In a shocking turn of events, HBO's "The Last of Us" season 2, episode 2, titled "Through the Valley," aired on April 21, 2025, and delivered a gut-wrenching moment that fans of the series and the video game have been anticipating. The episode culminated in the brutal death of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, a pivotal character whose fate has long been a topic of speculation among viewers.
The episode opens with an intense snowstorm engulfing the Jackson settlement, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. As the community faces an onslaught of infected, Joel and Dina, played by Isabela Merced, are caught in the chaos. During this turmoil, Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, finds herself on the run from the very infected that Joel ultimately saves her from. However, unbeknownst to Joel, Abby harbors a deep-seated vendetta against him, seeking revenge for her father's death at his hands in the previous season's finale.
In a calculated move, Abby leads Joel and Dina into a deadly trap, confronting him with a shotgun. "I am going to kill you," she declares, revealing the emotional weight of her actions as she shoots him in the leg and proceeds to beat him savagely with a golf club. The violence is stark and unflinching, as the series does not shy away from depicting the brutality of the moment. Abby's motivations are clear: she is avenging her father, a Firefly doctor whom Joel killed during his desperate attempt to save Ellie.
As the attack on Jackson escalates, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, arrives just in time to witness the horrific scene unfold. Despite her pleas for Joel's life, Abby delivers the final blow, stabbing him through the neck with the broken shaft of the golf club. The emotional weight of this moment is palpable, with Ellie screaming, "I’m gonna kill you!" as she watches the love of her life succumb to his injuries.
In a poignant reflection on the episode's themes, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann discussed the decision to depict Joel's death early in the season. "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," Mazin explained. This choice not only serves to propel the narrative forward but also emphasizes the emotional stakes for Ellie, who is left grappling with the loss of her father figure.
Throughout the episode, the tension builds not just from the physical threat of the infected but from the emotional turmoil faced by the characters. The siege of Jackson is depicted with a level of intensity that highlights the community's vulnerability, as they struggle to fend off the infected while dealing with the fallout of Joel's murder.
As the episode concludes, Ellie, Dina, and Tommy are seen dragging Joel's lifeless body back to Jackson, a stark reminder of the cost of survival in this post-apocalyptic world. The final moments resonate with sorrow as the haunting melody of Ashley Johnson's rendition of "Through the Valley" plays, encapsulating the grief and loss felt by the characters and viewers alike.
This episode has sparked significant discussion among fans, many of whom have expressed their emotional reactions to Joel's death. The creators have acknowledged the potential backlash from gamers familiar with the storyline but remain committed to telling a story that resonates with both new viewers and longtime fans.
In terms of character dynamics, the episode also explores the evolving relationship between Ellie and Dina. Although they share a bond, the complexities of their feelings are evident as they navigate the aftermath of Joel's death. Ellie’s anger and grief fuel her determination to seek vengeance against Abby, setting the stage for a conflict that will undoubtedly shape the remainder of the season.
Overall, "Through the Valley" stands as a testament to the emotional depth and storytelling prowess of "The Last of Us." The creators have crafted a narrative that not only honors the source material but also expands upon it, adding layers of complexity to the characters and their motivations.
As fans digest the events of this pivotal episode, one thing is clear: the journey of Ellie and the repercussions of Joel's actions will continue to unfold in gripping fashion. The stakes have never been higher, and viewers are left wondering how the characters will navigate the treacherous landscape that lies ahead.
With the death of Joel, the series takes a bold step forward, challenging viewers to confront the harsh realities of survival and the emotional toll it exacts. As the story progresses, the audience is left to ponder the true cost of vengeance and the fragility of human connections in a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner.
In the end, "The Last of Us" season 2, episode 2 not only delivers on the action but also invites viewers to reflect on the deeper themes of loss, revenge, and the bonds that tie us together, even in the darkest of times.
