Movies

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 is arriving soon. Here’s a Season 1 recap

BBG News

Following a two-year hiatus, the much-loved show featuring fungal zombies and an apocalypse is making its comeback: Season 2 of “The Last of Us” kicks off this Sunday.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d express it like this: Crafted by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, HBO’s critically acclaimed survival drama takes us into a world overrun by a baffling mutant cordyceps fungus, transforming humans into terrifying, mindless beasts. Based on the popular video game, this gripping nine-episode series chronicled the story of hardened smuggler-turned-surrogate father figure Joel (Pedro Pascal) and his teen companion Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who embarked on a treacherous cross-country journey to uncover a cure for this devastating infection. It’s Ellie’s unique immunity that offers our last hope for salvation.

Here’s everything you need to know about Season 1 before diving into Season 2.

Review

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 review: Survival is not just about staying alive

As a devoted fan, I’d say that while the first season of ‘The Last of Us’ took us on a harrowing journey through a nation overrun by cordyceps, the second season seems to delve deeper into the treacherous terrain of the human heart.

How did the apocalypse happen?

In the universe of “The Last of Us,” a baffling cordyceps infestation swept through in 2003, decimating mankind. Individuals who contracted this fungus metamorphosed into creatures resembling zombies, driven solely by the need to spread the infection further. As they spend more time infected, their appearance grows increasingly grotesque and monstrous.

Two decades have passed, and what was once a thriving society in America has disintegrated, leaving survivors under the rule of military governments run by FEDRA (the Federal Disaster Response Agency) or quarantine zones that were previously managed by this oppressive agency. Some areas, however, have been freed from FEDRA’s control and are now self-governed, while others consist of independent communities established by survivors themselves. Additionally, some individuals prefer to live in solitude rather than join these settlements.

Who are the key players?

In the initial series, we meet Joel Miller, a man who works as a contractor and resides with his adolescent daughter, Sarah. Tragically, Sarah is slain by a solider amidst the turmoil of the outbreak while Joel was attempting to escort them to safety. This devastating event leaves an indelible mark on Joel, one from which he struggles to recover.

By 2023, Joel has drifted apart from his brother Tommy and now works as an underground dealer, handling jobs beyond Boston’s quarantine zone alongside his associate Tess. Following a botched transaction, they encounter Ellie, a young girl detained by the Fireflies, a rebel faction. Marlene, their leader, proposes that Joel and Tess sneak Ellie out of the urban area in return for necessary supplies.

As a film enthusiast, let me share my insights: In the storyline, it’s revealed that I, Ellie, seem to be resistant to the cordyceps infection. Marlene, our guiding force, has orchestrated a transportation plan to a Fireflies community in the west, banking on my unique immunity as a potential key to unraveling a cure. Interestingly, this resistance might originate from my mother contracting the infection right before I was born.

Were they successful?

Apologies, but the exchange didn’t go as planned! The Fireflies who were supposed to guide Ellie cross-country became infected prior to our meeting point. Sadly, Tess was among those affected too. With no one else left to help us, Joel and I decided to hunt down the remaining Fireflies ourselves.

Over the course of their dangerous expedition, Joel and Ellie form a strong bond while battling numerous monstrous creatures and unsavory individuals. However, they also meet Tommy, who is now happily settled in the tranquil community of Jackson, Wyoming, where he’s married.

Joel and Ellie travel to Salt Lake City, where doctors plan to operate on Ellie to find a cure. However, Joel learns that the operation would actually end her life (they need her brain), so he becomes violent in an attempt to prevent the Fireflies and flees with Ellie. On their way back to Jackson, Ellie asks about what happened, and Joel explains that a militia group had previously failed to create a cure using other immune people and decided to stop.

What’s next? (No spoilers)

This upcoming season continues the story some years after Season 1’s events, with Ellie and Joel now contributing to the community in Jackson. New characters joining the cast include Dina (played by Isabela Merced), Jesse (Young Mazino), and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). For a spoiler-free review, check it out here.

Television

Audience opinions are split regarding the season finale of “The Last of Us.” Our team breaks down the variations between HBO’s portrayal and the original game, offering insights into why Joel makes certain choices and whether they can be justified.

How about some spoilers?

Starting from Season 2 and onwards, we’ll be exploring “The Last of Us Part II” narrative. For those who have played the game, you can anticipate a blend of romance, emotional turmoil, loss, and an abundance of vengeance. The game also presents diverse groups of people living distinct lives compared to Jackson’s community. Additionally, there may be further insights into the various forms and actions of the infected.

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2025-04-11 19:01

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