The Last of Us Season 2 Delivers Shocking Death in Episode Two

LOS ANGELES, CA — HBO‘s adaptation of The Last of Us took a dark turn in its second episode, which aired on January 15, 2023. The episode features a brutal confrontation between the characters Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Fans of the hit video game were prepared for this tragic turn, but the show still left viewers in shock.

In this episode, titled “Through the Valley,” Joel meets an untimely demise at the hands of Abby, a character with a complex history intertwined with his own. Following the storyline of the video game, Abby’s motivations emerge as she seeks revenge for the death of her father, who Joel killed. This tragic encounter occurs after a five-year pursuit, during which Abby’s rage and determination build.

Many who played the game anticipated this pivotal moment and had formed opinions of Abby long before the show aired. Pedro Pascal mentioned in interviews that it was always a part of the show’s plan to stay true to the source material regarding Joel’s fate.

“Ellie witnesses Joel’s brutal murder, which adds emotional weight to her character’s journey throughout the rest of the season,” said series co-creator Craig Mazin. He emphasized that this moment sets the stage for Ellie to explore her own themes of loss and revenge.

One notable difference in the adaptation is the addition of an attack on the town of Jackson, Wyoming, as Joel and Abby’s confrontation unfolds. The show made a conscious decision to add this storyline, providing viewers with an engaging B-plot that had not been present in the original game.

As the episode progresses, the gruesome nature of Abby and her fellow Fireflies is showcased differently than in the video game. Unlike the game, where there is no room for sympathy towards Abby and her crew, the series allows for a glimpse into their emotional struggles during the attack on Joel.

To add emotional depth to the episode’s conclusion, Ashley Johnson, the original voice actress for Ellie in the games, made a cameo, singing the reflective song “Through the Valley” as the devastating events unfolded. The significance of her role as both the voice and a character in the show underscores the emotional toll of Joel’s demise.

This heartbreaking moment not only cements the stakes of the series but also raises questions about redemption, morality, and the cycle of violence. As the story evolves, viewers will see how these themes impact both Abby and Ellie.

As season two continues, anticipation builds around how these narrative threads will intertwine. The future of Ellie and Abby’s stories remains uncertain, but early reactions suggest that both characters may find complexities within their motivations and actions as the season progressed.