Recap of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2: ‘Through The Valley’

This article includes spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2.

Episode Overview

  • Abby’s haunting memories lead her into a perilous situation.
  • Owen voices concerns about entering Jackson and the risk of retaliation.
  • Ellie shares a memorable moment with Dina during a patrol with Jesse, who is eager to find Joel and Dina.

The much-anticipated second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 follows a riveting first episode that managed to balance intense drama with compelling storytelling. This season picks up five years after Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) initially settled in Jackson, Wyoming, revealing a fractured relationship between the two where Ellie is not even residing with Joel anymore. In this new environment, Ellie appears to have developed romantic feelings for Dina (Isabel Merced).

As Abby and her group approach Jackson, it’s unmistakably clear that the Cordyceps infection is encroaching upon their home. The finale of Episode 1 raised alarms about impending dangers for Jackson’s inhabitants, particularly Joel and Ellie. This leaves viewers questioning how Ellie will confront Abby and if Abby will ultimately find Joel. Let’s delve into the pivotal events of Episode 2.

Ellie Discusses Her Moment with Jesse While Owen Challenges Abby

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HBO

The episode opens with Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever) navigating a dimly lit corridor in Salt Lake City, overwhelmed with apprehension. Armed and alert, she grapples with a haunting conversation between her younger self and an older version of Abby, who warns her against confronting the grim realities ahead. As her emotional turmoil peaks, Abby’s nightmare culminates in a distressing vision of loss and chaos.

The plotting thickens when Abby’s group contemplates how to infiltrate the heavily guarded Jackson. Owen expresses his desire to pivot away from revenge by devising a more thoughtful strategy. He doesn’t want their mission to end in needless bloodshed, suggesting that they are not prepared for the fierce resistance they might encounter. Abby, however, remains fixated on avenging Joel.

Is Ellie Ready to Reconnect with Joel?

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HBO

Abby Encounters the Infected; Joel Comes to Her Aid

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HBO

The impending snowstorm heightens tensions for Jesse and Ellie, who seek refuge in a store as they lose contact with the others. Meanwhile, Abby ventures into the winter landscape alongside her group. Curiosity leads her to pursue suspicious figures, but a misstep sends her sliding down a perilous slope into a throng of infected.

As Abby fights for survival, it appears all hope is lost until Joel emerges to save her from imminent danger. Unbeknownst to Abby, her savior is the very target of her vengeance. The gravity of this revelation becomes apparent as Dina calls out to Joel, intensifying the situation. With Jackson now unreachable, Abby proposes seeking refuge in her cabin, while Ellie and Jesse are left in desperation, searching for their loved ones.

Abby’s Confrontation with Joel; Ellie on a Quest

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HBO

Despite Joel’s attempts to plead for his life by speaking of the moments they’ve shared, Abby’s rage blinds her to any empathy. Her personal vendetta overshadows her humanity, and she takes a golf club to Joel’s injured leg, delivering a vicious blow in retaliation for her father’s death at Joel’s hands.

Abby’s Revenge Culminates in a Chilling Conclusion

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HBO

As Ellie continues her desperate search for Joel and Dina, she stumbles upon a trail of horse tracks that lead her to the cabin where the conflict unfolds. Inside, she finds Joel in a harrowing state, witnessing the relentless assault Abby inflicts upon him. Driven by desperation, she attempts to intervene, but is quickly overpowered by Abby’s group.

Just when it seems all hope is lost, Abby delivers a fatal blow to Joel, ending his life with a swift swing of the golf club. The emotional impact reverberates through the audience as Ellie is left in utter disbelief, screaming in anguish. The episode concludes with a brutal reminder of the ongoing struggles within Jackson as the infected encroach upon the settlement, leaving its residents scrambling to survive amidst chaos.

Episode 2 presents an emotionally charged narrative that is as devastating as it is relentless. Joel’s death stains the storyline with profound tragedy, leaving viewers grappling with the repercussions of vengeance. The performances by Ramsey and Dever resonate deeply, rendering this episode a poignant exploration of grief, revenge, and the scars that linger long after violence has occurred. As the stakes continue to rise, viewers are left wondering where Ellie’s path will lead next in this hauntingly beautiful yet brutal world.

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