The Quiet Brother Might Not Stay Quiet for Long
In a world crawling with clickers, cults, and heartache, Tommy Miller somehow managed to keep his soul intact—for now. In Season 1 of The Last of Us, Tommy wasn’t just Joel’s younger brother. He was a steady presence, a moral anchor, and maybe even the only adult in the room when things got rough. But that might change. And soon.

As we barrel toward Season 2, it’s fair to ask: what happens if Tommy snaps?
Because, let’s be honest, all the signs are there.
From Soldier to Settler: Tommy’s Tricky Balancing Act
Let’s rewind for a second. Tommy started out as a soldier, both literally and emotionally. He joined the Fireflies to make a difference. He wanted to believe in something bigger. That didn’t last, but the intention stuck. By the time Joel and Ellie found him in Jackson, he was a changed man—a community leader, a husband, even a father figure.
But here’s the thing: Jackson is a bubble. And bubbles pop.
It’s easy to be peaceful in paradise. But what happens when that paradise gets blood on the walls?
Gabriel Luna’s Clues: Tommy’s Not Done Yet
Gabriel Luna, the actor behind Tommy, hasn’t exactly kept quiet about what’s coming. In interviews, he teased that Tommy might get a little more… flammable.
“They put that flamethrower in my hands for a reason,” Luna joked, which sure doesn’t sound like someone settling down to a life of gardening.
So yes, we’re reading between the lines, but fans aren’t blind. If Joel goes down, Tommy might go rogue.
And if you played the game, you already know what that looks like.
Spoiler-ish But Not Quite: What the Game Tells Us
The Last of Us Part II paints a much darker Tommy. No spoilers, but let’s say this: peace doesn’t stick.
In the game, Joel’s death throws Tommy into a spiral. His moral compass? Totally fried. His body? Damaged. His relationships? Frayed like old shoelaces.
If the show even nods toward that arc, buckle up. TV Tommy could shift from hometown hero to unpredictable avenger.
The Recipe for a Break
There’s more than one way for a character to fall apart. Tommy’s not all rage and grief, but he’s not immune either. If we do get Joel’s demise in Season 2, Tommy’s emotional dam might burst. Here’s what could push him over:
- Joel’s Death: The biggest domino. If it falls, Tommy might lose his grip.
- Jackson Under Siege: Conflict hitting home could awaken old instincts.
- Isolation: Maria and Jackson might not support a revenge mission. Tommy could end up alone.
These ingredients simmer just under the surface. It wouldn’t take much for them to boil over.
A Reflection of Ellie?
Now here’s where things get spicy. Imagine Tommy echoing Ellie’s vengeance arc. Not mirroring it, exactly—he’s older, more worn down. But driven by the same fire.
Wouldn’t that be a twist?
Ellie and Tommy, both spiraling, but from different angles. One fueled by rage, the other by guilt. Their paths might cross. Or maybe even collide. Either way, Tommy stepping out of Joel’s shadow could shake up the entire season.
The Man, The Myth, The Wild Card
Here’s the fun part. Nobody really knows what Tommy’s gonna do next.
Will he become a rogue element? A mentor gone mad? A tragic echo of his brother? We’re not sure.
But that’s why he’s perfect as Season 2’s wild card.
He’s got the skills, the pain, the history. And more importantly, he’s got nothing to lose.
That makes him dangerous.
Possible Scenarios (And Fan Theories We Love)
There are already Reddit threads exploding with speculation. Here are a few theories fans keep tossing around:
- Tommy Hunts Abby: If Joel dies like in the game, Tommy might beat Ellie to the revenge party.
- Tommy Dies for Ellie: Some think he could sacrifice himself to stop her spiral.
- Tommy Goes Full Lone Wolf: Picture him ditching Jackson entirely. No more community. Just vendetta.
- Tommy Becomes The Next Joel: He might try to guide Ellie, whether she wants it or not.
All juicy. All possible. All terrifying.
Why We Should Watch Tommy Closely
Tommy’s not just Joel’s little brother anymore. He’s a man sitting at a crossroads. One wrong step, and he’s not coming back.

So while Ellie grabs most of the spotlight, and Joel remains a towering shadow, keep your eyes on Tommy. He might not talk much, but when he acts? He shakes the ground.
And when the world falls apart (again), Tommy Miller might be the one holding the last match.
When the Dust Settles…
One thing is clear: Tommy’s journey in Season 2 won’t be quiet. It won’t be simple. And it definitely won’t be safe.
Whether he becomes a reluctant hero, a shattered avenger, or something in between, he’s stepping into the spotlight.
So sit tight. Keep your flamethrowers ready. And don’t sleep on Tommy Miller.
He just might burn it all down.