The highly anticipated second season of HBO's The Last of Us has returned with a bang, releasing episodes weekly on Sundays. Starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, the new season delves deeper into the characters' journeys, particularly focusing on Ellie, who is now seeking vengeance for the death of Joel, her beloved companion.
Set five years after the events of the first part of the video game, the storyline introduces new characters and conflicts that enrich the narrative. Among these newcomers is Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, a soldier driven by her own quest for revenge. The series continues to explore a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection and divided among violent factions.
This season also features the return of familiar faces, with Isabela Merced portraying Dina and Young Mazino as Jesse. The cast is rounded out by Danny Ramirez, Taty Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, and Spencer Lord, who bring additional depth to the unfolding drama. Episode 5 is set to air on May 11, 2025, at 22:00 (Brasília time) on HBO and Max, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
However, the second season is not without controversy. As it progresses, it has become a target for review bombing, a phenomenon where a film or show receives a disproportionate amount of negative reviews, often due to specific content or themes. This backlash has primarily been directed at the female leads, including Ramsey and Dever, as well as the show's portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.
After the brutal death of Joel in the second episode, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes plummeted from the 60s to a disheartening 43%. Critics, however, continue to praise the series, with a solid 95% critics' score on the same platform. Collider's Ross Bonaime even called it "the strongest video game adaptation ever," highlighting the stark contrast between critical acclaim and audience reception.
The show's creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have faced similar criticism during the debut of the original game, indicating a pattern of backlash against adaptations that portray strong female characters and LGBTQ+ themes. The review bombing has also extended to other platforms, with Metacritic showing a user rating of 3.7 and IMDb reflecting a low score of 6.7 for the latest episode.
In a recent episode, a significant moment arose when Dina reveals to Ellie that she is pregnant with Jesse's child. Ellie's reaction, "I'm going to be a dad," has sparked outrage among some conservative viewers. Critics argue that this line reflects a broader agenda in Hollywood to promote progressive narratives. Yet, many fans see it as a lighthearted moment that showcases Ellie's character development.
Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, expressed her comfort in portraying the intimate relationship between her character and Ellie. During an interview, she stated, "Bella and I were just so comfortable with each other. And also, we both have experience in queer relationships — you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before. You can just feel it." This authenticity has resonated with many fans, who appreciate the genuine representation of queer relationships.
Directed by Kate Herron, episode 204 features scenes that highlight the tenderness and complexity of Ellie and Dina's relationship. Herron noted that the music store scene provided a rare moment of normalcy in the otherwise harrowing world of The Last of Us, stating, "It’s like we just get to be normal people just for this little moment in time, which I think is very beautiful." This sentiment reflects the show's ability to balance intense drama with moments of levity and connection.
Despite the controversy, the show continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional narratives. The concept of a "lesbian dad" introduced in the series has been met with mixed reactions. While some conservative commentators argue against the portrayal, others see it as a legitimate expression of identity. The term refers to lesbians who prefer to use the title "dad" rather than "mom" in parenting situations, often challenging conventional gender roles.
Critics of the backlash argue that the negative reactions to this portrayal reveal a lack of understanding about the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Many fans have taken to social media to defend the show and its characters, emphasizing that humor and lightheartedness are essential components of storytelling, even in a post-apocalyptic setting.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect more character development and complex relationships. The series has already made a significant impact with its exploration of themes like love, loss, and vengeance, all set against a backdrop of survival and resilience.
With the fifth episode on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the story will continue to evolve and how the characters will navigate their intertwined destinies. As the audience grapples with the show's themes, it remains clear that The Last of Us is more than just a tale of survival; it's a profound exploration of humanity in the face of despair.
