Did Joel make the right call in "The Last of Us" finale? Join us as we dive deep into the complex portrayal of mental health in cinema, specifically examining attachment and abandonment in the hit HBO series. We dissect Joel's controversial decision regarding Ellie, exploring the emotional weight and psychological implications of his choice. Prepare for a spoiler-filled discussion that's more emotionally charged than a fungal zombie in a bad mood!

From surrogate father figures to the crushing fear of loss, we unpack the nuances of human connection in a post-apocalyptic world. Was it love, trauma, or a potent cocktail of both that drove Joel's actions? Tune in to hear our (possibly slightly unhinged) analysis and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

1:22 Topics of the Day

4:05 Sponsor: Cordyceps Coffee Alternative

5:33 This is a Different Show

12:11 How To Adapt a Videogame

16:31 Loss of a Child

20:42 How to Adapt/Heal

23:30 COVID Kids

29:00 Could you Bomb?

32:00 Realistic Zombies

33:45 Great Plot Device

38:37 Father Escapist Television

Cinemental is a podcast where we discuss mental health in film and television. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And what do you need to know about mental health.

For more episodes you can listen anywhere you get your podcasts by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/cinemental

or watch more on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3Ee9C7r

Follow Filmmaker Jeffrey Jones on Instagram @hugemanmissing

Follow Dr. Joshua Jones on BlueSky @usapsychiatrist

You can also email us at [email protected]

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