The Last Of Us Exclusive: Meet the Never-Before-Seen Miller Family Member!

In a recent episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, viewers were introduced to a character who plays a pivotal yet minimal role in the original video games: Joel and Tommy’s father, Javier Miller. Portrayed by Tony Dalton (known from Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again and Better Call Saul), Javier is depicted as a strict father and a police officer committed to keeping his sons out of mischief. The portrayal of Javier sheds light on his influence on Joel, especially in how Joel approaches parenting Ellie and ensuring her safety over the past five years.

A flashback scene reveals a younger Joel, played by Andrew Diaz, attempting to cover for Tommy who got caught trying to purchase drugs and ended up fighting the dealer. When Joel braced himself for a punishment, he was unexpectedly offered a beer by his father instead.

Neil Druckmann, discussing the scene with EW, noted, “Joel’s actions now reflect a change. He resorted to violence not for its own sake but to protect his tribe, to safeguard Tommy. This incident gives them common ground, a shared understanding. What Javier concludes with is his uncertainty about whether his actions were correct, though he believes he did better than his own father who was more abusive. This doubt lingers with Joel, influencing how he handles his own parental responsibilities with Ellie, whom he loves unconditionally.”

Druckmann also pointed out an additional dimension to the scene, emphasizing not just the ongoing cycle of generational trauma but also the potential for healing and hope between generations.

The episode continues with more flashbacks, concluding in the present day with Ellie in Seattle. These include Ellie’s 16th birthday celebration at a museum—a memorable scene from the game—as well as her 17th birthday which explains the origin of her tattoo, and the moments leading up to her realization that Joel had deceived her about the existence of other immune individuals. This revelation deviates from the game’s storyline, where Ellie explores the hospital in the final scene.

Upon confessing the truth to Ellie on his porch, she responds that she doubts she can forgive him, but expresses a willingness to try. Their exchange in this moment reflects a complex mix of surrogate parenthood and an acute awareness of the real-life consequences of Joel’s actions and the secrets they must keep.

The season finale of HBO’s The Last of Us will be broadcast on Sunday on HBO and Max, at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET.