The Last of Us 2 fans can find clever touches everywhere they look, with everything from the game’s trading card collectibles to its environments offering interesting things to see. However, the character models in The Last of Us 2 are no different.
While fans have spent plenty of time debating over Abby’s physique or studying Ellie and Joel for art pieces, it seems like the minor characters deserve some attention as well. While it makes sense for Dina and Lev to boast lots of intricate details, it seems like someone who only features briefly has been shown some extra love from Naughty Dog. Dina’s son JJ is a playful youngster, and one detail may add to that trait.
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While The Last of Us 2 fans do get to hold JJ during the game’s farm sequence, and Ellie shares some funny dialogue with the child, players are also able to get a look at him sleeping at another point in the game. Normally, players will only notice JJ with his eyes closed, as it looks like he is fast asleep whenever Ellie walks by his crib. However, it seems like he was faking. If players look away from the sleeping baby, but still keep the camera fixed upon him, they will notice that he was never actually asleep in the first place.
If Ellie walks away from JJ, he will open his eyes and stare directly at her. If she looks back, they will close once again, showing that he is intentionally pretending to be asleep. Pointed out by Reddit user australiughhh, the discovery has blown a lot of players away. Some fans, like xTuni, point out that this was something that they would do when they were younger, as JJ may be tricking Ellie so he can stay up a bit later.
Another possibility is that JJ could just be trying to mess with Ellie, playing a game with one of his two mothers. Still, others argue a much darker theory for why JJ is trying to avoid her gaze. Gandalfahana argues that he is probably a little scared of her, as she may have had several off-camera outbursts of the PTSD she experienced in the barn. Fruhmann adds to this, with the Redditor stating that this could be a defense mechanism JJ is using so that he can “hide” from Ellie. While this is a much sadder and darker take, it does seem possible, especially with the overall tone of the game.
With some fans split on whether the detail is adorable or creepy, too, many seem to have thoughts on australiughhh’s discovery. Regardless, most will likely agree that this secret is a clear example of the care that Naughty Dog puts into its games.
The Last of Us 2 is available now on PS4.
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