This article includes spoilers from The Last of Us Season 2.
Key Highlights
- Showrunner hints that Joel’s narrative arc may continue, sparking curiosity and speculation about his return.
- Despite the severe nature of Joel’s death in Season 2, there may still be narrative avenues to explore.
- Alterations from the original game foster interest regarding Joel’s future within the series.
The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin recently addressed the shocking developments surrounding Joel’s character in Episode 2 of Season 2, raising questions about whether viewers have seen the last of him. Following a suspenseful season premiere, the HBO series took a dark turn when Abby (portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever) confronted Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) in the unforgiving winter landscape of Jackson, Wyoming. Even though the storyline indicates Joel’s demise, Mazin has indicated that this might not mark the final appearance of this beloved character.
Showrunner Comments on Story Gaps Between Joel and Ellie
During a discussion on the official podcast for The Last of Us, Mazin acknowledged that there are notable gaps in the narrative that could leave viewers perplexed. Nonetheless, he reassured fans that there remains much more to explore concerning Joel and Ellie’s story. He stated, “I will say, and I’ll be intentional about this. We do know that, for the viewer, there are some mysteries here. There are some gaps about Ellie and Joel’s relationship. And I don’t think it’s a spoiler, based on the fact that there’s a trailer out there with lots of shots in it, this is not the last we will see of Joel.”
This comment not only alleviates fan concerns but also adds layers of mystery to Joel’s fate, suggesting that the narrative may only be momentarily paused rather than concluded. By purposely highlighting these gaps, Mazin encourages viewers to delve deeper into the emotional complexities of the storyline.
Details of Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Season 2
In Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2, Joel and Dina venture out for a patrol and find themselves caught in severe blizzard conditions. Despite a warning from Tommy about the worsening snowstorm, they are too far to heed it. During their patrol, Joel encounters Abby, who is being attacked by infected individuals. He intervenes and saves her, yet unaware of his true identity, Abby remains oblivious to the fact that he is the very person she seeks to confront.
The revelation of Joel’s identity occurs only when Dina calls out his name. This recognition prompts Abby to take them back to a resort where other Fireflies are present. Unlike in the game, where Tommy accompanies Joel during this critical moment, the series depicts Dina as part of the scenario, as Tommy remains in Jackson dealing with infected threats.
As events unfold, Abby reveals her identity and reminds Joel of his past actions—including the murder of her father while he was trying to rescue Ellie. To subdue Dina, they sedate her for a while, a deviation from the source material. The sequence culminates in a horrific act, mirroring the violent intensity experienced by players of The Last of Us Part II. Abby brutally attacks Joel with a golf club, culminating in his death as Ellie, who desperately searches for them, arrives too late to intervene.
The manner of Joel’s demise in the series strongly suggests that his character won’t come back in the same form. Nonetheless, Mazin’s remarks inject a sense of curiosity among viewers regarding how the character might still impact the narrative. Whether through flashbacks, memories, or unforeseen twists, there lies an opportunity for deeper exploration of Ellie’s emotional journey, potentially reshaping the series’ core themes.
For fans eager to continue following this gripping saga, The Last of Us Season 2 is streaming exclusively on MAX.
Source: The Last of Us podcast