The Last of Us Season Two: A Journey Through Ambiguity and Drama
Serialized dramas like The Last of Us often leave viewers with mixed feelings, particularly during a mid-season run. While it’s exciting when a show provokes thought and curiosity about its characters and storyline, an overwhelming sense of frustration may emerge from unresolved plotlines. In the case of this acclaimed HBO adaptation, season two progresses towards a point where viewers feel more bewildered by the story than captivated by its depth.
The finale leaves Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey) embroiled in a conflict with enigmatic groups whose intentions remain shrouded in mystery, leading to a sense of anticlimax. As the answers to numerous questions appear to be deferred to the next season, fans may find their desire for resolution increasingly unfulfilled.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, many aspects of the season stand out, with spectacular action sequences and impressive performances by Ramsey and Pedro Pascal. The compelling nature of the storytelling itself continues to pull viewers in, effectively masking the structural weaknesses in some instances.
As the new season begins, viewers reconnect with Joel (Pascal), now in his 60s, and Ellie, who is 19. The five-year leap allows them to settle into the mountain community of Jackson, Wyoming. Here, Joel has reunited with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and sister-in-law Maria (Rutina Wesley), while Ellie befriends others her age, including the on-again, off-again couple Dina (Isabela Merced) and Jesse (Beef’s Young Mazino).
However, the relationship between Joel and Ellie suffers, attributed partially to the significant betrayal that concluded the previous season. By the time the premiere unfolds, their communication has dwindled to almost nothing, setting a somber tone for their next adventure.
As expected, a crisis disrupts their lives, prompting immediate action that comes at a great personal price. The season kicks off with an urgency that captivates, presenting thrilling plot twists early on. Fans seeking more zombie-related content will be glad to note an abundance of action this year, with one intense scene rivaling the epic battles of Game of Thrones in its scale and ferocity.
Co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin continues to excel in focusing on character development, which has distinguished the series from its video game origins. Pascal delivers a poignant portrayal of Joel, conveying deep emotion with subtle expressions and gestures. Yet, this season truly belongs to Ramsey, who impressively embodies Ellie’s turbulent emotions, whether she channels fury or despair, or captivates with the slightest change in her expressions.
Among the new cast, Isabela Merced’s portrayal of Dina stands out, as their relationship evolves from friendship to profound partnership throughout their shared trials. Their chemistry is palpable, evoking feelings of warmth and excitement. Additionally, Catherine O’Hara portrays Gail, the community’s overwhelmed therapist, who, with her dry humor, effectively navigates the complexities of characters like Joel.
Conversely, some new characters fail to make a lasting impression. Kaitlyn Dever plays Abby, a vengeful soldier, yet lacks depth, rendering her character more of a plot device than a multidimensional individual. Similarly, the ruthless characters Isaac and Hanrahan, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright and Alanna Ubach, respectively, seem one-dimensional, primarily serving the narrative without offering much substance.
Notably, many underdeveloped characters are linked to Seattle, where our protagonists eventually journey, encountering the crossfire of a conflict that remains elusive. While the violence yields shocking visual moments—such as a particularly jarring scene involving gore—it serves to contextualize the season’s exploration of violence and retribution, themes deeply entwined with the storyline.
The setting allows for intriguing worldbuilding; for example, Ellie and Dina’s confusion over the remnants of “Pride” flags speaks to the societal changes post-apocalypse. However, the rationale behind the ongoing wars remains obscure. This ambiguity suggests that the details are being saved for future seasons, potentially making the current narrative more meaningful in retrospect.
The Last of Us has always conveyed that its world extends beyond the immediate troubles of Joel and Ellie. Unlike the first nine-episode season, which invested time in exploring characters like Henry (Lamar Johnson) and Sam (Keivonn Montreal Woodard), the latest installment adopts a more streamlined approach, sometimes to its detriment. The season feels open-ended, with key developments surfacing without thorough exploration.
Despite these structural challenges, the emotional depth of the series remains intact. Ellie’s performance of A-Ha’s “Take On Me” or Joel reveling in Ellie’s delight during a birthday gift exchange evoke nostalgia and tenderness. Although the narrative elements associated with unexplained factions may be unsettling, they also contribute to an immersive viewing experience.
Ultimately, while I remained engaged with the season, I couldn’t help but miss the rich storytelling and emotional resonance of earlier chapters, leaving me hopeful for a return to form in the anticipated third season.