*This entire branch is spoilers* (Gaming)

by Cody Miller , Music of the Spheres - Never Forgot, Sunday, July 05, 2020, 09:41 (1383 days ago) @ EffortlessFury

If anything at all in that final scene echoed Joel's execution, I would've called it a day.

Joel flashing right then doesn't really explain the change in heart, since that exact same flash of memory is exactly what drove Ellie away from Dina. If that last flash of memory also flashed back to Ellie pleading on the ground and Lev was doing the same thing on the boat, we would get the exact same ending we did, but tighter, imo.

It's not the same memory, though. That final memory where she wants to try and forgive Joel was only flashed once: just before Ellie let her live. It's arguably the most painful memory for Ellie as it was her finally trying to come around and then Joel is stolen right from her.

But what changed in her character between leaving Dina and the beach? There was no moment of change, no real introspection. There COULD have been if Abby told her Joel killed her father. But as presented, Ellie has no reason to change.

Characters shouldn't just change their minds on a whim. They should have an experience which leads them to change.