That thing we knew was coming happened in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Episode 2. Let’s discuss
This tale delves deep into the major twist from “The Last of Us” Season 2’s second episode. If you haven’t watched that episode yet, perhaps it would be wiser to explore this review or interview instead.
(Clears throat.) Is everything functioning alright? (A loud feedback echoes.) Yes, it’s working fine, but could we lower the volume a bit, if possible? (The noise grows louder, and sounds of distress can be heard.) Well, perhaps not right now. Alright, let’s dive in. Welcome to our support group for “The Last of Us” emotional healing. Tissues and comfort animals are stationed at the rear. Please remember that Kaitlyn Dever is portraying the character Abby, who displays intense vengeance, and while Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) demise in the series was anticipated by those closely following its coverage, it’s crucial to recall that she’s merely an actress. The second season of this show, like the first, will adhere to the game’s original narrative, as confirmed by its creator, Craig Mazin.
Although it was heart-wrenching to see Joel meet a violent end at Abby’s hands, with Ellie (Bella Ramsey) looking on in despair and shock, this grim outcome was not unexpected. Instead of questioning “if” such an event would occur, the real question was always about “when.” And now, viewers have finally learned that the answer unfolded during Sunday night’s episode.

Television
In a heartfelt admission, I found myself wrestling with the truth during the filming of our HBO dystopian series’ second season. The grit and intensity of each scene brought forth revelations about myself that I hadn’t anticipated, making the experience all the more challenging yet enlightening.
Is anyone able to assist the young person over yonder who seems to be having trouble breathing? It looks like they might be experiencing hyperventilation. By the way, rest assured that Pascal’s name continues to appear in the credits throughout the series, and since there are numerous flashbacks within the game, it may help to cope with our shared emotional turmoil. However, it seems premature to take any action other than to collectively endure this trauma for now.
Joel is dead and Ellie has vowed vengeance, setting the stage for the remainder of the season.
During Sunday night’s episode, a variety of events unfolded, some minor such as Eugene’s deserted marijuana farm being found and Ellie accidentally revealing to Jesse that she and Dina had kissed. However, there were also significant occurrences, most notably an assault on Jackson reminiscent of “Game of Thrones,” led by an army of the infected. This attack suggests that these creatures are now capable of strategic thought. The peaceful atmosphere hinted at in Episode 1 has been disrupted dramatically. Thanks to Tommy and Maria, Jackson was prepared for the attack, but even knowing about Joel’s demise didn’t fully prepare viewers for the harsh reality of his death.
In this rephrased version, the sentence reads: In the second episode, critics Mary McNamara, Tracy Brown, and Todd Martens from The Times delve into helping viewers of “The Last of Us” navigate the five stages of grief.

Writer McNamara: I’ve recently tried composing a review for the second season under strict embargo regulations, and let me tell you, it was quite a relief when this not-so-hidden development was finally disclosed. I can’t stand deceiving my daughters, even by omission, especially when they kept asking about Joel’s survival after watching “The Last of Us Part II.” It’s still unclear if the youngest will keep her promise to quit the show if Joel perished in the second episode. The controversial death of Joel caused a split within the gaming community five years ago upon the game’s release, but given its success as a best-seller, I don’t think HBO needs to worry too much about it.
It’s tough to envision the series without Pascal, as he has played a crucial role in shaping Joel’s transformation from a cold-hearted warrior into a protective father figure for Ellie. Throughout the story, Joel’s journey from agreeing to escort Ellie cross-country in exchange for a car battery to his willingness to go to great lengths to protect her has been the emotional core. Now it seems that it’s Ellie’s turn to demonstrate her love, though I question whether immediately following one act of revenge with another is wise. Perhaps this is exactly what they intend.

Review
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 review: Survival is not just about staying alive
In the first-person perspective, I’d say: “If the first season of ‘The Last of Us’ had me journeying through a nation overrun by cordyceps, then the second season seems to delve deeper into the treacherous terrain that lies within our own hearts.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I found the assault on Jackson in the second season of this series particularly captivating – an event unique to the show, unlike anything I’ve experienced in the game, which I haven’t played. It served as a chilling reminder of the perils that lurk within this world, echoing the high-octane action sequences HBO is renowned for.
However, it also coincided with Joel’s harrowing capture and brutal murder at the hands of Abby and the disbanded fireflies. This concurrent narrative seems to have been strategically employed – was it intended to heighten or divert attention from the answer to the question that hung heavy in the air as we eagerly tuned into Season 2?
Brown agrees that Jackson’s walls remain unbreached by infected in the game, but the presence of numerous patrols suggests the creators intended to convey the threat of infection as real. While not necessarily planned, Brown views the attack on Jackson as more than a mere distraction; it serves as a heavy-handed metaphor. This aligns with your point, Mary, that the show’s world is inherently dangerous. Additionally, it could be a response to criticisms about insufficient action in Season 1. For those familiar with the game, this scene provides an explanation for Dina accompanying Joel instead of Tommy, potentially leading to a unique payoff later. Meanwhile, it gives Tommy a chance to showcase his abilities.
Instead of being subtly implied, the show clearly emphasizes that both Jackson and Joel, places of safety for their respective communities, suffer tragic losses at the hands of monsters – infected and human alike. The question arises: which loss was more heart-wrenching? Which perpetrator was more cruel? By setting these two events side by side, the show seems to be laying out its thematic messages from the start.
Currently, I’m not among those who believed the series lacked action; quite the opposite. What intrigued me in this game is the prolonged periods of tension as I hunkered down in hiding for extended durations, pondering my next strategy. This could be a reflection of my playstyle more than anything else, but it also means I enjoy grappling with complex situations – even the morally ambiguous quandaries that have led me to Abby and her quest for revenge. In contrast to the TV show, Joel’s demise came as an unexpected twist in “The Last of Us Part II” game. Todd, could you recollect the general reaction at that time? It wasn’t too long ago, after all…

Martens highlights that when the game launched in 2020, it did so during some of the most anxious times of the pandemic. Games served as a kind of balm, given that many players had recently invited others to their virtual islands in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Furthermore, “The Last of Us Part II” was shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events of the summer, with leaks before its release sparking widespread speculation about the game’s direction. With people largely confined to their homes, this work that delved into the darkest aspects of humanity during a crisis resonated deeply, as it seemed uncomfortably close to our current reality. The atmosphere was tense.
As a dedicated movie-goer, I must confess that I witnessed an appalling display of human behavior during the initial reception of this production. A regrettable faction within the cinematic universe couldn’t seem to accept the centralization of LGBTQ+ characters, and in their confusion, they lashed out, leaving less impactful roles for some fan-favorites from the first installment. The creators at Naughty Dog, the studio behind this masterpiece, unfortunately became targets of horrendous harassment. However, these negative elements ultimately fell flat as “The Last of Us Part II” captivated us, despite its ability to occasionally provoke frustration.
Entertainment & Arts
In “The Last of Us Part II,” Halley Gross, previously known for her work on ‘Westworld,’ collaborates with Neil Druckmann to weave an unforeseen tale that unfolds amidst a world devastated by a viral outbreak.
As a passionate gamer eagerly anticipating “The Last of Us Part II”, I was intrigued by Neil Druckmann’s promise that they wouldn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder and the potential loss of humanity in our struggles. Before even playing it on my PlayStation, I knew this game would challenge me to question who is truly good or evil, and if redemption is even possible for any character.
I was thrilled when they announced that we’d primarily play as Ellie, a character I had grown fond of over the years. However, it turned out to be something of a double-edged sword, as Joel – the character I had guided through countless hours in this harsh world – was no longer there, and Ellie was consumed by rage. This presented an intriguing dilemma: how could we empathize with virtual characters who made decisions we didn’t agree with?
Whether you loved or hated the narrative, it demonstrated a bold commitment to pushing players into uncomfortable territories. By putting us in Ellie’s shoes, they managed to make us align with her quest for resilience. I found myself searching for strength and hope within the game, just as she did in real life.
I’m wondering if TV viewers share my sentiments too? Occasionally, I ponder whether this story would work better as an interactive experience. The instance Mary mentioned, where someone stopped watching after Joel’s demise, makes me wonder if others might react similarly.
McNamara expressed his doubts but continued: Despite my daughter’s strong affection for Pascal, we’ve become accustomed to TV shows ending cherished characters. Characters like Ellie, Tommy, Dina, and the world of “The Last of Us” are just too engaging to leave behind. Joel’s death gives the series an interactive element that television often lacks – many viewers felt he was irreplaceable, but now we must move forward without him, much like Ellie in the story.
Regarding Abby, it’s no longer essential that our primary characters be traditional “likeable” figures, as long as their motivations are understandable. Although Abby’s brutal killing of Joel, who had just saved her life, seemed unjustifiable at first glance, we were provided with insights into her own heartrending past, some of which were hinted in the recent and previous episodes. Neither Joel nor Ellie are unique in experiencing profound, lasting love for a single individual. Abby’s guiding light — her father — was taken from her by an act of seemingly random extreme violence that she believes he didn’t deserve. (To put it plainly, Joel could have merely wounded the doctor or even hit him instead of killing him and still managed to save Ellie.)
Regardless of whether Abby was aware that her father intended to kill Ellie in an attempt to save humanity, or if she disputes tales suggesting Joel kidnapped a girl, the underlying theme is PTSD. As Todd rightly notes, this is a tale about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. History has shown us that no one escapes unharmed after a mass traumatic event, like the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance. The fact that people often split into hostile factions when common sense dictates unity is what makes “The Last of Us” compelling, both as a game and a series, elevating it to the realm of classical epics.
In a fresh and groundbreaking way, Ellie, as a young individual identifying within the LGBTQ+ community, stands tall as an extraordinary hero. With a mix of rebellious attitude and internal struggle characteristic of a self-assured yet self-questioning teenager, she creates an instantly relatable character that adds authenticity to the world around her.

Regarding Ellie, I must say it’s comforting to realize that dealing with complex feelings for your best friend is a common experience among queer individuals, even in a world devastated by a fungal zombie outbreak – and she’s been through it not once, but twice! However, I was less than pleased to observe that certain members of the community still consider a queer teen romance as unsuitable for family viewing. But let’s move on.
Intrigued by the unique perspective we’re offering with Ellie’s story on TV, I’m eager to observe the audience’s reaction to her choices and actions. Unlike in video games where players deeply identify with characters to win, there’s no direct comparison. Todd and I spoke about this during Season 1. It will be fascinating to explore how this connection shapes people’s perceptions of Ellie and Abby, and how their traumatic experiences might challenge traditional notions of heroes and villains.

Entertainment & Arts
We follow the evolution of Naughty Dog’s cultural sensation, starting with the game’s release in 2013 and culminating in its transformation into an HBO show a decade later.
TV offers unique advantages, such as the ability to depict events like Jackson’s attack, which cannot be shown from the player character’s viewpoint in video games. This incident may influence the narrative’s development by affecting the community, making me reconsider its significance beyond being a mere distraction. For now, what seems imminent is a confrontation between Ellie and Abby, and I am eagerly anticipating it.
Martens: One aspect I truly appreciate about the game and now the series is the meticulous approach to creating the world. I believe that the emotional bond you’re referring to arises, in part, from the effort put into making us feel as if we are residing within its universe, allowing its towns to seem authentically inhabited.
This leads me to discuss Ellie, Dina, and indeed the anticipated confrontation with Abby, hinted at by Tracy. Ellie is not easily frightened, but true affection is her greatest fear. In a world of unimaginable atrocities, she finds solace in sorrow, pain, and brutality – things she is all too familiar with.
She finds her mission in avenging Joel’s demise. At moments, Dina’s solace perplexes her greatly. Despite the challenges presented by its setting – the infected, the bleak future, and the oppressive factions – the second episode of this season establishes a central theme for “The Last of Us Part II”: it’s a tale of sorrow, and that’s why I couldn’t stop playing and now can’t tear my eyes away.
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2025-04-21 05:33