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Ellie’s Shocking Encounter: The Dark Twist That Changed Everything in The Last of Us!

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Caution: Spoilers for The Last of Us season 2 episode 7! In the final episode of The Last of Us series, creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin explain why they altered Ellie’s (played by Bella Ramsey) confrontation with Mel (Ariela Barer) and Owen (Spencer Lord) compared to the video game. During their encounter at the aquarium, Ellie seeks information about Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). When Owen attempts to shoot her, she retaliates, unintentionally killing both Owen and Mel who was pregnant, whereas in The Last of Us Part II game, Ellie ruthlessly kills them both.

At a press conference following the finale of The Last of Us season 2, Druckmann and Mazin shed light on the reason why Ellie ended up killing Mel and Owen in the series. They explained that Mel’s death was unintentional, made more tragic by her pleading for her baby to be removed from her womb before she passed away. This incident serves as a turning point for Ellie, who grapples with the realization of having crossed a line. Here is what Druckmann and Mazin shared during the event:

Moderator: Let’s move on to Mel and Owen next, and afterwards, we’ll discuss Abby. GQ inquires, how did you decide to focus on Mel’s expanded pregnancy storyline and capture the scene between her and Ellie?

Craig Mazin: The situation involving Mel’s pregnancy has been developed quite extensively in the show, with a twist – while Owen is the father in the game, we chose a different route for the series. In the game, there’s a violent altercation between Mel and Ellie, with Ellie defending herself after Mel attacks. This scene is a moment of unintentional harm, or collateral damage, in our show. I decided to give this situation a more somber tone, so I shared my idea with Neil, saying “I think I can make it dark” [LAUGHS].

Neil Druckmann recalled him saying, “Oh yes, I made it darker,” before I had even read it. I thought, “How could it be darker?” but then when I did read it, I realized he was right. It was indeed darker. However, at times, we must venture into such depths. And for this particular scene to resonate with Ellie’s supporters, it was essential to make them feel uncomfortable – because that’s the reality of collateral damage.

Craig Mazin: Essentially, Mel’s medical background makes her intrigued by doctors and medicine, adding depth to how a doctor would react in that situation. I find this fundamental aspect of her character compelling. In the game, it’s captivating to see a young doctor like Bella dealing with such profound regret and failure, which is essential for the storyline. It’s crucial to show that Ellie isn’t indifferent about what happened; instead, these events shatter her, as they should. And I must say, Bella’s portrayal in this scene is simply astounding, while Ariela’s performance left me speechless.

What Ellie’s Encounter With Mel & Owen Says About The Last Of Us Season 2

The Show’s Themes Are Reflected In Their Deaths

Following the deaths of Mel and Owen, Ellie is found by Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Jesse (Young Mazino). Overwhelmed by her actions, she concurs with them and Dina (Isabela Merced) that they should depart from Seattle and return home. Unfortunately, it appears that eliminating both friends of Abby’s leads to severe repercussions, as the second season of The Last of Us concludes with Ellie arriving at a theater where she kills Jesse and takes Tommy hostage. The fate of the main character remains uncertain, but it is evident that she regrets the vengeful path she initially embarked upon.

The unfortunate demise of Mel and Owen serves as a late wake-up call for Ellie, revealing her past actions as a grave error. Despite her newfound understanding that her pursuit of revenge was misguided, its consequences continue to impact those around her. In the upcoming season 3 of “The Last of Us”, we can expect more insight into Abby’s perspective which may shed light on the characters whose lives were sacrificed for Ellie’s self-discovery. This could potentially provide a richer understanding of the characters involved.

Our Take On Owen & Mel’s Deaths In The Last Of Us Season 2

Was The Change From The Game Worth Making?

Through an unintended act where Ellie takes Mel’s life and pleads to have her baby removed, the scene becomes significantly somber and heart-wrenching compared to the harsher portrayal in its video game version. This unfortunate incident deeply affects the main character, causing her to question her mission as death has become an ever-present reality. In The Last of Us, this unexpected turn adds depth to the characters’ suffering, aligning more closely with the adaptation’s focus on themes such as revenge.

All episodes of The Last of Us season 2 are now streaming on Max.

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2025-05-27 16:21

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