#GOD JUST SHDHDHSJSHSJS THEMMM!!!!!

[scootkiddo]

I absolutely LOVED the paralleled late night conversations Joel and Ellie had this episode. Not just because the verbatim framing, but just based off the way it underlined how their domesticity and connection had cultivated even further. In the forest, Ellie attempted treating Joel to a corny pun from her joke book. And he was mildly receptive to the joke and moderately indulged himself to actually answer it (man knows his dad jokes), but this was only momentarily turning over a new leaf. He was also quick to pivot away and brush off any further interaction for the night. And yet, much to his chagrin… he cracked a smile. He felt REAL, genuine amusement! Obscured from Ellie, mind you, but the smile melted away his otherwise cool and deadpan makeup he’d wear. By the tail end of the episode, when she told him another joke… he laughed. He laughed. The hex of humor tore down a barrier of Joel Miller, and he finally allowed himself to savor the value of it. The two of them giggled and cackled the night away as they enjoyed this sweet, sentimental, corny moment that demonstrated just how far their bond had pushed the envelope in an otherwise dire situation. They are bonding. I’m here for it