Joelβs watch has been a focal shot or an understood in every episode, and every time, it has been directly with Ellie or associated with her in some fashion, and I think it shows their evolution in a way
Episode 1 ^. Obviously, their scene in Joel and Tessβ apartment. His watch broke the minute Sarah died, so for Ellie to say βyour watch is brokenβ is most likely what brings up his nightmares easier that night and him mumbling in his sleep. Bringing up those failures yet again, as his biggest failure is physically on him at all times. As much as it probably surprised him, Iβm sure it annoyed him more than anything because why did she have to point it out? But idk interpret how you please cause Iβm not the expert here
Episode 2 ^. Saving her from the clicker in the museum, pushing it back with this forearm and his watch being directly in the light of her flashlight. Itβs really impossible to be missed. The protective instinct kicks in, trying to push the clicker away from her and closer to him, letting it get very close to his face to keep it away from her
Episode 3 ^. Seatbelt <3 Theyβre closer at this point, Joel literally willing to reach across her to grab her seatbelt, pull it out in front of her to show her, and repeat the word to her. He didnβt have to. He couldβve just grabbed his own and yanked it out in front of him so she could follow suit, but no. The man who aggressively yanked his hand away from her like 3 days prior was now obnoxiously close to her, like personal space is nonexistent at this moment, and showing her how to be safe.
Episode 4 ^. Them giggling together. This hand was up by his mouth every time he went to sleep. Maybe a subconscious thing he did to keep Sarah close to him. Maybe thatβs reaching, idk. But Ellie being the reason heβs giggling and then having his watch right there as he giggles and tries to conceal his laughing makes me feel fuzzy and I wish I could better articulate why
Episode 5 ^. While not directly on screen, it is insinuated. Him watching Ellie be a little kid with Sam and play soccer, of all things (as we know Sarah was a soccer player). Joel has probably sat at a distance before and watched Sarah goof off with a soccer ball with her friends. Even if he hasnβt, heβs being reminded of her so heavily in this moment. This kid heβs really starting to care for is there, laughing and being a kid with another kid, and playing makeshift soccer. For a moment, heβs brought aback
Episode 6 ^. This was a hard one bc their outfits the whole time are winter, so his watch isnβt in any scenes. Itβs in his scenes with Tommy when his big coat is off, but otherwise itβs hidden. But after the ranch argument and he thinks back to Sarah, this is whatβs focused on. Heβs remembering Sarah, of course, but I think a hint of Ellie is there. A wanting to take her back. A what could be. How much he misses his daughter and has a prime opportunity right in front of him to get her back. Someone on here pointed out, and forgive me I cannot remember who it was but all credit to them for pointing this out and I am 100% going to butcher what they originally said, but when Joel thinks back to Sarahβs face at their table, she looksβ¦disappointed almost. Maybe thatβs the internal conflict Joel is having with himself in this moment. What he said to Ellie isnβt true and he knows it. But because of his failure and knowing heβll get her killed, he has to push her away. But when he thinks back to Sarah, sheβs disappointed. Your second chance is right there. Go and take her back. Despite what you think, this is your chance to not fail. To not fail me again.
Episode 7 ^. Again, not directly shown, but insinuated. This is, after all, the hand his watch is on. And I think her holding this specific hand and all this connection between them being made through his watch hand is special. Donβt ask me how itβs special as Iβve done my analyzing for the week, but itβs something. Itβs special. Itβs the depth of their connection and the love they both have for each other. That both of them now know how much the other does
And of course episode 8 ^. And I feel I know what the shot will be in episode 9 and itβs gonna be painful if Iβm right. But again, focal shot. Showing where they are, how far theyβve come. He is holding her now. To bring repulsed by her and annoyed and reluctant and tired with everything about her, heβs holding her against his neck to comfort her. Eyes are closed, taking her in and feeling the relief that sheβs alive after running through this town looking for her. How his little girl is okay
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