The wait is finally over as the second season of The Last of Us premiered on HBO on April 13, 2025, after more than two years. As expected, the showrunners are expanding the story by making significant changes to a few storylines. One character who has sparked considerable discussion is Eugene Linden, a minor figure in the video game who has taken on a more prominent role in the television adaptation.
In the first episode of Season 2, viewers learn that Eugene Linden was a member of the Jackson community, living with his wife, Gail, in Jackson Town, Wyoming. Eugene previously worked with Joel's brother, Tommy Miller, in the Fireflies militia group. Before his death at the hands of Joel, Eugene served as one of the patrolmen for the Jackson Community and took Dina under his wing. It’s important to note that Eugene appeared only in a photograph and was briefly mentioned in The Last of Us Part II video game, but showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin decided to flesh out Eugene's character in the live-action series, similar to how they expanded the story of Bill and Frank in Season 1.
Veteran actor Joe Pantoliano was cast to portray Eugene Linden in Season 2, although he didn’t make his debut in the first episode. Fans can look forward to seeing him in upcoming episodes. Based on his current age, Eugene was born between 1964 and 1965, but little of his early life is discussed in the game. In the narrative, he married Claire (renamed Gail in the show, played by Catherine O'Hara) and had an unnamed daughter. A letter found by Ellie in the game reveals that Eugene reportedly walked out on his family to join the Fireflies despite his wife and daughter pleading with him not to.
In a significant departure from the game, the show reveals that Joel killed Eugene, as disclosed during a tense therapy session between Joel and Gail. Gail expresses her deep anger, stating, "You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene. And I resent you for it. No, maybe a little more than that. I hate you for it." She admits that she knows Joel "had no choice" and that she should forgive him, but struggles to do so because of how he killed Eugene.
In the game, Eugene dies of a stroke at the age of 73, which is a stark contrast to the show’s portrayal. The show hints that Joel may have killed Eugene because he was bitten by an infected during a patrol or perhaps because he learned the truth about Ellie’s immunity. This adds a layer of complexity to Joel's character, as he is forced to make a difficult decision to protect Ellie’s secret.
During the premiere, Gail reveals that it’s her first birthday without Eugene, which adds emotional weight to her confrontation with Joel. The tension in their session is palpable, with Gail clearly struggling to process her grief and anger. Joel’s discomfort in the session hints at his own unresolved issues regarding his relationship with Ellie, further complicating the narrative.
As the season progresses, it is expected that the show will delve deeper into Eugene’s backstory, exploring his relationships and the choices that led to his tragic end. The creators aim to provide a more nuanced understanding of Eugene, paralleling the exploration of Joel and Ellie’s relationship. The show’s approach to character development has proven successful in the past, as seen with the beloved story of Bill and Frank.
In the trailer for Season 2, Joel is seen about to shoot an old man, played by Pantoliano, which hints at the dramatic events surrounding Eugene’s fate. The ambiguity surrounding why Joel made this choice leaves viewers speculating about the moral implications of his actions. Did he act out of necessity, or was there a darker motive at play?
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next episode, which promises to further explore the dynamics between Joel, Gail, and the larger community of Jackson. The upcoming challenges, including the looming threat of Abby and her friends closing in on Jackson, add an element of suspense that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the series continues to unfold, viewers can expect to see how Eugene’s story intertwines with Joel’s journey and the overarching narrative of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. With each episode, the stakes grow higher, and the emotional depth of the characters becomes more pronounced.
In summary, the second season of The Last of Us is set to explore complex themes of loss, guilt, and the consequences of choices made in dire circumstances. As viewers delve deeper into the lives of these characters, they are reminded of the fragility of human connections and the lengths one might go to protect those they love.
New episodes of The Last of Us premiere every Sunday at 9 PM ET on HBO, with the second episode scheduled to air on April 20, 2025. As the series progresses, fans are left to ponder the fate of Eugene and the implications of Joel's actions, eagerly awaiting answers in the weeks to come.
