Joel was never given a redemption (Fan Creations)

by Cody Miller , Music of the Spheres - Never Forgot, Sunday, January 22, 2023, 08:46 (670 days ago) @ Anna Komnene

The story hinges upon Joel failing with his biological daughter, and thus taking care of Ellie as an adopted daughter for redemption. But it just doesn't work if his daughter was adopted too… it's not really a second chance, it's not Joel desperately trying to make peace. It'd be just a redo. Further, children can just happen, so not being a great father but trying to after you realize that to your biological child, is shitty but at least admirable and I think people would root for you. But if you failed your adopted child? Well you chose it, so you're just a piece of shit.

Dude's a selfish asshole when we see him after the time jump, and he's a selfish asshole at the end when he can't let Ellie die because. He saves her because *he* needs her -- not because it's wrong for her to die.

Absolutely. It's redemption in HIS eyes. Something HE needs. To the point where he'll burn anything and anyone to get it.