The DLC will be like a side story maybe not even featuring Joel and Ellie. Seriously we don't know at this point but I think you should expect the story to be done in that sense. It was left vague for a reason :P

I think we can agree that watching the cut scenes does not
give you the full experience. And its selling your self and naughty dog short.

Joel lies because it's a test in some ways.

Ellie knows he's not being honest. Why else would she even say "Swear to me that everything you said about the fireflies is true!".

"I swear".

She's afraid of being alone and having Joel swear to her is his way of saying that he isn't going anywhere. She knows it deep down inside and that is why she at the end is okay with it. "Okay".

Also regarding Sales saying Joel was stupid for not figuring it out => During gameplay Joel says they're probably just gonna take a blood test or something. The guy isn't exactly a scientist or a brainiac for that matter. One truly misses a lot by just watching the cutscenes.

Well I think the ending needs little interpretation. Joel evoled from a brute that basically just cared about his own survival. By the end he was the loving father character very much like the begining of the game. Ellie clearly fillls the void of his dead daughter, that is now what he lives for and doesn't want that taken away from him.

I praise Naughty Dog for how well the story was excecuted and genuinely makes you care for the characters.

I was in Joels shoes 110% of the way.

I didn't even know the Doctor would threaten you because the moment I got into that room, I shot every single one within seconds. Running with Ellie had me cry on what I now realize was a way of crying to something that I was AFRAID of happening rather then actually happening. It shows just how much Ellie meant to me and obviously to Joel. I guess I was Joel in that sense. She meant the world to me.

Had it been different: Ellie saying she wants to do it and the doctors somehow guarantees it will work => I would still have done the exact same thing.

I simply grew to love Ellie and I feel she deserves to live her life. Having her carry such a burden isn't fair and that is why Joel lies. He's solely responsible, not Ellie. What helps is the so much interpretation of humanity not being worth saving and so on. But even without that; I'd do what I did over and over again.

Beautiful <3

I never thought of it that way, and good point and I like the idealistic view.

Also Joel knows enough to know that the infection is on the brain, so when Madeline says they will reverse engineer it he knows Ellie will die

Marlene*, yeah.

I honestly thought it was a very touchy and satisfying + to me personally: a happy ending.

But I love how many see it as a dark one or bitter sweet. That's what makes it so remarkable. I am able to be happy while others can discuss all day over this :P. It's cool to see different interpretations but I feel ND hit every right note on me feeling what Joel felt hence why I nearly feel convinced that I am "right" and you guys are "wrong" as stupid as that sounds. (I dont really believe there is any right and wrong haha). Its awesome!!

Well I think Joel started to become suspicious of what they might do. Before you got to the hospital Joel told Ellie they can turn back and stay with Tommy.

Also, he might not have realized how attached he was to her until it was certain she was going to die. That bond didn't really form until late in the game when he recovers from his injury.

for those who are saying joel was selfish, the question is, would you let some people kill a person you love for "the greater good"? no, if its somebody you truly love you wouldnt, it isnt the humane thing to do, its the human thing to do. the ending was perfect IMO

Yeah indeed, so he wasn't exactly clueless. But the fact that the guy atleast delivered her hoping for the best shows something about his character.