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The Last of Us: TV Audiences Reel from Joel’s Shocking Death by Abby

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As a dedicated film enthusiast, let me dive straight into it: In episode 2 of Season 2 for “The Last of Us,” a character named Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, coldly assassinates Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, right before the eyes of Ellie, embodied by Bella Ramsey. This turn of events might have caught some viewers off guard if they haven’t played the game, but those who experienced both Ellie and Abby in “The Last of Us Part II” were already braced for this shocking twist. For years, gamers – whether fans or critics – have been eagerly anticipating the small screen adaptation to unfold this Red Wedding-like plot point.

Let’s explore the events that unfolded on the show, highlighting its contrast with the game, delving into why Abby’s character sparked a controversy in the gaming world, and discussing how this act of vengeance shapes the remainder of the series (avoiding any spoilers beyond Episode 2).

How Joel dies

Previously, Joel led Ellie to a secret base in Salt Lake City belonging to a resistance group known as the Fireflies. Their intention was to examine Ellie, who is resistant to zombie bites, to develop a cure for the outbreak that sparked the apocalypse. However, when Joel discovered that the procedure would cost Ellie’s life, he killed 18 Fireflies members and one doctor to protect an unconscious Ellie and transport her to Jackson, where his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) resided.

In Season 2, Episode 1, we’re introduced to Abby. After Joel had tragically taken her father’s life, the surgeon who was meant to help Ellie, Abby and her companions relocated to Seattle, learned martial skills, and embarked on a quest to track down Joel. By Episode 2, the remnants of the Fireflies reach an area near Jackson, observing the city’s formidable fortifications. Although Abby is resolute in executing her plan to eliminate Joel, all her companions express their desire to retreat.

In their respective patrols, Abby unwittingly stirs up a horde of infected zombies. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Abby’s luck takes a turn as Joel, accompanied by Dina (Isabela Merced), Ellie’s companion and romantic interest, comes across her predicament. With Jackson out of reach, the quartet follows Abby’s lead to a lodge where her friends have taken refuge.

Simultaneously, the afflicted swarm the city of Jackson in large numbers. Hordes of undead charge through the snow and ice, hurling themselves against the towering walls of the city. The inhabitants counterattack with explosive gasoline tanks, gunfire, and flamethrowers. An enormous zombie even manages to break through the wall. It’s reminiscent of the White Walkers attacking the Wall on Game of Thrones.

In this scenario, Ellie and Jesse (Young Mazino), Dina’s former boyfriend, embark on a search for Joel and Dina when they fail to respond over the radio. Simultaneously, at the lodge, Abby instructs her companions to administer drugs to an unconscious Dina, preparing for Joel’s murder. Abby blackmails Dina’s life to force Joel into confessing that he had killed more than a dozen Fireflies in Salt Lake City. After shooting Joel in the leg, Abby attacks him with a golf club and punches him brutally until he is left bloody. Ellie arrives at the critical moment to witness the demise of her mentor figure. Abby’s allies disarm Ellie before Abby cold-bloodedly kills Joel in full view of Ellie.

Discussing it openly, the act of killing Joel right before Ellie’s eyes sets off a chain of violent retribution, which proves to be a significant blunder.

The scene sparked a controversy around Abby in the game

It’s clear that fans weren’t pleased when Abby killed Joel in The Last of Us Part II, especially since it happened early on during gameplay. What makes this game unique is that it lets you play as both Ellie and Abby, and the build-up to the confrontation between Abby and Joel is shown from Abby’s point of view. This means that you, as a player, find yourself in the role of someone who plans to eliminate the cherished hero from the first game.

The unique aspect of The Last of Us Part II lies in its alternating viewpoints, sustained throughout the game. Players assume the roles of Ellie and Abby at various points in the narrative, allowing them to grasp each woman’s motivation as they seek vengeance for their lost father figures. Simultaneously, players become progressively disturbed by the brutal actions they commit during this pursuit. As the game develops, it attempts to foster empathy for Abby, yet she remains a highly debated character, despised by certain gaming communities. The actress who portrayed Abby faced threats, even against her newborn son. Some of this animosity stemmed from misogyny and prejudice, while other resentment was due to dissatisfaction with the storytelling approach.

How Joel’s TV death differs from the game

In the game, Joel and Tommy encounter Abby amidst infected during their patrol, but in the show, it’s Joel and Dina who stumble upon her while on duty. Unlike how Abby’s companions treat Tommy brutally in the game (hitting him with a bottle), they drug Dina in the show instead. Meanwhile, after Joel’s death in the game, Abby and her group attack Ellie by kicking her in the head, whereas they knock out Tommy repeatedly with a bottle.

It seems likely that the creators designed the character swap between Dina and Tommy to facilitate another alteration in the plot. In the game, there’s no zombie attack on Jackson, but in the show, Abby unintentionally lets loose a horde of infected within the city, possibly to inject some early-season excitement as an action sequence. Since Tommy wasn’t on duty with Joel during the attack, he could instead help protect the city and its inhabitants.

As a dedicated cinephile watching “The Last of Us” series, it seems the creators are skillfully attempting to elicit empathy towards Abby and her comrades as they’re portrayed in distress while witnessing Abby’s actions against Joel. Perhaps this is an attempt to counterbalance the initial negative response from gamers when the game was first released, where many had a hard time warming up to Abby and her allies.

What it means for the rest of the season

In the television series, while both Ellie and Tommy share an intense determination to avenge Joel’s death, it is clear that Ellie will be the primary catalyst for their quest. This is implied by a few alterations in the narrative. Unlike in the game, where Tommy witnessed his brother’s murder, in the show he was not present during this event. Furthermore, Tommy has family obligations in the TV series, as he is married and has offspring, unlike in the game where he does not have children.

Consequently, his tactic towards pursuing Abby on the series might be more deliberate compared to how he behaved in the game. It’s primarily Ellie who impulsively charges into Seattle to locate the ex-Fireflies.

Regarding Joel, I’m quite confident that we haven’t seen the end of him this season yet. While I won’t give away any spoilers, it’s reasonable to expect he might reappear in some flashbacks or make a guest appearance in future episodes. Given Pedro Pascal’s status as a renowned actor, it seems unlikely that his screen time would be squandered.

In Joel’s narrative, there are some loose ends left unaddressed. The specific event or series of events that led to a rift between Joel and Ellie isn’t clearly defined – whether it was a gradual deterioration or a single incident that ignited Ellie’s anger. To provide more context and possibly explore this mystery further, the creators introduced Catherine O’Hara as Joel’s therapist, Gail, in the premiere of Season 2. Gail is a new character exclusive to the show. It’s likely we’ll see her again, maybe even delving into therapy sessions in flashback form.

Additionally, it was revealed that Joel killed Gail’s husband when he turned infected. This could be a moment revisited in future episodes. Lastly, as Ellie grieves Joel’s death, the writers might delve into her memories of their relationship for potential revelations and emotional depth.

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2025-04-21 06:06

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