Kaitlyn Dever delivered a chilling, emotionally devastating performance in the second episode of HBO/Max’s “The Last of Us,” titled “Through the Valley.” This episode marked a significant turning point in the series, propelling Dever into the spotlight as Emmy discussions heat up. The actress's portrayal of Abby, who brutally murders fan-favorite Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), has left viewers reeling and industry insiders debating her eligibility for award nominations.
Set against the backdrop of a snowstorm outside Jackson, Wyoming, the episode features Joel saving Abby from a horde of infected, only to be ambushed in a shocking twist. Abby exacts vengeance on Joel for killing her father in the Season 1 finale, shooting him in the leg and then brutally attacking him with a golf club before delivering a fatal blow to his neck, all while Ellie (Bella Ramsey) watches helplessly. This visceral scene, marked by Dever's fierce and precise performance, has ignited fierce debate online and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
According to Variety, Dever qualifies for the guest actress in a drama series category, as she appears in fewer than 50% of the season’s eligible episodes. However, a final decision on her category placement has yet to be made. HBO/Max awards strategists, along with Dever’s team, are weighing whether to submit her in the guest actress category, where she would compete against co-star Catherine O’Hara, or pivot to the supporting drama actress category, placing her alongside co-star Isabela Merced.
The emotional weight of Dever's performance is expected to resonate throughout the season, making her strategic choice pivotal. History shows that impact, not episode count, can sway Emmy voters. For instance, Christopher Lloyd won lead actor in a drama for a single-episode appearance in Disney Channel’s “Road to Avonlea” back in 1992, demonstrating that a powerful performance can stand out even in limited screen time.
Dever's experience while filming the episode was particularly challenging due to personal circumstances. She revealed to Entertainment Weekly that she lost her mother, Kathy, just two to three weeks before filming her pivotal scene. Kathy had battled cancer for 14 years and passed away in February 2024, with her funeral occurring just three days before Dever began filming. "To be as honest as possible... I will just say that my days leading up to this scene were horrible," Dever shared. "I was sort of in a fog. I was in a daze."
Despite the emotional turmoil, the cast and crew provided immense support. Showrunner Craig Mazin emphasized the importance of Dever's well-being, stating, "We said, 'Take your time. Take all the time you need.' While I care extraordinarily about the show, it's a TV show. I'm not going to disrupt someone's grieving process for their own parent, especially with a show that's partly about the grieving process."
Dever noted that she was allowed to pick a day to film her scene, which significantly helped her cope with her grief. "Because of my life circumstances, I wasn't actually able to do my normal routine as an actor, which was really interesting because I was kind of worried about it," she explained. "Usually, if I have a monologue like that, I'm memorizing it three weeks before I do it. I had a different approach, and I think that it really served the character in a lot of ways. I was able to sort of… let it go and not think about it too much because the words on the page are so powerful anyway."
As the series progresses, Season 2 of “The Last of Us” is expected to delve deeper into Ellie’s quest for revenge following Joel’s death. Dever expressed her feelings about the impact of her character’s actions on the beloved relationship between Joel and Ellie, stating, "I watched you guys in Season 1, and your relationship was so beautiful. And watching the end of you guys was really, really hard for me, as a viewer."
Pedro Pascal, who portrays Joel, has nothing but praise for Dever, referring to her as a "gangster of an actor" and recognizing her talent through her various roles. As the show continues to unfold, the emotional stakes are set to rise, with new episodes airing Sundays on HBO and Max.
The deadline for Emmy submissions is Thursday, May 8, 2025, with the nomination voting window running from June 12 to June 23, 2025. Official nominations will be announced in July 2025. Whether Dever lands in guest or supporting categories, she is seen as a near-lock for a nomination, with her chances of winning hinging on the strategic decision made by her team in the coming weeks. As the Emmy race heats up, all eyes will be on Dever and her impactful performance in this groundbreaking series.
