Warning: The following content contains significant spoilers for HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, as well as The Last of Us Part II video game!
The recent episode of HBO’s The Last of Us delivered a powerful portrayal of a pivotal moment in the series: the shocking demise of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal. This episode introduced Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, who brutalizes Joel in a manner echoing his fate in the acclaimed video game. While the execution of this scene resonates strongly with the source material, some nuances regarding Abby’s character detract from the emotional weight of Joel’s death.
The Impact of Abby’s Monologue on the Scene
Straying from the Show, Don’t Tell Principle
While it’s important to commend Kaitlyn Dever’s powerful portrayal of Abby, the decision to give her an extended monologue while pointing a gun at Joel significantly diminishes the shock of the moment. In the video game, the sequence unfolds rapidly, catching players off guard with a shotgun blast, followed by terse dialogue before Joel faces severe violence. The unpredictable nature of the game made this a landmark moment, leaving the audience in a state of shock and confusion regarding Abby’s motives.
By allowing Abby to verbalize her intentions and emotions, the show introduces context that could be seen as thoughtful. However, it sacrifices the raw intensity and daring elements that the original game encapsulated, leading to a less impactful scene.
The Early Revelation of Abby’s Motivations
Potential Weakening of Narrative Impact
In The Last of Us Part II, players primarily experience the story through Ellie’s perspective for a significant duration before uncovering Abby’s character. This narrative choice allows for a more profound exploration of her motivations and humanity, especially considering the weight of her actions. Conversely, Season 2’s opening episode positions Abby amidst the aftermath of a violent incident, immediately clarifying her vendetta against Joel.
While the next episode does retain an element of surprise with Joel’s death, by providing the audience with Abby’s background so early, the series diminishes the moral complexity and emotional turmoil that made the game’s narrative so compelling. This early introduction to Abby’s character dilutes the emotional conflict, preventing viewers from experiencing the gradual journey of empathy and understanding that the game masterfully executed.
The Emotional Weight of Joel’s Death and Ellie’s Reaction
Brutality and Emotional Resonance
Image via Max
Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel is undeniably impactful, and the brutality of his death resonates deeply with viewers. The violent nature of the scene, coupled with its emotional weight, remains poignant. Despite themissteps regarding Abby’s portrayal, the show achieves significant emotional depth in the aftermath of Joel’s death, particularly through Ellie’s reactions, which align closely with critical moments from the game.
Ellie’s desperate pleas for her father to come back hit hard, and the poignant addition of her embracing Joel’s lifeless body enhances the emotional heft of the scene. Although the adaptation choices may not resonate with all fans, there’s no disputing that Joel’s death has left a lasting mark on viewers, reinforcing the show’s ability to depict profound emotional moments amid harrowing circumstances.