Let’s be honest, folks. We all knew it was coming, right? The whispers, the online theories, the gamers knowingly nodding at the non-gamers blissfully unaware. Joel’s demise in The Last of Us was the biggest open secret in TV history. Yet, even though millions knew Abby’s revenge was on its way, seeing it play out in episode two of season two, “Through the Valley,” still landed like a gut punch. The sheer brutality of the scene, Abby’s cold fury juxtaposed with Ellie’s desperate helplessness…it was a masterpiece of heartbreak. Now the question remains: Can The Last of Us really pull off the impossible and make us root for the killer?
The internet exploded, of course. Some cried foul, others praised the show’s commitment to the source material, and everyone, and I mean everyone, was talking about it. But let’s rewind a bit and unpack this emotionally charged moment in pop culture.
A Red Wedding Times A Million
The reactions online? Let’s just say it was The Red Wedding times a million. Remember the collective gasp that echoed around the world when Robb Stark and his mother met their untimely end? Multiply that by, well, a million, and you get a sense of the internet’s reaction to Joel’s death. For those who haven’t played The Last of Us Part II, the shock was palpable. But even for those familiar with the game’s narrative, seeing Pedro Pascal’s nuanced performance and Bella Ramsey’s raw portrayal of Ellie’s devastation brought a fresh layer of heartbreak to the familiar scene. Why so brutal? Because it needed to be. The weight of Joel’s past actions, the consequence of his choices, demanded a powerful, unforgettable climax.
Joel’s Demise: TV vs. Game
So, how did the show’s rendition compare to the game? Did it capture the gut-wrenching impact, or did it fall short? Honestly, it’s a tough call. Both versions pack an emotional wallop, but in different ways. One YouTuber analyzes the realism of both versions:
The show builds dread masterfully, highlighting the missed connections between Joel and Ellie in the episodes leading up to his death. The game, however, gives you a brief moment of control as Ellie, racing to save Joel. This creates a devastating sense of powerlessness when your efforts ultimately fail. Which version hits harder? It’s a matter of personal experience, really. Are you more of a passive observer or do you prefer to be in the thick of things? Either way, be prepared for a serious emotional rollercoaster.
From Shock to Sympathy: Abby’s Journey
Here’s where things get really interesting. The Last of Us is about to attempt its most audacious feat yet – making you, the viewer, sympathize with Abby. Remember, this is the woman who brutally murdered Joel, the character we’ve grown to love and protect over two seasons. Is this even possible? The game, The Last of Us Part II, only partially succeeded in this endeavor, facing significant backlash from a vocal minority. How will the show navigate this tricky terrain? By showing us Abby’s humanity, her own motivations, and the pain that drives her. The creators are betting on the power of empathy, on our ability to understand, even if we can’t forgive. Will it work? Only time will tell.
A Cast Reflects
Want to hear what the actors involved thought about this pivotal scene? Check out this interview with Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Kaitlyn Dever:
The Last of Us: More Than Just Zombies
Let’s be real here; The Last of Us isn’t your typical zombie apocalypse story. Sure, the clickers are terrifying, and the infected are a constant threat, but the real heart of the story lies in the complex relationships between the characters. It’s about the choices they make, the consequences they face, and the cyclical nature of violence. Joel’s death is not just a plot point; it’s a catalyst. It sets Ellie on a new path, one fueled by grief and vengeance, and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, survival, and the human condition.
What’s Next for Ellie?
One YouTuber gives a great overview and review of Episode 2, including what might come next:
With Joel gone, the emotional core of the series has shifted. Where does Ellie go from here? How will she cope with this devastating loss? Will she succumb to the darkness of revenge, or will she find a way to navigate this brutal world while holding onto her humanity? These are the questions that will drive the rest of the season, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Is it a masterpiece? Perhaps. It’s certainly a bold, unflinching exploration of grief, revenge, and the complexities of the human spirit. So, grab your tissues, buckle up, and prepare for a wild ride. The journey has just begun.
Ellie’s Journey: A Path Paved with Grief and Vengeance
Let’s talk about Ellie. Bella Ramsey is absolutely killing it this season. The raw emotion she portrays, the simmering rage beneath the surface… it’s award-worthy stuff. Ellie’s journey this season is going to be brutal, no doubt. She’s lost the one person who truly mattered to her, and now she’s driven by a single, all-consuming purpose: revenge. We’ve seen glimpses of her vulnerability, but the fire in her eyes tells us this girl is about to unleash hell.
The Supporting Cast: Shining Brightly
While Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal (yes, even in death) are dominating the screen, let’s not forget the incredible supporting cast. Gabriel Luna as Tommy? Chilling. Merle Dandridge reprising her role as Marlene? Iconic. And then there’s Rutina Wesley as Maria, bringing strength and compassion to Jackson. This show is packed with talent, and it’s a joy to watch them bring these complex characters to life.
Beyond the Game: Expanding the Universe
One of the coolest things about the show is how it expands upon the game’s world. We’re getting glimpses into the lives of characters we only briefly met in the game, and the writers are adding new layers to the existing narrative. This is fan service done right, folks. It’s enriching the story for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
The Clickers: Still Creepy AF
Okay, let’s be honest, the clickers are still the stuff of nightmares. The sound design, the grotesque visuals… it’s all incredibly effective. Even knowing they’re coming doesn’t lessen the impact. Just try not to jump out of your skin when you hear that tell-tale clicking. I dare you.
Fan Theories Run Wild
With a show this popular, the fan theories are inevitable. From predicting Ellie’s next move to dissecting every line of dialogue, the internet is abuzz with speculation. Some theories are outlandish, some are surprisingly insightful, and all of them add to the fun of watching the show unfold. What do you think will happen next? Let the theorizing commence!
Top 5 Things We Can’t Wait to See in The Last of Us Season 2
- Ellie’s Rampage: Let’s be real, we’re all here for the revenge arc. We need to see Ellie unleash her fury on those responsible for Joel’s death.
- More Abby Backstory: The show has done a good job of humanizing Abby, but we need more. We need to understand her motivations, her pain, and the events that led her to that fateful golf course.
- The Return of Familiar Faces: Will we see Tommy again? What about Dina? The possibilities are endless, and we’re eagerly awaiting any cameos from the game.
- Epic Clicker Battles: You can never have too many clickers. Bring on the jump scares and the adrenaline-pumping action sequences.
- The Emotional Fallout: How will Ellie cope with her grief? How will her relationships evolve? The emotional stakes are high, and we’re bracing ourselves for the inevitable heartbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joel’s Death in The Last of Us
Why was Joel’s death so brutal?
The brutality of Joel’s death underscores the weight of his past actions and the consequences of his choices in the first game, where he saved Ellie from the Fireflies, preventing them from creating a cure for the infection.
How does Joel’s death in the show compare to the game?
Both versions are emotionally impactful, but they differ in execution. The show focuses on building dread in the episodes leading up to the event, while the game gives players a brief moment of control as Ellie, making her ultimate failure to save Joel more devastating.
Will the show make us sympathize with Abby?
The show aims to explore Abby’s humanity, motivations, and the pain that fuels her actions. Whether viewers will sympathize with her after killing a beloved character remains to be seen.
What will happen to Ellie now?
Joel’s death sets Ellie on a path of grief and vengeance. The rest of the season will likely explore how she copes with this loss and whether she succumbs to darkness or maintains her humanity.
The Last of Us: A Legacy of Loss and the Promise of More
Joel’s death in The Last of Us Season 2 is a pivotal moment that has left viewers reeling. It’s a brutal, heart-wrenching scene that reinforces the show’s commitment to exploring complex themes of grief, revenge, and the human condition. While the loss of this beloved character leaves a void, it also sets the stage for an even more intense and emotional journey for Ellie. The remainder of the season promises to be a wild ride as we witness Ellie’s struggle with her grief and her quest for vengeance. Ultimately, Joel’s death isn’t just an ending; it’s a catalyst for what promises to be a gripping exploration of the human spirit in a broken world.
