"The Original Destiny of Abby in The Last of Us Part II Was Significantly Different"
For those who've immersed themselves in The Last of Us Part
II, the poignant tale unfolds despite revenge exacting a gruesome toll on
Abby's friends. In a surprising turn of events, Abby chooses mercy over
vengeance in a dramatic confrontation at the theater, sparing Ellie, Dina, and
Tommy. Instead of succumbing to obsessive hatred, she embarks on a journey with
Lev, the Seraphite boy she rescued, in search of the Fireflies, aiming to
rediscover a semblance of her lost humanity.
Their quest takes an unforeseen turn when they fall into the
clutches of human slavers in coastal California, presenting a grim predicament.
However, Ellie, driven by an unrelenting desire to avenge Joel's death at
Abby's hands, intervenes, freeing them from captivity. The subsequent scene is
one of the game's most uncomfortable and morally conflicting moments as Ellie,
in knee-deep water, reluctantly inflicts harm upon Abby. Yet, amidst the
traumatic memories of Joel's murder haunting her, Ellie experiences a poignant
flash, envisioning Joel playing his guitar. In this moment, she allows Abby and
Lev to escape.
Commentary tracks for The Last of Us Part II have unveiled
that the original plan involved Abby meeting her demise at Ellie's hands, a
resolution that would have brought the cycle of violence full circle. Halley
Gross, the game's co-writer, shared insights, recounting the initial concept of
Abby's demise in the underwater scene. Laura Bailey, Abby's voice actor,
expressed surprise, noting that originally, both Yara and Lev met their end,
leaving Abby alone for the encounter with Ellie.
Neil Druckmann, the creative director, expanded on the
original concept: "And then Ellie kills Abby." Gross emphasized the
significance of preserving Ellie's humanity, leaving a sliver of hope for her
revival. The decision to spare Abby, according to Gross, suggests that Ellie's
core, shaped by Joel's influence, still exists, offering the potential for
redemption under the right circumstances.
The themes of forgiveness and redemption, prominent
throughout the game, contribute to the understanding that following through on
Abby's death would have plunged Ellie into a dark and inescapable abyss. As the
credits roll, the scene of Ellie walking away from the farm hints at the
possibility of hope and redemption still lingering within her.