Warning: Major spoilers for The Last of Us are contained in the text below.
Overview of Season 2 Developments
- The second episode of *The Last of Us* Season 2 features *that* significant death, leaving both fans and creators heartbroken.
- Showrunners opted for an early reveal of this event to prevent prolonged audience distress and maintain narrative momentum.
- This pivotal death is crucial for the storyline and Ellie’s character arc, delving into themes of suffering and revenge.
In an eagerly awaited moment, *The Last of Us* Season 2 prominently included a scene from The Last of Us Part II that fans had long anticipated. The showrunners tackled the hot-topic scene head-on, ensuring it was addressed right from the start of the season.
As Season 2 kicked off, the excitement was mixed with sadness, particularly since fans were aware that a beloved character would soon depart. Speculations about the timing of this departure made the atmosphere tense, but the creators chose to confront the inevitable early in the storyline, presenting it within the second episode itself.
The Emotional Weight of Joel’s Demise
The highly emotional second episode starkly showcased the tragic death of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, at the hands of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. While many were already prepared for this moment, witnessing it unfold on screen proved to be an intense emotional experience. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, co-creators of the series, spoke about their decision-making process regarding this pivotal scene. Druckmann mentioned the need to quickly focus on the core narrative, stating:
“But we also knew it needed to be early enough, because this is the inciting incident for this story. So yes, we always pick every permutation, but the later it got in the season, it just felt we were kind of dragging our feet instead of just getting to the meat of what the story is about.”
Why the Timely Revelation Matters
Mazin supported this strategy, noting the pitfalls of torturing the audience with prolonged tension. He acknowledged the inevitability of Joel’s death, emphasizing that the audience would only feel increasingly anguished if the narrative delayed its arrival. Those unfamiliar with the game’s storyline would soon learn through discussions that Joel’s fate was sealed, making the decision to present it early on even more practical.
With the decision made to reveal this key moment early, Mazin remarked that they were particularly mindful of how to portray it seamlessly within the narrative:
“Our instinct was to make sure that when we did it, that it felt natural in the story and was not some meta-function of us wanting to upset people.”
The Aftermath of Joel’s Story Arc
Even though the death was anticipated, many fans still felt the profound heartbreak of the scene, especially as they watched Abby deliver the fatal blow with the jagged end of a golf club. The emotional impact was further heightened by the fact that Joel’s final moments included a poignant glimpse of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) calling out to him. Mazin conveyed deep emotion regarding this moment, stating that it mirrored the audience’s sentiment. Both he and Druckmann acknowledged the heart-wrenching nature of killing off such a beloved character, fully aware of the weight Joel’s death carries in the narrative.
Despite some fans hoping for an alternate outcome—wanting Joel to escape his fate—writers insisted that his death was unavoidable, carrying significant implications for the story’s trajectory. This event symbolizes Joel’s confrontation with the repercussions of his past actions, especially his choice to save Ellie at the cost of others’ lives. It serves as a critical catalyst for Ellie’s ensuing journey through pain, loss, and the cycle of vengeance. Missing this moment would have distorted the intricate storytelling the series aims to deliver.
The Last of Us Season 2 is currently airing on Max, with new episodes released every Sunday.
Source: Variety