Is Joel's Death Necessary for Part 2's Story?

It's clear that Joel's death was a pivotal moment in the story of The Last of Us Part 2. While some may argue that the narrative could have taken a different direction if he had survived, his death served as a launching point for Ellie's journey and the main conflict of the game. Removing that crucial event would fundamentally change the dynamics between characters and the emotional impact on players. Ultimately, Joel's death was essential in driving the themes of revenge, loss, and consequences in the game's narrative.