Joel’s 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 Tess’ apartment. His watch broke the minute Sarah died, so for Ellie to say “your watch is broken” 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, I’m sure it annoyed him more than anything because why did she have to point it out? But idk interpret how you please cause I’m 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. It’s 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 They’re 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 didn’t have to. He could’ve 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 that’s reaching, idk. But Ellie being the reason he’s 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 hasn’t, he’s being reminded of her so heavily in this moment. This kid he’s really starting to care for is there, laughing and being a kid with another kid, and playing makeshift soccer. For a moment, he’s brought aback
Episode 6 ^. This was a hard one bc their outfits the whole time are winter, so his watch isn’t in any scenes. It’s in his scenes with Tommy when his big coat is off, but otherwise it’s hidden. But after the ranch argument and he thinks back to Sarah, this is what’s focused on. He’s 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 Sarah’s face at their table, she looks…disappointed almost. Maybe that’s the internal conflict Joel is having with himself in this moment. What he said to Ellie isn’t true and he knows it. But because of his failure and knowing he’ll get her killed, he has to push her away. But when he thinks back to Sarah, she’s 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. Don’t ask me how it’s special as I’ve done my analyzing for the week, but it’s something. It’s special. It’s 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 it’s gonna be painful if I’m right. But again, focal shot. Showing where they are, how far they’ve come. He is holding her now. To bring repulsed by her and annoyed and reluctant and tired with everything about her, he’s holding her against his neck to comfort her. Eyes are closed, taking her in and feeling the relief that she’s alive after running through this town looking for her. How his little girl is okay
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