Warning: SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2 episode 2.
The Impact of Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2
The thrilling second episode of season 2 of The Last of Us introduced a moment that astonished viewers unfamiliar with the narrative established in Naughty Dog’s video game. In a gripping scene, Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, meets a tragic end at the hands of a vengeful Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). In a powerful final exchange, Abby reveals to Joel that the individual he had killed to protect Ellie was her father. This pivotal moment serves as a microcosm of the morally intricate and gritty universe that defines the series. Fans of the game were met with similar shock when the event occurred in 2020, marking a significant narrative crossroads.
In this adaptation, Joel’s death mirrors that of the game, yet the series places a heightened emphasis on Abby’s character, adding depth to her narrative. This perspective, coupled with the fears faced by the residents of Jackson—who spend the episode battling a relentless horde of Infected—intensifies the emotional experience for viewers. The contributions of Emmy-winning composer David Fleming were crucial in crafting this atmosphere; his collaboration with original game composer Gustavo Santaolalla produced an impactful score, especially during the action-packed sequences.
David Fleming’s Insights on Composing the Iconic Scene
“It’s vital for what’s to come for Ellie and for the story.”
Upon the release of The Last of Us Part II in 2020, players expressed a range of emotions regarding Joel’s shocking demise. The star power of Pedro Pascal likely contributed to speculation that the creators, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, might explore ways to prolong Joel’s survival in the show. David Fleming, the composer, shared his own concerns, stating, “I wondered if they were going to go there on the TV show because Pedro’s so popular.”
Despite initial concerns, Fleming praised the show for its unwavering commitment to the narrative: “I half-expected them to pull their punch, but I’m so glad they didn’t in season two either. It’s devastating, but essential for Ellie’s story and overall themes of the series.” He emphasized, “This is a world where things happen, and there are consequences,” applauding the decision to fully commit to this narrative truth.
Crafting the Musical Tension Leading to Joel’s Death
“It’s just getting worse… it’s unraveling.”
The second episode serves as a tense buildup to the heartbreaking moment of Joel’s death, characterized by high-stakes musical accompaniment. Fleming described the episode as an escalating arc, stating, “The moments of relief from the Infected’s onslaught are fleeting, especially before the emotionally devastating scene unfolds.”
Fleming’s work is particularly evident in the extended sequence where Abby inadvertently wakes a lethargic horde of Infected. Close collaboration with showrunner Craig Mazin helped refine the music, with the composer noting their exploration of diverse musical representations for varying intensity levels within the show. “Each encounter with the Infected needs to feel unique and visceral,” he stated.
As the episode progresses into chaos, the score peaks during the horde’s siege on Jackson, described by Fleming as the most ambitious musical segment to date. He stated that prior comparisons might be drawn to earlier episodes, yet the scale achieved here eclipses previous battles significantly.
The Sonic Narrative of Joel’s Last Moments
“I think it really adds to the shock.”
Image via Max
In discussing the collaborative process behind Joel’s final moments, Fleming explained, “Craig’s approach involves a specific focus on soundscapes suited to the various groups within the story.” For the impactful death scene, the music underwent several iterations before successfully capturing the intended emotional weight. Fleming recalled significant changes that transitioned the score away from a more active sound to a composition filled with moments of poignant silence, which heightened the scene’s emotional impact.
Unique Instrumentation to Depict Different Infected Types
“The premiere’s smart infected got its own signature sound.”
Image via Max
In crafting the sound for The Last of Us, Fleming discussed enhancing the established audio palette, noting the need for innovation: “We’re constructing a recognizable yet distinct sound for new infected types.” One standout element was the introduction of an Appalachian dulcimer, used to represent the cunning, feral nature of the Infected. Fleming shared his unique method, stating, “I interacted with the instrument in a new way, producing almost human-like moans that perfectly embodied this intelligent stalker.”
Collaboration with Gustavo Santaolalla
“They pull from the same post-apocalyptic pawn shop.”
Image via Max
The synergy of the series’ score is amplified by the collaboration between David Fleming and Gustavo Santaolalla. Fleming expressed his commitment to ensuring their music styles maintain coherence: “While I introduce new elements, I strive to preserve the emotional essence of the score. It’s crucial that we do not diverge too far.”
He eloquently illustrated their musical relationship as two characters discovering instruments in a post-apocalyptic pawn shop, stating, “His musical style is that of a passionate guitar player, while mine is more electronic, embracing experimentation with the new sounds we find.” This analogy captures the essence of how their distinct approaches coalesce to serve the unique storytelling aspect of The Last of Us.
Catch new episodes of The Last of Us season 2 every Sunday night on HBO.