The Last of Us Season 2: Joel's Harrowing Death Shakes Fans Again
In a shocking episode, Joel dies as Abby seeks revenge, deepening the narrative's exploration of violence and loss in the series.
This was a particularly hard exit — Joel, while flawed, had become a beloved character on the show and a father figure to Ellie (who watched him die in front of her).
'The Last of Us' just killed off a major character. Fans are devastated.
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Pascal says he is proud to see Ramsey taking charge of what is now Ellie’s story.
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The death, which was leaked online before the video game "The Last of Us Part II" was released in 2020, remains one of the most controversial moments in recent video game history.
Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey react to shocking 'The Last of Us' death: 'I sobbed'
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If anyone forgot that this show’s M.O. is “How can we break audience members’ hearts into the tiniest little pieces imaginable this week?” the final tableau, with Ellie curled up next to a dead Joel, is a grave reminder.
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Instead, the show posits that all of the characters have gotten lost in the darkness.
‘The Last of Us’ and the Big Twist That Could Have Been
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Though Season 2 gives these individual dynamics more room to breathe, it ends up feeling smaller than its predecessor over all.
Can “The Last of Us” Outlive Its Antihero?
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The great innovation of The Last of Us Part II was this switch in perspectives, which continues throughout the game.
How 'The Last of Us' Season 2 Handles a Major Death
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The second season is defined by the loss of hope, and by Ellie’s inability to see beyond her rage and live the life Joel fought, and killed, for her to have.
The Last of Us’ Latest Episode Is a Game-Changer. The Show Will Never Be the Same.
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This episode, written by Craig Mazin, was directed by Mark Mylod, who spent the last few years as the chief director of Succession, and has some experience being behind the camera for an episode of television featuring a death no one saw coming — at least, not at that particular moment.
'The Last of Us' Episode 2: A City Under Siege, a Shocking End
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Summary
In Season 2, Episode 2 of HBO’s "The Last of Us," Joel is brutally killed by Abby, igniting a firestorm of fan reactions. Set five years after Season 1, Joel's death, driven by Abby's desire for revenge due to his past actions, unfolds with emotional intensity as Ellie witnesses the tragedy. Pedro Pascal expressed his disbelief over his character's fate and praised the storytelling's impact on viewers. The episode raises critical themes of grief and revenge, remaining true to the original video game narrative, as fans grapple with the brutal portrayal of loss.
Perspectives
The second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 features a pivotal and shocking moment with the death of Joel at the hands of Abby, reflecting a brutal turn in the narrative that is both a continuation of the video game's storyline and a dramatic adaptation for television.
Creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann emphasize the emotional weight of the episode, addressing the complexities of grief, vengeance, and the consequences of actions taken in a desperate world, indicating that this is not merely a revenge tale, but a deeper exploration of human relationships and loss.
The incorporation of the infected horde attacking Jackson adds layers to the narrative, symbolizing the fragility of the safety the characters have built, and serves as a backdrop for the intense emotional scenes, showcasing the intertwining of personal and communal struggles.
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