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Shocking Twist in “The Last of Us” Season 2: Main Character Fate Revealed
“The Last of Us” Season 2 delivers a stunning blow in its latest episode. *Spoilers ahead for episode two.*
Fans are reeling from a major character departure.
In a dramatic turn of events, the second episode of the Emmy-winning HBO drama “The Last of Us” Season 2, which premiered Sunday, April 20, executed its most audacious and unsettling plot development to date: the demise of protagonist Joel, portrayed by leading man Pedro Pascal.
Echoes of “Game of Thrones”: Creator’s Stark Comparison
Prior to the season’s commencement, co-creator Craig Mazin drew parallels to a pivotal moment in television history during an interview, referencing the shocking execution of Ned Stark, played by Sean Bean, in “Game of Thrones.”
“Reflecting on ‘Game of Thrones,’ the beheading of Ned Stark was an unforgettable shock. I was utterly stunned,” Mazin disclosed in an exclusive conversation. “That narrative jolt persists,” he noted, suggesting Joel’s influence will continue to resonate throughout the series in a comparable manner.
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Joel’s Death: Revenge and Fallout
Adapted from the acclaimed video game, “The Last of Us” unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by societal collapse and fungal infected creatures. The narrative centers on Joel, a hardened survivor, and his evolving bond with Ellie, a resilient teenager played by Bella Ramsey.
The catalyst for Joel’s grim fate is the introduction of Abby, a new character in Season 2, brought to life by Kaitlyn Dever.
Abby’s motive: retribution. Joel had previously killed Abby’s father in his mission to safeguard Ellie. In a brutal act of vengeance, Abby fatally wounds Joel as Ellie witnesses the horrifying event. Ironically, this act of vengeance ignites a new cycle of retribution, as Ellie vows to avenge Joel’s death by targeting Abby.
Abby: A Divisive Figure
Abby’s character is intentionally designed to provoke strong and varied reactions from viewers.
Addressing concerns about audience reception to Abby, Mazin explained, “Reactions will naturally vary. Our focus, however, was less on manipulating feedback and more on authentically portraying this character within the television medium, which demands a distinct approach.”
He elaborated on the game’s perspective, “In the video game, players embody Abby, fostering immediate empathy as they navigate survival challenges through her eyes.” Mazin continued, “The show presents a different dynamic. We prioritized establishing Abby’s identity, motivations, and backstory upfront.”
The Story as the Star: Maintaining Narrative Focus
Addressing concerns about losing a central figure like Pascal, Mazin stated, “I admire ‘Game of Thrones’ immensely and always perceived the overarching narrative as its central star. Characters, both beloved and new, cycled through the story. Our first season of ‘The Last of Us’ demonstrated a similar willingness to depict character mortality.”
Mazin asserted, “The narrative and the depicted world are the true stars.”
Intriguingly, Mazin hinted at Joel’s continued presence, revealing that Joel and Ellie “will share significant screen time this season… perhaps more than anticipated.”
Season 2 of “The Last of Us” advances the timeline by five years. This temporal jump suggests flashback sequences could facilitate Pascal’s continued involvement, exploring the intervening years.
The Enduring Heart of “The Last of Us”: Joel and Ellie’s Bond
Given the central relationship between Joel and Ellie in Season 1, Mazin clarified the show’s emotional core remains unchanged despite Joel’s absence. “The heart remains the relationship between Joel and Ellie. It permeates every aspect of the narrative, even in their physical separation onscreen. The events they experienced profoundly shape the ongoing story.”
He noted Ramsey’s performance effectively conveys Pascal’s absence, stating, “The sense of loss is palpable in her portrayal.”
Mazin elaborated on Ramsey and Pascal’s off-screen rapport, “Her performance reflects not just a desire for Joel’s character, but also a genuine connection with Pedro as an actor. Their bond is truly remarkable.”
Familiar Territory for Gamers: Death Not a Mystery
Joel’s demise will not surprise those familiar with the source material, as it mirrors a pivotal plot point in the acclaimed video game. This major event is a widely recognized element of the franchise’s lore.
“For both Neil and myself,” Mazin explained, “audience foreknowledge is not a primary concern. We are not crafting a mystery. ‘The Last of Us’ is fundamentally about relationships.”
Looking Ahead: Multi-Season Arc for “The Last of Us”
The Emmy-winning writer and producer of “Chernobyl” emphasized the focus on emotional depth, “The crucial question is how every event in the show is filtered through these relationships. What are the lasting repercussions for these characters, not just in this season, but potentially across future seasons, assuming the show progresses favorably?”
“The Last of Us” has already secured renewal for a third season.
Regarding the show’s long-term trajectory, particularly following Pascal’s departure, Mazin concluded, “We have a definitive conclusion in mind. This isn’t conceived as a perpetually ongoing series. Depending on audience reception, there will undoubtedly be one more season… and possibly one additional season beyond that.”