WARNING: This article reveals significant spoilers for HBO’s The Last of Us.
The acclaimed series The Last of Us on HBO has ventured into one of the most contentious plot points from The Last of Us Part II. The show’s creators have addressed the intense reactions generated by Abby’s character. In season 2, episode 2 titled “Through the Valley,”viewers witness the tragic demise of Joel at Abby’s hands, a moment that profoundly impacts both the characters and the audience. This anticipated yet heart-wrenching development has left fans grappling with the emotional fallout.
The intense reactions following Joel’s death were somewhat anticipated, given the controversy that surrounded Abby when the original game was released. The backlash prompted changes in HBO’s adaptation, which sought to reshape Abby’s character and her dynamics with Joel. Despite these adjustments, the emotional weight of Joel’s death continues to resonate deeply, marking a pivotal moment in the series’ narrative.
Understanding Abby’s Controversial Role in The Last of Us Part II
Abby: A Target of Controversy Following Joel’s Death
Released in 2020, The Last of Us Part II ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly due to Joel’s unexpected death at the hands of Abby—an act many fans found unforgivable. Joel’s status as a beloved character significantly influenced public sentiment, leading to intense animosity directed towards Abby. Players were required to see the unfolding story from Abby’s perspective, delving into her motivations and experiences, yet many remained unable to reconcile their feelings towards her.
Consequently, Abby’s voice actress, Laura Bailey, faced severe harassment, including death threats directed at her and her infant son, prompting her to involve law enforcement. The HBO production team, understandably, aimed to prevent a similar incident with actress Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby in the series.
Transformations in Abby’s Character for HBO’s Adaptation
Strategic Character Changes to Mitigate Backlash
In the original game, players do not immediately learn that Abby is an ex-Firefly seeking revenge for her father’s death at Joel’s hands. This crucial context unfolds gradually, which heightens the emotional stakes of her climactic confrontation with Joel. However, HBO’s adaptation took a different route, making it clear from the start that Abby is not merely a random antagonist. This approach allows viewers to better understand Abby’s motives, as the season chronicles her quest alongside her team to confront Joel directly.
In this iteration, Abby’s revelation of her father’s death adds depth to her character and turns the narrative focus from mere shock to building emotional tension, thereby fostering greater audience engagement.
Creators’ Insights on Abby’s Actions and Audience Reactions
Creators Anticipated Strong Reactions to Joel’s Death
Despite the modifications in storyline, Joel’s death left many viewers stunned, including actor Pedro Pascal himself. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal confessed he was in “active denial”about his character’s fate, understanding that the time was up for his portrayal, having formed close bonds with the cast and crew. However, he acknowledged awareness of Joel’s fate all along, stating, “It was just a matter of how and when.”
Following the episode’s release, co-creator Craig Mazin discussed the audience’s potential reaction in a conversation with USA Today. He stated:
“People are going to be upset. That’s sometimes how good drama goes. This was something that was always meant to happen. So much of the first season was, in a weird way, leading to this moment. And it’s upsetting.”
Furthermore, in discussions with The Hollywood Reporter, Mazin elaborated on the meticulous planning behind Joel’s death scene, aiming to showcase Abby’s loss of control fueled by her rage towards Joel. The creators also refuted rumors that Dever received death threats from fans of Pascal, emphasizing her professionalism in portraying such a challenging scene under difficult personal circumstances.
Ultimately, while Joel’s death was bound to provoke strong emotions, the HBO adaptation navigated this sensitive moment with care, learning from the backlash that surrounded the game. Although it diverges from the original storyline, HBO’s The Last of Us continuously expands and reinterprets its source material, offering a distinctive viewing experience for its audience.
Sources: Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter