Warning: Spoilers Ahead for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2
Overview
- The recent episode of The Last of Us, titled “Through the Valley,”delivers a shocking twist with the unexpected death of Joel, a pivotal character.
- Despite the immense popularity of actor Pedro Pascal, the creators chose to uphold the narrative decision of Joel’s demise for its dramatic weight.
- Adaptations made in the portrayal of Joel’s death have intensified its emotional resonance, shifting the scene into a more intimate engagement.
The Last of Us Season 2’s latest installment has left many viewers—particularly those unfamiliar with the game’s sequel—stunned, as they grapple with the impact of losing one of the show’s essential characters. HBO’s showrunners, Mazin and Druckmann, remained committed to staying true to the controversial story arc from The Last of Us Part 2, irrespective of Pedro Pascal’s dedicated fan following. They believed that altering this significant event would betray the essence of the original narrative, which is fundamental to the evolution of the storyline.
Season 2 has seen numerous adaptations, including altered timelines and the introduction of new characters like Gail, a therapist, alongside a deeper exploration of her husband Eugene’s character. Nevertheless, the unavoidable death of Joel serves as a crucial narrative thread that will intertwine throughout subsequent episodes. The challenges faced by the characters—portrayed by Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Isabella Merced (Dina), and Pascal (Joel)—form the emotional backbone of the series, and the decision to kill off Joel, despite potential backlash, was viewed by the creators as an integral part of storytelling.
Creators Were Resolute in Joel’s Fate, Despite Pedro Pascal’s Fame
In a recent episode of The Last of Us podcast, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann elaborated on the decisions leading to Joel’s death. Reporting by ComicBook highlighted their conversation where Druckmann acknowledged the fan theories suggesting that the show might alter the course of events due to Pascal’s star power. He noted, “Some fans speculated, ‘Oh, Pedro’s too popular, HBO won’t allow it.'” However, Mazin firmly countered this sentiment, asserting that omitting Joel’s death would undermine the story’s integrity.
“To craft a narrative about consequences, particularly involving a man who commits an egregious act for ostensibly noble reasons, one must depict the world’s harsh response,” Mazin explained. “The brutality shown serves as feedback from this world we’ve created. There was never any doubt that Joel’s fate was sealed; the real discussion centered on the timing of this event. Episode 1 allowed us to delve into Joel and Ellie’s relationship, foreshadowing its tragic end, and Episode 2 presented this moment of heartbreak in a devastating manner, compounding Ellie’s loss.”
Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2 did not shy away from delivering the hitting scene that game players anticipated. While Joel’s demise in The Last of Us Part 2 was brutal, the live-action adaptation intensified the horror, as viewers felt a deeper connection to Joel, forged through the portrayal of his character over the series. The creative choices made by Druckmann and Mazin, such as the climactic moment of Abby striking Joel with a broken golf club, enhanced the scene’s intimacy, making it even more heartbreaking than fans had expected.
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 are now available on HBO and Max, airing every Sunday at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT.
Source: ComicBook