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

BBG News

If the first season of “The Last of Us” is about survival, the second is fueled by revenge.

Or, if you want to get all existential about it, consequences.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself captivated by a unique twist: The transgressions of our forebears seem destined to shape the destinies of their offspring. This becomes evident from the very onset of Season 2 (airing Sunday on HBO). For those familiar with the video game that serves as its foundation, this may not be surprising. But for newcomers like myself, it’s a compelling narrative thread that promises to unfold in intriguing ways.

The series begins by revisiting a moment from the Season 1 finale, where Ellie (Bella Ramsey) queries Joel (Pedro Pascal) about the truth of their escape from Salt Lake City’s Firefly facility. It’s clear that what he told her isn’t accurate. During Season 1, we followed Joel and Ellie on a dangerous trek through a pandemic-stricken America, aiming to reach a hospital managed by a militia group. There, Ellie’s resistance to the infection could potentially lead to a cure.

Upon arrival, Joel discovers that Ellie, whom he considers like a daughter, is set for a sacrifice as part of the process. In an attempt to save her from the operating table, he ends up killing most of the people there, including the doctor who claims responsibility for creating the supposed cure. Once Ellie recovers from the anesthesia, they depart for Jackson, Wyoming, a growing settlement offering relative safety. Joel reveals to Ellie that she is not the only immune person and that the Fireflies had unsuccessfully searched for a cure. A brutal raid by marauders compelled Joel to take Ellie and escape.

The setting subtly hints that Ellie had always harbored doubts about the story, yet upon Joel’s swearing its authenticity, she opts to trust him. Consequently, they take along the potentially destructive secret of this deception as they journey towards Jackson.

Previously in Salt Lake City, another time bomb is counting down. As Firefly survivors congregate at their deceased comrades’ graves, Dr. McNamara’s daughter, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), swears to track down the man responsible for her father’s murder, a vengeance she can’t fully explain, and mete out justice in a methodical manner.

Fast forward five years, and Jackson has blossomed into a thriving and secure sanctuary managed by Joel’s younger brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna), along with his wife, Maria (Rutina Wesley). The rhythm of life has settled down to include social gatherings such as community dances, and homes that offer comfort. Ellie now has a friend her age named Dina (Isabela Merced) and a martial arts coach – Jesse (Young Manzino), who is Dina’s occasional love interest and Jackson’s emerging leader.

At nineteen, Ellie exhibits a rebellious spirit, asserting her independence and challenging authority, notably Joel. Their communication has dwindled significantly. When Dina queries, “Why is she so angry with you?”, Joel responds, “I suppose it’s typical.” “Her age being what it is and mine being… how I am,” he adds, “Nobody likes their parents at that stage in life.

Um, OK.

If Ellie appears more arrogant, Joel seems worn down; he’s even seeking counsel from a local psychotherapist named Gail (Catherine O’Hara, as brilliant as always), who he visits with marijuana. (“Shake and stems? Don’t I sound like a high schooler?”) As Gail’s clock ticks away, Joel complains about Ellie treating him like a stranger until Gail reprimands him for his mundane family concerns. Gail has her own disputes with Joel and she suspects he’s hiding something: “Speak the truth you fear to say,” she insists.

Indeed, I can’t either. It appears the same goes for Ellie. While out on patrol with Dina, there’s an undeniable air of something beyond friendship that I feel. My youth and hidden immunity might account for some of it, but my reckless swagger is more than just that.

Even beyond therapy sessions and busy streets, the lively energy between Ellie and Dina, reminiscent of their teenage years, significantly reinforces the sense of normality returning to Jackson.

I can’t help but feel the lingering unease between Joel and Ellie, which serves as a stark reminder that the ghosts of our past continue to haunt us. Jackson, our sanctuary, is groaning under the strain of an influx of refugees, and the infected pose a constant menace. It seems like time has only intensified Abby’s thirst for retribution.

In simpler terms, screenwriter Craig Mazin has likened this season to “The Empire Strikes Back.” However, not everyone sees Joel’s actions in Salt Lake City as heroic, which is a point of debate. It’s puzzling why a random doctor was willing to kill the only known immune person based on a theory about brain dissection instead of trying to develop a vaccine from blood or tissue samples first. Similarly, it’s hard to understand why they would inform Joel of their plan when it seemed unlikely he would just casually leave after hearing it. One might wonder if they expected him to simply go out and get some snacks instead.

Even though the world is filled with chaos and evil, there’s a striking similarity – peace is always ready to crumble. This idea resonates in “The Last of Us”, a series inspired by a game where characters find themselves on relentless journeys. Although I won’t reveal how the story aligns with the game’s unexpected turns, it’s clear that neither Ellie nor Abby are willing to let their animosities subside.

Despite the world being full of trouble, there’s a pattern – peace is fragile and easily broken. This is reflected in “The Last of Us”, where characters are constantly on missions. Without giving away plot twists, it’s obvious that neither Ellie nor Abby hold back their grudges.

During their trek through numerous U.S. states, Joel and Ellie encountered cities and towns seemingly reclaimed by nature, a sight that echoed the haunting, captivating desolation portrayed in Neil Druckmann’s creative vision, inspired partly by Alan Weisman’s book “The World Without Us.” The silent streets, where giraffes grazed among ruined skyscrapers and cars cloaked with moss and blooming vines, were more chilling due to the threats posed not just by the infected – runners, clickers, and bloaters – but also by the rival factions of the survivors. In this apocalypse, no one is untouched; monstrous elements lurk within militias, cults, and FEDRA, the oppressive government agency established during the early stages of the pandemic.

In the second installment, we’re introduced to the Washington Liberation Front, often called the Wolves – a militant organization that clashes with two opposing forces: FEDRA and a medieval cult known as the Seraphites (or “Scars”). Ellie, Dina, and other Jackson community members come across these entities as they strive to reconcile the collective needs of their community with the individual desires that drive them.

Just as in any sequel of a fantasy or sci-fi series, the second season may not surpass the awe-inspiring discoveries of the first. However, it offers ample sights and knowledge amidst a world under threat by primal powers, and numerous conflicts to engage in – whether through stealthy assassinations or all-out, spectacular battles. This season of television is somewhat peculiar; some mysteries are swiftly resolved, while others remain unaddressed for an extended period.

However, much like what was mentioned before, this season’s storyline primarily revolves around consequences and choices, making it more introspective compared to the previous one. The difficult decision Joel confronted in Salt Lake City is mirrored throughout as Ellie grapples with becoming the protagonist of her own odyssey.

As a film enthusiast, I must confess that while actress Bella Ramsey is indeed two years older than the character she portrays in “The Last of Us,” her youthful visage has sparked some debate about her ability to convincingly play an older Ellie. However, I’ve come to realize that this aspect of her appearance might just be working in her favor for this role.

You see, Ellie is a complex character who, despite her life experiences, remains emotionally immature in many ways. She views independence as a form of authority, which can be problematic given that she tends to wield it with an air of self-righteousness. Yet, the series constantly reminds us that power, when seized with such conviction, can quickly become corrupting.

In essence, Bella Ramsey’s youthful appearance seems to encapsulate Ellie’s internal struggle between her maturing experiences and her lingering emotional immaturity. It adds an authenticity to the character that resonates deeply with viewers, making us question just how much power one should wield at any given age.

In the unforgiving world depicted in “The Last of Us,” it’s not merely about existing, but rather determining the shape and significance of your existence as time goes on.

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2025-04-07 19:31

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