Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2!
The Aftermath of Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Season 2
In a recent episode of The Last of Us, a shocking turn of events took fans by surprise, revealing the true costs of vengeance and loss. Creator Craig Mazin reached out to the audience in response to the overwhelming reactions following a pivotal scene where Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) brutally ends Joel’s life (Pedro Pascal) as a means to avenge her father’s murder. This shocking sequence, where Ellie (Bella Ramsey) witnesses the horrific act, has ignited a whirlwind of emotions among viewers.
Craig Mazin Addresses Fan Reactions
During an interview with IndieWire, Mazin communicated that the intention behind this critical moment was to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. He reflected on the potential anger from fans regarding Joel’s unexpected demise, stating that it was completely valid to feel upset. However, he encouraged viewers to take their time processing the event and hinted at unforeseen developments in the storyline.
That’s OK. I think they might think they’re angry with me. That’s fine. I think they might just be angry, which is also OK. I mean, this show is designed to provoke some pretty intense feelings, and wherever those feelings go is fine. The most important thing is that they feel something. The worst thing would be if they went, ‘Eh!‘ Then, I would’ve really failed.
Give yourself time to see how you feel about it a week later, two weeks later. And I will say, give the show time. You may think it’s going this way, and it ends up going that way.
Significance of Joel’s Death in the Series
The Impact on Future Episodes
Mazin’s comments suggest that Joel’s death is not merely an isolated event but rather a significant turning point that will resonate throughout the remaining episodes of Season 2. Fans may recall that The Last of Us Part II, the source material for this season, created substantial division among players due to its handling of character arcs and mortality. Nevertheless, the show has managed to maintain an impressive 9.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb from over 26,000 reviews, indicating a strong viewer engagement despite the controversial plot twists.
This incident also marks a transformative phase for Ellie, emphasizing her journey and emotional turmoil in the wake of Joel’s tragic loss. While the specifics of her next moves remain ambiguous, her vow to eliminate Abby provides a glimpse of the revenge-driven path ahead. With the confirmation of a third season, a complex narrative exploring the repercussions of Joel’s death seems inevitable.
Reflection on Joel’s Legacy in The Last of Us
A Pivotal Moment for the Series
With the removal of Joel from the storyline, The Last of Us undergoes a remarkable transformation that could provoke mixed feelings among the audience. This profound loss may fuel future narratives, driving an engaging and intricate story arc. Regardless of how this adaptation unfolds, it’s evident that Joel’s death will remain etched in the series’ memory for both compelling and controversial reasons.
For more insights, visit the full interview on IndieWire.