The Unlikely Father: Vulnerability in Male-Centric Media
Although the season two finale of The Last of Us seems to prod the ethics of motherhood in a post-apocalyptic world, one of the series’ most powerful themes is its reimagining of fatherhood.The relationship between the two main characters exemplifies how protective, paternal dynamics can emerge in unexpected places and transcend biological ties, especially in times of crisis. Watching the show with my own dad has made me reflect on what it means to have an active father figure in my life and why diverse representations of fatherhood in media matter so deeply.
Just a few generations ago, it wasn’t uncommon for fathers to be physically present yet emotionally distant, leaving nurturing responsibilities almost exclusively to mother figures. This pattern was reinforced by historical norms. For instance, industrialization in the 19th century created a sharp divide between home and workplace. As men became the primary breadwinners and women were pushed into domestic roles, caregiving became seen as a maternal duty. But as this framework has shifted, both in the workplace and in broader gender expectations, so too has our cultural understanding of fatherhood and representation in media.
Today, the expectation that fathers must be stoic and detached is steadily giving way to portrayals of emotionally available, supportive men who recognize the importance of forming strong bonds with their children. This evolution is increasingly reflected in popular media, especially in genres traditionally marketed to men. The archetype of the father figure is no longer just the disciplinarian or protector, but someone who can offer warmth, trust, and emotional connection.
And yet, because traditional masculinity still discourages open vulnerability, these portrayals are often filtered through gritty, high-stakes genres like science-fiction shows or action packed blockbusters. It seems at times as if the emotional intimacy of fatherhood must be disguised in the armor of apocalypse or superhero drama.
The Last of Us epitomizes this trope. The second season follows Ellie as she grieves the loss of Joel, who, while never officially called her father, clearly sees her as his surrogate daughter after losing his own biological child. Ellie, in turn, leans on Joel as a protector, a source of strength and comfort in a disordered society. Their relationship, while quiet and often unspoken, is deeply paternal, and all the more powerful because of it.
Another striking example of this archetype can be found in the many retellings of Batman. Across nearly every iteration, Bruce Wayne finds a father figure in his loyal butler, Alfred, after his own parents are killed in front of him. In Christopher Nolan’s adaptation, there’s a particularly emotional moment where Bruce begins to drop his emotional guard with Alfred, hinting at a buried longing for familial connection. Again, the gritty exterior masks the much more vulnerable themes of trust and protection.
This pattern appears in numerous sci-fi and action narratives, like Logan, Stranger Things, and The Mandalorian, to name a few more. These stories showcase hardened men gradually embracing fatherhood, often through sacrifice, love, and emotional growth. Far from weakening them, these moments of tenderness deepen the characters, showing that strength and tenderness are not mutually exclusive. In fact, a comforting father figure becomes even more meaningful in the chaos of dystopia or danger.
As Father’s Day approaches, these portrayals serve as a timely reminder to appreciate the father figures in our own lives, whether biological or chosen. Vulnerability doesn’t come easily to everyone, especially not to men raised with rigid ideas about masculinity. So if you can, give your father an extra hug this weekend and remind them how much they’re appreciated; not just as protectors, but as caregivers and emotional anchors.
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