The highly anticipated second season of HBO's "The Last of Us" has already made waves, particularly with the shocking death of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal, in the second episode titled "Through The Valley." This pivotal moment, which fans of the video game series were dreading, unfolded in a gripping and graphic fashion, leaving viewers reeling.
In this episode, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino) are seen dragging Joel's lifeless body back to their settlement in Jackson, Wyoming, following a brutal encounter with Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Abby, seeking revenge for the death of her father—who was killed by Joel in the first season—viciously attacks him with a golf club, a scene that director Mark Mylod approached with caution. He stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, "I wanted to avoid overt torture. I don’t have much interest in showing violence itself." Instead, Mylod focused on the emotional weight of Abby's actions, emphasizing her motivations rather than the graphic nature of Joel's demise.
Despite the game's fans being aware of Joel's fate, many newcomers to the series were left shocked. The episode's length and pacing were adjusted for television, condensing a longer sequence from the game into a more concise format. Mylod explained, "But what motivated Abby to a place where she was doling such extraordinary violence—that is endlessly fascinating." This thematic depth aims to explore the complexities of revenge and loss that resonate throughout the series.
The aftermath of Joel's death has left fans questioning Pedro Pascal's future in the series. While Joel is indeed dead, the actor is expected to appear in flashbacks that will delve into the five years between the first and second seasons. This narrative choice aims to flesh out the bond between Joel and Ellie, offering viewers a deeper understanding of their relationship.
Gabriel Luna, who plays Tommy, also shared insights into his character's altered role in the series. Unlike the game, where Tommy is present during Joel's death, the show has shifted the focus to Dina, enhancing her character's emotional stakes. Luna expressed his initial doubts about Tommy's portrayal, questioning whether he would be reckless enough to reveal Joel's identity in such a dangerous situation. He ultimately praised the decision to give Dina a more central role, stating, "The idea there would be this role reversal where it would be Dina rather than Tommy... works for her to be there." This change not only adds depth to Dina's character but also emphasizes the themes of family and loyalty that permeate the story.
The emotional impact of Joel's death has been echoed by the cast. Bella Ramsey admitted to crying while reading the script, reflecting on the profound bond she shared with Pascal throughout the filming. "I think my reaction to that being over was quite a gradual feeling," she said. "Also knowing that that would be the end of Pedro and us two working together in this capacity." This sense of loss extends beyond the characters, as the actors themselves grapple with the emotional weight of the narrative.
Pascal, known for his roles in various high-profile series, including "Game of Thrones," acknowledged the gravity of his character's fate. He remarked, "I’m in active denial" about Joel's death, expressing a reluctance to fully accept the finality of the situation. He noted the shock and grief that swept over his co-stars during the filming of the death scene, describing it as a moment that "completely killed the vibe" on set.
The show's creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, explained that Joel's death was strategically placed early in the season to serve as a catalyst for Ellie’s journey. "Ultimately, I think we needed just to settle back into the show," Mazin stated. He emphasized that delaying the moment would have felt like dragging out the story unnecessarily. Druckmann added, "There’s a danger of tormenting people. It’s not what we want to do." This decision, while controversial, is intended to propel the narrative forward, allowing viewers to witness Ellie’s transformation as she grapples with grief and the thirst for revenge.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect Ellie and Dina to embark on a mission to confront Abby and her group, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of vengeance and its consequences. The trailer for the remainder of the season hints at the challenges they will face in their pursuit of justice, including encounters with infected and hostile factions.
In the wake of Joel's death, the emotional stakes have never been higher for the characters, as they navigate a world filled with danger and moral ambiguity. The series continues to push boundaries, offering a rich narrative that resonates with both fans of the game and newcomers alike. New episodes of "The Last of Us" air Sundays on HBO, with the next installment eagerly awaited by viewers.
With the emotional weight of Joel's death and the ensuing quest for revenge, the series promises to deliver a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the human condition in a post-apocalyptic world. As fans brace for the fallout of this shocking turn of events, one thing is clear: the journey is far from over.
