Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2.
The Emotional Impact of Season 2, Episode 2 of The Last of Us
In a recent discussion with Entertainment Weekly, co-showrunner Craig Mazin unveiled a poignant moment that unfolded unscripted during Season 2, Episode 2 of The Last of Us. The episode, which aired on April 20, escalated the tension as Abby (portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever) led a faction toward Jackson Hole, encountering Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Dina (Isabela Merced). The narrative took a dark turn when Abby confronted Joel, revealing that he was the one responsible for her father’s death.
A Powerful Unscripted Scene
During this emotionally charged encounter, a noteworthy moment emerged from actress Ariela Barer, who plays Mel, the doctor attending to Dina’s frostbite. Without any direction to do so, Barer broke down in tears, reflecting the raw, traumatic nature of the scene and adding depth to the narrative. Mazin emphasized the significance of authentic reactions over scripted performances, highlighting that the characters’ intertwined stories carry weight beyond this single event.
It wasn’t anything that [director] Mark [Mylod] or I had asked her to do. It was just she was feeling it. It matters more than any kind of grotesque detail. All those people who are in that room, all those stories are going to continue forward — and in next season, perhaps. But every good story, I think always starts with some sort of original sin or an original trauma. And here is that one right here.
The Heart-Wrenching Scene of Joel’s Death
Joel’s demise is not simply a plot point; it serves as a crucial turning moment for Ellie, who has suffered great losses throughout her journey in Season 1. Compared to the source material, tweaks were introduced in this adaptation, including a brutally intense depiction of Abby’s attack, where she uses a golf club against Joel until it breaks. This choice emphasized the horrific reality of violence and trauma, creating a visceral reaction for both characters and viewers.
Comparison to the Game Adaptation
In the HBO adaptation, significant attention was given to the emotional fallout from Joel’s death. Mazin mentioned that they employed extensive prosthetics on Pascal to enhance the portrayal of Abby’s aggression and sorrow. Mel’s tearful response not only illustrated the horror of Abby’s actions but also underscored the moral complexities of the narrative, indicating that even those aligned with Abby may struggle with the consequences of her revenge-driven motives.
Ellie’s Journey Forward
As the rivalry between Ellie and Abby intensifies in Season 2, Joel’s death is a pivotal event shifting Ellie’s trajectory. Mazin referred to this moment as Ellie’s “original trauma,” significantly altering her character as she grapples with the revelations surrounding her relationship with Joel. This trauma sets the stage for her descent into an unforgiving quest for revenge, mirroring the path that began with Joel’s own loss of his daughter, Sarah (Nico Parker).
While Joel’s shocking end is a critical narrative development, it aligns seamlessly with the inevitable, tragic themes embedded within The Last of Us. The approaching episodes promise to delve deeper into Ellie’s grief, showcasing how her past may shape her future decisions and morality.
Source: EW