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Could ellieโ€™s call to โ€˜dadโ€™ have changed abbyโ€™s mind?

Abby's Choices in The Last of Us | Did Ellieโ€™s Cry Change Her Decision?

By

Chloe Kim

Mar 14, 2026, 09:37 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

Updated

Mar 14, 2026, 04:12 PM

2 minutes of duration

Ellie shouts 'Dad!' in a tense moment, creating a strong emotional reaction in Abby, who appears conflicted in the background.
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A heated debate is spiraling within the The Last of Us community, focusing on whether Abby would have acted differently if Ellie shouted, "Dad!" instead of "Joel!" during a critical scene. This emotional plea raises questions about how familial connections influence decisions under pressure.

Adding Context to the Controversy

Fans have taken to forums, pondering Abby's motivations stemming from her father's murder and whether she might have hesitated in her pursuit of revenge. The emotional stakes increase as they reflect on character dynamics in a world driven by violence.

Varied Fan Reactions

Commentators express mixed views on the potential impact of Ellieโ€™s shout:

  • Perspective on Humanity: One participant argued, "If young Abby saw Ellie as a person, she mightโ€™ve considered her loved ones, saying, 'Hey dad, why donโ€™t we wake her up and ask?'

  • Emotional Guilt: Many believe even if Abby hesitated, it might only intensify her guilt. "In the moment, she would have seen it as further justification for her actions," noted a fan.

  • Tunnel Vision: A different perspective pointed out that Abbyโ€™s focus was razor-sharp on revenge: "Sheโ€™s there for revenge for HER father. I think sheโ€™d have hit him harder."

Community Sentiment

Responses on user boards range from nostalgia to frustration:

"The theater fight was an immersion-breaking mess, and that moment was when Abby lost me for good," one member expressed.

Noteworthy Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Moment of Hesitation: While some suggest Abby might have paused, most feel her drive was too strong to change her action.

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Abbyโ€™s Complex Feelings: Many argue the emotional ties are significant but overshadowed by the heat of revenge.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Powerful Dynamics: "Thereโ€™s genuine love, a father-daughter bond. Itโ€™s understood rather than explicitly stated," summarized another fan, capturing the nuance of the characters' relationship.

What Lies Ahead for Abby and Ellie?

This lively discourse not only reignites interest in The Last of Us but may also hint at new sequels or downloadable content exploring these emotional pivots. As fans delve deeper into Abbyโ€™s character arc, developers might leverage these discussions to shape future narratives, focusing on the moral dilemmas that resonate with players.

A Literary Parallel

Much like Brutus from Julius Caesar, Abby's internal battles reflect the weight of personal connections and moral decisions faced in extreme circumstances. Just as Brutus grappled with betrayal, Abbyโ€™s choices reveal how intertwined personal ties significantly shape decisions, often leading to profound consequences.