WARNING: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 1.
The emotional weight of character deaths in The Last of Us Season 1 still lingers for many viewers. Among these tragic moments, one in particular stands out, continually evoking feelings of sadness and contemplation. As fans eagerly await the arrival of Season 2, which is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the impactful narrative woven throughout the acclaimed first season, released in January 2023. Like its HBO predecessors such as Game of Thrones and Chernobyl, this series is marked by its unforgettable and poignant death scenes.
Season 2 of The Last of Us, masterfully crafted by Craig Mazin, promises the return of beloved characters, notably Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams. This show is part of a growing trend of video game adaptations capturing critical acclaim, alongside titles such as Amazon’s Fallout and Netflix’s The Witcher.
Still Haunted by Sam’s Death in Episode 5
Sam’s Fate in the HBO Series Exceeds the Game’s Tragedy
The live-action adaptation of The Last of Us heightened the horror surrounding Sam Burrell’s demise in Episode 5. Portrayed by Keivonn Woodard, Sam’s presence is felt deeply, as he only appears in two episodes: “Please Hold to My Hand,”and the critically acclaimed episode “Endure and Survive.”Tragically, this 8-year-old character becomes infected and poses a threat to Ellie, leading his older brother Henry to make an unthinkable choice – to kill Sam before he fully turns into an infected being.
The heart-wrenching aftermath is compounded by Henry’s ensuing suicide, marking one of the most devastating moments in the series. This catastrophic decision forces Henry into a position where he must think quickly, surrounded by impossible circumstances. Joel and Ellie ultimately lay Sam and Henry to rest before continuing their harrowing journey.
It’s particularly poignant that Sam, who is deaf, took precautions to avoid harming Ellie while she slept by positioning himself near the window. Yet, his tragic fate looms large, as the possibility of endangering Ellie remained, even with her immunity to the Cordyceps infection.
Emotional Deaths: A Hallmark of Season 1
Tragic Losses: Sarah and Marlene’s Demise
The emotional landscape of Season 1 is defined by its powerful character deaths, expertly woven into its narrative. The heart-wrenching story of Bill and Frank resonates long after the credits roll, alongside the unforgettable death of Joel’s daughter, Sarah, whose tragic fate casts a long shadow over Joel’s character arc.
Further adding to the tumultuous journey are the deaths of Riley and Tess, as well as the shocking demise of Marlene, leader of the Fireflies, who met her fate at the hands of Joel in an effort to protect Ellie. With the stage set by the harrowing losses in Season 1, anticipation mounts for the subsequent emotional farewells expected in the upcoming season.