In a shocking turn of events for fans of HBO's "The Last of Us," the second season has taken a dark twist with the brutal death of lead character Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal. This pivotal moment occurs just two episodes into the season, echoing the narrative from the video game upon which the series is based.
In the episode titled 'Through the Valley,' viewers witness the harrowing fate of Joel at the hands of Kaitlyn Dever’s character Abby, who is driven by a desire for revenge after Joel killed her father in a hospital rampage at the end of season one. The scene is not only shocking but also heartbreaking, as it unfolds before the eyes of Bella Ramsey’s character, Ellie, who has come to see Joel as a father figure.
Pascal described filming the death scene as "dreamlike," expressing his struggle to accept the reality of his character's demise. "I’m in active denial," he told Entertainment Weekly. "I realize this more and more as I get older, I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over." He elaborated on his emotional connection to the role, stating, "I know that I’m forever bonded to so many members of the experience and just have to see them under different circumstances, but never will under the circumstances of playing Joel on 'The Last of Us.'" This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have invested in the character's journey.
The episode's emotional weight is further amplified by the reactions of the cast. Bella Ramsey revealed that she knew Joel's fate from the start but still found herself in tears while reading the script. "I was dreading getting to that bit … and I cried. I actually sobbed my little heart out. It’s the first time I’ve cried from reading a piece of writing," she shared. This highlights the profound impact the story has had on both the actors and the audience.
The creators of the show were also acutely aware of the significance of this moment. Co-creator Craig Mazin noted, "When we get to the moment where Abby does what she does, it was as hard for us to write and to shoot as it was, I think probably, for a lot of people to watch it." He compared Joel’s death to a pivotal moment in literature, stating, "It’s a very sad scene. I cried my heart out, because he was brought low."
In a twist that may surprise some viewers, Pascal's Joel will still appear in flashbacks throughout the season, a decision that showrunners hope will maintain his presence in the narrative despite his tragic end. "We have not seen the last of Pedro Pascal on 'The Last of Us,'" Mazin confirmed.
Fans of the series, especially those unfamiliar with the video game, are left grappling with the emotional fallout of Joel's death. The scene was crafted to evoke a visceral reaction, and Pascal noted the heartbreak that resonated among the cast and crew during filming. "It was interesting to step into the room and see the reactions in people’s faces. It wasn’t one of revulsion, but of heartbreak," he remarked.
The show has been praised for its ability to tackle complex themes of grief, loss, and revenge. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the implications of violence and its cyclical nature. Mazin stated, "This event will change all the characters we know forever from this point on. Now, this person that’s capable of such violence, this impulsive character, what’s going to happen to them next?"
As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Ellie copes with the loss of Joel and how this pivotal moment shapes her character. The show has always focused on the bond between Joel and Ellie, and losing that connection will undoubtedly have profound effects on her journey.
Despite the heavy themes, both Pascal and Ramsey remain hopeful about the future of the series. Pascal's emotional connection to the role and the story's impact on viewers is a testament to the quality of storytelling that has captivated audiences. "If it is incredibly painful for people, that's obviously a brilliant achievement of the storytelling," he concluded.
As fans prepare for the upcoming episodes, they can expect a deep exploration of the characters' emotional landscapes and the consequences of their actions. New episodes of "The Last of Us" air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, with additional showings on Sky Atlantic and streaming on NOW in the UK.
