In a shocking twist that has left fans reeling, HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us has confirmed the brutal death of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, in the second episode of Season 2 titled "Through the Valley." This pivotal moment, which aligns closely with the events of the original video game, The Last of Us Part II, serves as a catalyst for the unfolding narrative, igniting themes of revenge and loss that resonate throughout the series.
Throughout the first season, viewers followed Joel and Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, as they journeyed across a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into monstrous creatures. The show's fidelity to its source material has been a hallmark of its success, with Season 1 concluding without the deaths of either protagonist. However, the stakes were always high for Joel, given the events that transpired in the game.
As Season 2 unfolds, fans are introduced to Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, whose desire for vengeance against Joel sets the stage for his tragic end. In a chilling flashback to the events of the first game, it is revealed that Joel's actions—specifically, his decision to kill Abby's father, a doctor who intended to sacrifice Ellie for a potential cure—have dire consequences. This backstory adds layers to Abby's character, illustrating her motivations and the emotional turmoil that drives her actions.
In the game, Joel's death occurs when Abby confronts him after he and his brother Tommy save her from a horde of infected. In a moment of brutal retribution, Abby shoots Joel and subsequently kills him with a golf club. The HBO adaptation mirrors this sequence but introduces significant changes that heighten the emotional impact. In the show, Joel is accompanied by Dina instead of Tommy during this fateful patrol, allowing for a deeper exploration of his relationships and the stakes involved.
Neil Druckmann, co-creator of both the game and the series, explained the decision to alter the patrol pairing: "We wanted to show what’s at stake for Jackson, because that will come into play later in the season as well." This shift not only emphasizes Joel's protective instincts but also deepens the narrative connection between him and Dina, showcasing the familial bonds that have formed in the safe haven of Jackson, Wyoming.
The scene itself is executed with a raw intensity that captures the horror of the moment. Abby's confrontation with Joel is underscored by a backdrop of chaos, as a massive wave of infected attacks Jackson, further complicating the emotional landscape. The decision to depict this simultaneous threat serves to highlight the consequences of Joel's earlier choices, illustrating how his past actions reverberate through the lives of those he loves.
Pedro Pascal's reaction to his character's demise reflects the grief felt by many fans. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he expressed, "I’m in active denial about Joel’s death. I realize this more and more as I get older, I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over." His sentiments echo the feelings of viewers who have invested deeply in Joel and Ellie's journey.
In a departure from the game, the show provides a more nuanced portrayal of Abby and her companions. While the game presents them as cold and unfeeling, the series allows for moments of vulnerability, such as Abby's emotional turmoil as she carries out her plan. This complexity adds depth to the narrative, inviting viewers to grapple with the moral ambiguities of revenge and justice.
As Abby delivers a monologue explaining her motivations, the audience gains insight into her character, transforming her from a mere antagonist into a figure shaped by loss and anger. This shift in perspective challenges viewers to reconsider their alignment with Joel and Ellie, prompting difficult questions about the nature of justice and the cycle of violence.
The brutality of Joel's death is not shied away from in the series. In a stark contrast to the game, where Abby's final blow is somewhat obscured, the show depicts the moment in visceral detail. Abby stabs Joel in the neck with a broken golf club, a choice made to emphasize the emotional weight of the act. Director Mark Mylod stated, "The intention was very much initially on the page to not see it happen. The decision to change was because it felt coy. It felt like we were ducking out." This commitment to honesty in storytelling reinforces the gravity of the moment, leaving viewers with a sense of despair and loss.
After Joel's death, the narrative shifts to Ellie, who arrives just in time to witness the aftermath. Unlike the game, where she is knocked unconscious, the show leaves her physically unharmed but emotionally shattered, emphasizing the profound impact of Joel's loss on her character. This choice serves to heighten the stakes for Ellie as she grapples with her grief and seeks vengeance against Abby.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect to see flashbacks that explore the deep bond between Joel and Ellie, allowing Pascal to continue to inhabit the character even after his death. "If we've done our jobs right, you'll feel Joel there a lot," co-creator Craig Mazin assured fans, hinting at the enduring legacy of Joel's character throughout the series.
The decision to kill off Joel early in the season has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike. While some may view it as a shocking move, executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have emphasized that it was always part of the plan. "There was never a question. It was always understood that was built into this," Mazin stated, reinforcing the show's commitment to staying true to the source material.
As viewers brace for the emotional fallout from Joel's death, the implications for the characters and the narrative trajectory remain significant. With the safety of Jackson compromised and Ellie left to navigate her grief and seek vengeance, the stage is set for a gripping continuation of this harrowing tale.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO, promising to deliver more heart-wrenching moments and complex character dynamics as the story unfolds.
