Notice: Contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 and The Last of Us Part II!
The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences with its second season, especially in episode 2, which introduces significant deviations from the original video game narrative. While the first season largely followed the storyline of the initial game with minor enhancements, the second season seems unafraid to make substantial adjustments, particularly regarding pivotal moments like the Jackson invasion and the evolution of Dina’s character.
Episode 2 picks up directly after the first, showcasing the arrival of Abby and the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in Jackson. During a patrol, Joel and Dina rescue Abby from a swarm of Infected, leading them to a ski lodge where Abby’s companions are hiding. Meanwhile, chaos unfolds in Jackson as the Infected launch an assault on the settlement. In a critical moment at the ski lodge, Joel discovers that Abby’s purpose for being there is fatal: the WLF restrains Dina and brutally assaults Joel. Ellie arrives just as the situation escalates tragically.
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Abby’s Motivation Is Unveiled Much Sooner
Transforming the Narrative Approach
A pivotal alteration in this episode revolves around Abby’s motivation. In The Last of Us Part II, the game challenges players by initially masking Abby’s intentions when she kills Joel, fostering a strong animosity toward her character. Players only begin to empathize with her after they shift perspectives and experience her journey firsthand.
In contrast, the HBO adaptation opts for a more straightforward exposition. Abby’s motivations come to light much earlier; she not only hints at Joel’s past involvement in her father’s death but also reveals her backstory in a climactic moment with Joel. This change alters the audience’s perception, making Abby a more relatable character from the outset, albeit at the cost of the original game’s dramatic tension.
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Dina Partners With Joel Instead of Tommy
A Shift in Team Dynamics
Another significant shift occurs in Dina’s character arc. Unlike the game, where Joel is accompanied by his brother Tommy during the patrol leading to Abby’s confrontation, the TV series gives Dina prominence as Joel’s partner in this critical moment. This alteration not only adds depth to Dina’s character but also changes the dynamics of later events, as Tommy remains at Jackson, absent from the impending tragedy at the ski lodge.
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Ellie Teams Up With Jesse For Patrol
Expanding Relationships
With the reallocation of patrol partners, Ellie also experiences a new character dynamic. In the original game, she patrols alongside Dina until they learn of Joel’s predicament. However, since Dina is now with Joel, Ellie is partnered with Jesse. This adjustment not only gives fans insights into Ellie and Jesse’s relationship but also maintains the narrative flow leading to the heartbreaking conclusion at the ski lodge.
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Abby Discovers Joel’s Identity Through Dina
A More Natural Revelation
The circumstances surrounding Abby’s discovery of Joel’s identity have also been reworked. In The Last of Us Part II, Joel introduces himself, which some players found to be an unrealistic narrative twist. The HBO adaptation modifies this dynamic; after Joel rescues Abby, Dina inadvertently calls out to Joel, immediately connecting the dots for Abby, who now understands that her savior is also the target of her vengeance. This alteration likely heightens the realism of the plot while still maintaining its emotional stakes.
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Joel Seeks Abby’s Assistance During the Attack
Motivation Altered
Joel’s fatal decision to head to Abby’s ski lodge carries a different motivation in the series. In the game, the driving force behind their journey is a fierce winter storm combined with the need to escape the Infected. Conversely, the adaptation presents a scenario devoid of a storm, portraying a tense situation as the Infected launch their assault on Jackson. Recognizing the urgency, Joel concludes that Abby’s group could provide critical assistance and sets off for the lodge, tragically never reaching his goal.
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Joel Meets His End by a Golf Club
A More Gruesome Conclusion
Joel’s demise is treated with equal brutality in both adaptations; however, the HBO series makes a subtle yet significant adjustment concerning how he dies. While both versions show Joel being violently beaten with a golf club, the series intensifies this moment dramatically. In the game, Abby fatally bludgeons Joel; in the show, the club breaks from excessive force, leading Abby to stab Joel with the splintered handle, marking a grim conclusion to a tragic arc.
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The Infected Assault Jackson (Tommy Defends)
An Original Sequence to Expand the Narrative
Among the most significant deviations in this episode is the introduction of a new action sequence centering on Tommy. While he plays a crucial role in the original game, here, he is engaged in defending Jackson while a horde of Infected descends upon the settlement. As the series unfolds, we see Tommy leading the town’s battle against the Infected, creating an original and electrifying action sequence that enriches his character development and adds an additional layer of tension to the narrative. This creative choice could have lasting implications throughout the season, influencing character arcs and themes.