New Character Eugene Sparks Questions in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2

LOS ANGELES, CA — The second season of HBO‘s critically acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us‘ premiered on April 13, introducing a host of new characters and recent developments that have fans buzzing. Among them is Eugene, the late husband of Joel’s therapist, Gail, whose mysterious death has sparked significant intrigue surrounding Joel’s past actions.

While viewers never meet Eugene directly, his presence looms large over the narrative. Displayed as a beloved character in the series, Eugene was noted for his wit, intelligence, and skills in electronics. These qualities were highlighted in conversations between Ellie and Dina, two characters from the original video games. Dina fondly remembers Eugene’s impact on her technical knowledge, stating, ‘He had a way with gadgets that inspired us all.’

In the video game lore, Eugene lived a troubled life as a member of the Firefly resistance, balancing his family obligations with his commitment to the cause. A poignant moment occurs when players discover a heartfelt letter from Eugene’s wife, pleading for his return as he continues to drift further into the violent conflict, a sacrifice that evidently strained family ties. Dina recalls episodes of violence, revealing Eugene’s involvement in attacks that led to civilian casualties, reflecting the dark aspects of the post-apocalyptic struggle.

In the series, Gail offers insight into Eugene’s character, calling him, ‘a talented marijuanist who could cultivate buds the size of pinecones.’ Referencing his death, she delivers a vehement confrontation to Joel, stating, ‘You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene, and I resent you for it. I hate you for it, even knowing you had no choice.’

This complex relationship raises questions about Eugene’s last moments. While it’s implied that he might have been infected, the exact circumstances surrounding his demise remain unclear. The storyline suggests that Joel made the difficult choice to end Eugene’s life to prevent a further threat, but the emotional fallout is evident in Gail’s bitterness, demonstrating the toll of survival in a world ravaged by infected horrors.

Fans can anticipate further exploration of Eugene’s character in an upcoming flashback episode, as hinted by actress Catherine O'Hara, who portrays Gail. ‘I’ve never had to cry so much for so many takes,’ she mentioned, signaling an emotional journey ahead for viewers and characters alike.

Show co-creator Neil Druckmann has expressed a desire to delve deeper into Eugene’s backstory, explaining the intent to add complexity to Joel and Ellie’s relationship. ‘We wanted to expand on who Eugene is beyond the superficial traits we explored in the game,’ he remarked. ‘The dynamics of love and sacrifice run deep in this narrative.’

As the series unfolds, audiences are left to ponder what Eugene’s death means for the future of Joel, his connections in Jackson, and the overall themes of loyalty and betrayal. Viewers eager for answers can catch new episodes of ‘The Last of Us’ every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, streaming on HBO Max.