In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the latest episode of HBO's highly acclaimed series The Last of Us has left fans reeling after the shocking death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. The second episode of Season 2, titled "Through the Valley," not only showcases this pivotal moment but also features a haunting musical performance that resonates deeply with the themes of loss and vengeance that permeate the series.
As the episode unfolds, viewers witness the brutal demise of Joel at the hands of Abby, the daughter of the doctor he killed to save Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey. In a scene that echoes the violent themes of the original video game, Abby brutally beats Joel to death with a golf club, leaving Ellie to grapple with her grief and rage. Following this devastating act, Ellie crawls to Joel's lifeless body, and the episode concludes with the poignant song "Through the Valley" performed by Ashley Johnson, the original voice actor for Ellie in the video games.
Johnson's rendition of the song adds a layer of emotional depth to the scene. The song, originally composed by Shawn James, had previously been featured in the teaser trailer for The Last of Us Part II in 2016, where it accompanied Ellie as she prepared for her journey of revenge. Its inclusion in this episode serves not only as a callback for fans but also as a thematic representation of Ellie's internal struggle.
In the final moments of the episode, as Ellie, Jesse (Young Mazino), and Dina (Isabela Merced) carry Joel's body through the snow, the lyrics of "Through the Valley" resonate with the narrative's exploration of vengeance and the consequences of violence. The lyrics, "I fear no evil, ’cause I’m blind to it all. And my mind and my gun, they comfort me. Because I know I’ll kill my enemies when they come," play as Abby walks away from the scene, setting the stage for the revenge-driven storyline that is set to unfold.
The song's emotional weight is further emphasized by its connection to Joel's character. As the lyrics state, "Oh, and I walk beside the still waters, and they restore my soul. But I know when I die, my soul is damned," they poignantly reflect Joel's past actions and the inevitable consequences of his violent choices. This moment serves as a haunting reminder of the cycle of violence that drives the narrative forward.
Craig Mazin, co-creator of the series, highlighted the significance of Johnson's presence in the episode. He remarked, "It’s an interesting thing when your only parent is taken from you, the parent you’ve never met is there watching." This sentiment adds a layer of complexity to the relationship between Ellie and her mother, Anna, portrayed by Johnson in Season 1. As Ellie faces the loss of Joel, the echoes of her mother's voice serve as a silent guardian, watching over her in her darkest moment.
The song's use in the episode is not merely an artistic choice; it is a deliberate reflection of the themes that have defined The Last of Us franchise. The lyrics encapsulate the emotional turmoil and the quest for vengeance that will consume Ellie as she navigates the aftermath of Joel's death. With lines like "I know I’ll kill my enemies when they come," the song foreshadows the dark path Ellie is set to tread in her pursuit of revenge.
As viewers prepare for the upcoming episodes, the emotional impact of Joel's death and the haunting melody of "Through the Valley" linger in the air. The series has consistently demonstrated its ability to blend storytelling with music, and this episode is no exception. The choice to feature Johnson's cover not only bridges the gap between the video game and its television adaptation but also reinforces the emotional stakes of the narrative.
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 air every Sunday on HBO, with the season expected to culminate in a dramatic finale on May 25, 2025. As the story unfolds, fans are left to ponder the implications of revenge and the toll it takes on the characters they have come to love.
In summary, the combination of Joel's heartbreaking demise and the haunting performance of "Through the Valley" encapsulates the essence of The Last of Us—a story that delves into the depths of human emotion, the consequences of violence, and the enduring quest for redemption. As Ellie embarks on her journey of vengeance, the echoes of her past will undoubtedly shape her future, leaving audiences eager for what lies ahead.
