Breaking Down The Last of Us Season 2 Most Shocking Moment Yet
The second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 delivered a moment that fans of the game have been dreading—and anticipating—for years: Joel’s death. For TV-only viewers, it was a gut punch. For longtime fans of The Last of Us Part II, it was a long time coming. Either way, it’s a moment that changes everything.
Let’s unpack what went down, how the show version differs from the game, and why Abby’s introduction has once again stirred up passionate reactions—without diving into spoilers beyond Episode 2.
Joel’s Fate: A Shocking Yet Familiar Turn
At the end of Season 1, Joel made a life-altering decision. He saved Ellie from the Fireflies in Salt Lake City, killing 18 people in the process—including the one doctor who might’ve used her immunity to create a cure. That choice brought them to Jackson, where they tried to settle into some version of peace.
Fast forward to Season 2. We meet Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), whose father was the very doctor Joel killed. Abby and her group, former Fireflies now trained in combat, set their sights on Joel. While her friends are hesitant to pursue revenge so aggressively, Abby is unwavering.
Her opportunity comes when she crosses paths with Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced) during a patrol. After saving her from a zombie ambush, Joel unknowingly follows Abby to a remote lodge—right into her trap.
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Back in Jackson, chaos erupts. A massive swarm of infected attacks the city, giving the episode a high-stakes action sequence that mirrors Game of Thrones’ infamous “wights at the Wall” scene. Meanwhile, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Jesse (Young Mazino) grow concerned when Joel and Dina don’t respond to their radio and head out to find them.
At the lodge, Abby forces Joel to confess to the Firefly massacre. Dina is drugged. Joel is shot, beaten, and ultimately murdered by Abby—with Ellie arriving just in time to witness the brutal end.
The message is clear: This wasn’t just a murder. It was a declaration. And it sets the tone for the dark, vengeance-driven story ahead.
Why Abby’s Character Sparked So Much Backlash in the Game
When The Last of Us Part II was released, the fanbase erupted—especially over Abby. Players were forced to experience the story from both Ellie’s and Abby’s perspectives, something that many weren’t prepared for. You spend part of the game as Abby, the woman who kills Joel. That alone was enough to enrage some fans.
The narrative choice was bold. By switching perspectives, the game tried to show that both Ellie and Abby were trapped in endless cycles of revenge and trauma. But for some, it didn’t land. Others were upset by Abby’s muscular physique, leading to ugly misogynistic attacks on the character and the actress who voiced her.
Whether you loved or hated the choice, there’s no denying it was a risk. And now, the showrunners are walking that same tightrope.
Key Differences Between the Game and the Show
While the major beats of Joel’s death remain the same, there are a few notable shifts in the show:
Who’s with Joel: In the game, Joel is with his brother Tommy when he rescues Abby. In the show, it’s Dina who’s by his side. That change lets Tommy remain in Jackson during the infected attack, playing a key role in the city’s defense.
Treatment of captives: In the show, Abby’s crew drugs Dina. In the game, they knock out Tommy and even kick Ellie unconscious. The show’s version softens some of those rougher edges, likely to make Abby’s group slightly more sympathetic.
The zombie horde: This is a major addition for the series. In the game, Jackson is never attacked. But in the show, the infected charge the city, creating a visually intense action sequence and raising the stakes. It also gives Abby a reason to be outside alone when she runs into Joel.
All of these changes help the show find its own rhythm while staying true to the game’s core themes.
What Joel’s Death Means for the Rest of the Season
In the game, Tommy is just as hell-bent on revenge as Ellie. But in the show, that dynamic seems to be shifting. Tommy now has a wife and a child, which may make him more cautious. It looks like Ellie will be the one who takes the lead in pursuing Abby, setting the stage for an emotionally intense journey.
And while Joel is gone, don’t expect Pedro Pascal to disappear entirely. Flashbacks are likely—especially since Joel’s past actions and relationships still need unpacking. In fact, the show has already hinted at more to explore.
For one, we saw Catherine O’Hara introduced as Gail, Joel’s therapist—an entirely new character created for the show. That connection, along with the reveal that Joel killed her husband, could point to deeper flashbacks or therapy scenes that help flesh out Joel’s internal struggles.
And then there’s Ellie’s grief. Her memories of Joel—good and bad—are bound to surface throughout the season as she processes his death and chases justice.
Joel’s death is not just a plot twist. It’s the engine driving The Last of Us Season 2. Whether you’re a fan of the game or watching the story unfold for the first time, this moment reshapes everything.
The showrunners aren’t shying away from controversy. They’re diving headfirst into the murky waters of moral ambiguity, vengeance, and loss. And with the introduction of Abby, they’re once again asking viewers: What would you do if you were in her shoes?
One thing’s for sure—this season is going to be just as emotionally gripping and divisive as the game it’s based on.
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