Editor’s Letter – Issue 194
Our cover man, Pedro Pascal has had more TV and movie roles than I’ve had 12.1% inflationary hot meals. So I shouldn’t have been too concerned when I found out that he had picked up the leading role in The Last of Us series. But probably like many middle-aged fathers who still play video games, I felt a sense of investment in the original PlayStation version. Not only was it an immersive interactive cinematic crossover between linear storytelling and gameplay, but rightly or wrongly I took it as a guide to fatherhood. Granted, I didn’t have to shield my then 3-year-old daughter from fungal infected zombies in a post-apocalyptic world, but I took away some concepts that are important in any context, apocalyptic or otherwise. And I have to say that not only did Pedro do a great job in the role, but the whole series is a beautiful adaptation.
At the centre of the narrative lies the burgeoning bond between Joel, a grizzled survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s salvation. As the two traverse the perilous landscape, their relationship blossoms into a profound connection that mimics that of a father and daughter. As they battle infected creatures and hostile humans, the story of The Last of Us reveals several important aspects of fatherhood that apply even beyond the confines of a dystopian world. And before you judge me for getting my rules for parenthood from a videogame/TV series, you should know that I have had seven years of awkward stares or eye-rolling at my dad jokes, so I have lost all sense of shame and any energy to care really. Anyway, here are my three The
Last of Us Lessons for Fatherhood:
1. Nurture Resilience
As Joel and Ellie forge their way through the apocalyptic wasteland, they encounter numerous challenges that test their strength and fortitude. A father must help his child develop resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. By providing emotional support and fostering a strong sense of self-worth, a father can help equip his child with the tools needed to overcome a lot of life’s inevitable challenges – even apparently fungal pandemics.
2. Be Vulnerable
One of the most poignant aspects of The Last of Us is the way it explores the vulnerability of its characters. Joel’s emotional journey, from a stoic survivor to a man capable of love and trust, showcases the power of vulnerability in forging deep connections.
3. It Goes Both Ways
The evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie demonstrates that fatherhood is not a one-way street. While Joel teaches Ellie valuable survival skills and lessons about life, she, in turn, imparts wisdom, compassion, and perspective. A father can glean valuable insights from his child, as their unique perspectives and experiences can offer a refreshing outlook on life.
Oh, and there’s one more bonus lesson that’s not even particular to fatherhood really, but what I love about the storytelling in The Last of Us is the concept that even in the very worst of times, the human spirit can triumph.
Anyway, I’ll leave you with that. I’m off to get macro-economic investing advice from old clips of Magnum PI from YouTube.
