Joel’s Shocking Death: Abby Strikes Back in The Last of Us Season 2

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2!

In the second installment of The Last of Us Season 2, a surprising event unfolds as Joel meets his untimely end. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired and the reasons behind this tragic incident. Joel, the central figure in The Last of Us Season 1, formed a strong connection with Ellie during their trek towards Salt Lake City. Fans were eagerly anticipating another adventure starring Joel and Ellie in Season 2, especially with Pedro Pascal’s captivating portrayal. However, one character from The Last of Us Season 2 had other ideas, leading to a grim outcome for Joel in episode 2.

The first episode of “The Last of Us” season 2 resumed HBO’s popular adaptation of the PlayStation game series, focusing on the controversial sequel, “The Last of Us Part II.” The season opener hinted at numerous changes in adaptation, introducing numerous new scenes and storylines. This sparked optimism among fans of “The Last of Us” that season 2 might alter Joel’s fate as depicted in the game. Regrettably, this wasn’t the case for Joel, leaving both newcomers and long-time followers stunned by his demise.

Abby Kills Joel In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2

After He Saves Her Life

In the second episode of The Last of Us season 2, the series experiences its most significant death so far, as Abby ends up killing Joel. During this episode, Joel and Dina go on a patrol, while Ellie and Jesse embark on a separate mission. Away from Jackson, they stumble upon a girl trapped under a fence, who nearly falls prey to the Infected. Fortunately, Joel and Dina manage to rescue her, learning her name is Abby. Later, they journey with Abby towards a nearby ski lodge, where they encounter Abby’s companions. Unfortunately, this encounter proves to be a trap, as Abby and her friends ambush Joel upon their arrival.

In the gripping premiere of The Last of Us season 2, I found myself hot on the trail of Joel, a man whose actions in the season 1 finale have left me with a burning desire for vengeance. You see, Joel had taken the life of my father – a doctor in the Fireflies – during an attempt to protect Ellie at the hospital.

In this particular episode, Joel found himself embroiled in a lethal confrontation with the Fireflies, resulting in their annihilation. This act of violence brought him to my radar and set our paths on a collision course.

As I ventured into Jackson, my objective was clear: track down and apprehend Joel. However, an unexpected horde of Infected almost derailed my mission. After making it to the ski lodge, I overheard Dina mention Joel’s name, which struck a chord within me. It was then that I realized that the very man I had been relentlessly pursuing for years was none other than the individual who had ultimately saved me in this post-apocalyptic world.

Abby’s companions capture Dina, keeping her against her will until Joel surrenders his weapon. After a brief conversation, Abby fires a shotgun at Joel’s leg. Following this, she assaults Joel with a broken golf club and stabs him repeatedly using it. Leaving the ski lodge behind, Abby and her companions are left unaware that Ellie had arrived on the scene during the murder, forcing her to stay with Dina and the lifeless body of Joel.

How Joel’s Death In The Last Of Us Show Compares To The Game

There Is One Massive Difference

Essentially, the way Joel meets his end in the HBO adaptation and in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ share striking similarities. Both times, after rescuing Abby, he returns with her to a lodge, where she discovers his true identity, leading to his demise by a golf club. However, the key distinction lies in Joel’s companions at the time. In the game, Tommy accompanies him during their encounter with Abby, while in the series, it’s Dina who is present throughout Joel’s death scene, a difference that wasn’t seen in the original version.

In the HBO adaptation of “The Last of Us,” rather than directly disclosing his name like he did in the game, Joel’s name is revealed unintentionally by Dina when she mentions him. This gives Abby a clue about Joel’s identity, leading to her eventual confrontation and killing of Joel. This method seems more plausible for Joel’s character in the series, as he appears overly trusting in “The Last of Us Part II” game.

Joel Returns In The Last Of Us Through Flashbacks

Like In The Video Game

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must say that while Joel seemingly meets his end at the close of The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve seen the last of him. Pedro Pascal’s character will reappear in the series, though not within the current timeline as we know it. The game, The Last of Us Part II, offers glimpses into Joel and Ellie’s past exploits through flashback scenes interspersed throughout the narrative. Interestingly, trailers for The Last of Us season 2 have already unveiled fragments of Pedro Pascal from yet-to-be-seen sequences. It’s reasonable to assume these are indeed the flashback scenes and will be unfolded in forthcoming episodes.

Due to a five-year time leap happening between seasons 1 and 2 of The Last of Us, there will be ample opportunities to delve into Joel and Ellie’s story. These flashbacks are expected to focus on the rift that developed between them, as hinted at in the season 2 debut. It is also possible for these flashbacks to directly lift scenes from the game, incorporating some of the sequel’s most memorable moments.

Ellie Sets Out To Find Abby & Avenge Joel’s Death

Kicking Off Season 2’s Story

In the sequel of “The Last of Us,” Joel’s demise at Abby’s hands ignites Ellie’s thirst for vengeance, leading her pursuit of Abby. Over time, they both belong to different factions – Ellie and Dina are on a mission to locate them in Seattle, which was once Salt Lake City, while Abby and her companions joined the Washington Liberation Front. Consequently, the main storyline of “The Last of Us” season 2 revolves around Ellie and Dina’s efforts to trace and confront Abby.

In Ellie’s pursuit for vengeance, there might be undertones of guilt as well. This is because she recognizes that her relationship with Joel, who cherished her deeply, wasn’t ideal when he passed away. Ellie may now realize that she spent the precious last years of her life with the person who loved her dearest less than optimally. This mirrors Abby’s emotions after her father was murdered, which form the intricate themes and narrative in The Last of Us‘s second season.

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2025-04-21 05:18

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