What's happened
In a shocking twist, HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 2 sees the brutal death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, at the hands of Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. This pivotal moment mirrors the events of the video game and has sparked intense reactions among viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with the source material. The season explores themes of vengeance and trauma as Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, grapples with the loss.
What's behind the headline?
Themes of Vengeance and Trauma
- The brutal death of Joel serves as a catalyst for exploring deeper themes of vengeance and trauma, particularly through Ellie's perspective.
- The showrunners have chosen to remain faithful to the game's narrative, which has polarized audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the source material.
Audience Reactions
- Viewers who are new to the story may find Joel's death shocking, while those familiar with the game may have anticipated it.
- The emotional weight of the scene is heightened by Ellie's helplessness, which could lead to significant character development as she seeks revenge.
Future Implications
- This pivotal moment sets the stage for a darker narrative trajectory, potentially alienating some viewers while deepening the story for others.
- The series will likely continue to explore the moral complexities of its characters, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of heroism and villainy.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the shocking death of Joel has divided audiences, with some viewers expressing disbelief at the brutal twist. Stuart Heritage notes that the show risks pushing the narrative into bleakness by killing off a beloved character so early in the season. Meanwhile, the New York Times highlights the backlash that occurred when the same scene played out in the video game, indicating that the narrative shift has been controversial among fans. In contrast, Business Insider UK emphasizes that the adaptation remains faithful to the game's most controversial moments, which may resonate differently with viewers who are not familiar with the source material. This divergence in audience reactions underscores the challenges of adapting beloved narratives for television.
How we got here
The series, based on the acclaimed video game, follows Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Season 2 picks up five years after the first season, focusing on the evolving relationship between the two characters and introducing new threats, including Abby, who seeks revenge for her father's death at Joel's hands.
Go deeper
- What are the main themes explored in Season 2?
- How have fans reacted to Joel's death?
- What can we expect from Ellie's character development?
Common question
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What to Expect in The Last of Us Season 2?
As HBO's acclaimed series 'The Last of Us' returns for its highly anticipated second season on April 13, 2025, fans are eager to know what lies ahead. Set five years after the first season, the new episodes promise to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Joel and Ellie, while introducing new characters and themes. Here are some common questions fans are asking about the upcoming season.
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What to Expect in The Last of Us Season 2?
The highly anticipated Season 2 of HBO's 'The Last of Us' premiered on April 13, 2025, and fans are eager to know what unfolds next. With new characters and deeper emotional themes, this season promises to take the story of Joel and Ellie to new heights. Here are some common questions viewers have about the latest season.
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What Are the Biggest Shocks in The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us Season 2 has taken fans by storm since its premiere on April 13, 2025. With shocking moments and emotional depth, viewers are left buzzing about the twists and character developments. Below, we explore key moments, fan reactions, and the evolution of beloved characters.
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What Impact Does 'The Last of Us' Season 2 Have on Fans and Culture?
The release of 'The Last of Us' Season 2 has sent shockwaves through the fan community, especially with the shocking death of Joel. This pivotal moment has sparked intense discussions about the show's direction and its connection to the original video game. Fans are left wondering how this season compares to the first and what themes resonate most deeply. Below, we explore the most pressing questions surrounding this season and its cultural impact.
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What Are the Major Themes in 'The Last of Us' Season 2?
Season 2 of HBO's 'The Last of Us' has taken viewers by storm with its shocking twists and deep emotional themes. As the story unfolds, fans are left with many questions about character development, narrative choices, and the impact of these events on the overall story. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions viewers have regarding this season.
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Last of Us is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Players control Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie, across a post-apocalyptic United States.
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José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal is a Chilean-American actor. Pascal portrayed Oberyn Martell in the fourth season of the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones and Javier Peña in the Netflix biographical crime series Narcos.
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Isabella May Ramsey is an English actor. She is known for her breakthrough role as young noblewoman Lyanna Mormont in the HBO fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and subsequent television roles as Mildred Hubble in the 2017 CBBC series The Worst Wi
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Kaitlyn Rochelle Dever is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition for her roles in the FX crime drama series Justified, the ABC/Fox sitcom Last Man Standing, and the Netflix docudrama miniseries Unbelievable, the latter of
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Craig Mazin is an American screenwriter and film director. He is best known for creating the five-part miniseries Chernobyl, based on the nuclear disaster of the same name in 1986.
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Wyoming is a doubly landlocked state in the western United States. The 10th largest state by area, it is also the least populous and second most sparsely populated state in the country.
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Home Box Office is an American pay television network owned by WarnerMedia Studios & Networks Group and the flagship property of parent subsidiary Home Box Office, Inc.
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Ellie is a character in the video games The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II by Naughty Dog. She is portrayed by Ashley Johnson through performance capture.
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Isabela Moner, known professionally as Isabela Merced since 2019, is an American actress and singer. She played the lead role of CJ Martin on the Nickelodeon television series 100 Things to Do Before High School and voiced Kate in Nickelodeon's animated s
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Daredevil may refer to:
A stunt performer
