved Joel because he was flawed—a smuggler with a soft spot, a father figure who chose love over humanity. His death isn’t just a plot point; it’s a cultural gut-punch that mirrors real life: people we rely on can vanish in an instant. The game leans into this by forcing you to play as Abby, the killer, which is about as comfortable as a wet sleeping bag.
Cultural reference alert: This narrative pivot is often compared to Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding. Both moments shatter expectations to explore consequences. If you’re still fuming, you’re not alone—Reddit threads on this topic could fill a library.