Joel Miller's Shocking Death Changes The Last Of Us Forever

In a shocking turn of events, the second episode of HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 2 has left fans reeling as Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, meets a brutal end at the hands of Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This pivotal moment, mirroring a key scene from the critically acclaimed video game "The Last of Us Part II," has ignited discussions about the emotional weight and narrative direction of the series.

The episode, titled "Through the Valley," opens with a flashback to the Firefly hospital in Salt Lake City, where Abby grapples with the traumatic memories of her father's death at the hands of Joel. As the story unfolds, Abby's quest for vengeance leads her to Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have found a semblance of safety amidst the chaos of their post-apocalyptic world.

Unlike the game, where Joel is accompanied by his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) during his fateful encounter with Abby, the show opts for a different dynamic. In this adaptation, Joel is with Dina (Isabela Merced) when he is ambushed, a change that could have significant implications for the characters' relationships moving forward. While Tommy remains in Jackson, protecting their community, Dina's presence at Joel's death adds a layer of trauma that may deepen her bond with Ellie, who also witnesses the horrific event.

As the episode progresses, viewers see Abby confront Joel, revealing her identity as the daughter of the doctor he killed while rescuing Ellie in the Season 1 finale. This revelation adds a poignant twist to the narrative, as Abby's motivations for revenge become clearer. Unlike in the game, where Joel learns about Abby's identity only moments before his death, the show provides context earlier, allowing viewers to empathize with Abby's plight.

In a harrowing scene, Abby shoots Joel in the leg, a calculated move that reflects her desire for him to suffer. The brutality escalates as she proceeds to beat him with a golf club, a moment that is both visceral and heart-wrenching. By the time Ellie arrives, Joel has been severely injured, and Abby delivers the final blow by stabbing him in the neck with the broken club. This graphic depiction of Joel's death serves to underscore the themes of revenge and loss that permeate the series.

"This story is about how we all deal with those moments that confront us in life," co-creator Craig Mazin remarked in an after-episode feature. The emotional fallout from Joel's death is set to reverberate throughout the series, particularly for Ellie, who is left grappling with the loss of her surrogate father figure. Her anguished cries as she begs Joel to get up highlight the deep bond they shared, which is now irrevocably shattered.

As the episode concludes, the community of Jackson faces not only the aftermath of Joel's death but also the devastating consequences of an infected horde attack. The assault on the town, triggered by the exposure of a cordyceps network beneath the city, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers in their world. Tommy's heroics during the attack, including a nail-biting confrontation with a Bloater, add another layer of tension to the unfolding narrative.

While some fans may have hoped for a different outcome for Joel, Mazin affirmed that his death was always a part of the story's trajectory. "Loss is kind of how this story functions, so this was largely preordained," he explained, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the source material.

As viewers process the emotional weight of Joel's demise, they are left to ponder the implications for Ellie and the other characters moving forward. With Abby's actions setting off a cycle of revenge, the narrative is poised to explore the depths of grief and the choices that arise in its wake.

In the wake of Joel's death, the focus of the series shifts to the aftermath and the characters' responses to this seismic event. Ellie, Dina, and Jesse (Young Mazino) are seen dragging Joel's body back to Jackson, a haunting image that encapsulates the tragedy of the moment. The community must now grapple with the loss of not only Joel but also the innocence and safety they once took for granted.

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to delve deeper into the themes of vengeance, loss, and the human condition, promising to challenge viewers with its complex characters and morally ambiguous situations. As the series continues, fans can expect to see how the characters evolve in the face of unimaginable grief and the choices they must make in a world fraught with danger.

As the curtain falls on this episode, one thing is clear: The Last of Us is not just a story about survival; it is a profound exploration of the bonds we form, the losses we endure, and the lengths we will go to for those we love.