Joel’s Brutal Demise: The Last of Us Season 2 Explained

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In a shocking turn of events, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 showcased one of the most gruesome deaths ever depicted on television. If you’ve been holding out hope that Joel might still be alive, I regret to inform you that this is not the case.

To start off the second season of The Last of Us, Abby vowed to mete out a painful and deliberate retribution against Joel for his actions against the Fireflies.

In Episode 2, she indeed takes action as mentioned. Joel assists Abby in breaking free from a group of infected amidst a heavy snowstorm. Meanwhile, Jackson is being assaulted. However, she bravely guides them towards her lodge, where Owen, Mel, and the rest are prepared to welcome them.

As the final moments unfold, I’m left with Ellie cradling a lifeless Joel in her arms, while Abby turns away. It’s a heart-wrenching spectacle that will leave you feeling desolate if you were harboring any hope that he might miraculously still be alive. Beware: Spoilers for the series and game lie ahead…

Did Joel really die in The Last of Us?

Yes, Joel is really dead after The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2.

The events that transpired have left no room for reversal; he sustained gunshot wounds to his leg from a shotgun, Abby inflicted severe damage upon him by repeatedly striking him with a golf club until it broke at its head, and subsequently, she stabbed him in the neck with the broken piece of the club.

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann didn’t take it lightly when that moment came up during the second season; they were well aware of its significance at such an early stage.

Or:

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann didn’t underestimate the importance of that moment in the second season, given it was quite early on.

Both sentences convey the idea that the moment was significant and the creators were aware of its impact at an early stage in the production process.

Druckmann clarified to Variety that we understood it was crucial to set the event at an appropriate time, as it serves as the starting point for this narrative’s unfolding.

“JOEL FUCKING GET UP.” well there it is… 🙁 #TheLastOfUs

— juan (@JuanEdits) April 21, 2025

Indeed, we explored every possible combination throughout, but as the seasons progressed, it seemed like we were prolonging the process rather than focusing on the heart of the narrative.

Mazin made sure not to distress viewers, regardless of whether they participated in the games or not. He explained that if the audience knew something was imminent, they might begin to experience distress.

Those unaware will eventually discover it’s impending arrival, as people discuss its absence thus far. Initially, our intention was to ensure that when it occurs, it appears organic within the narrative, rather than a deliberate attempt to surprise or upset.

How does Joel die in The Last of Us game?

In The Last of Us Part 2, Joel’s demise bears striking similarities, yet there are several significant variations.

Initially, Joel isn’t alongside Dina when he stumbles upon Abby within the game; instead, he’s out on duty with Tommy. It was Abby’s companions who had to subdue Joel to prevent him from assaulting them at the lodge.

Furthermore, it’s not in the living room that Abby doesn’t kill Joel, instead, the scene unfolds in the basement, which is significantly darker and more eerie. Some viewers have pointed out online that it seems like Ellie descends into hell when she discovers Abby killing Joel in this setting.

Thirdly, instead of hitting or stabbing him, Abby shoots him in the leg, calls him a foolish old man, and then brutally kills him by repeatedly striking him with a golf club – that’s the end of it.

Druckmann pointed out: “I believe it’s the live-action version that seems to be more intense or harsh.

Throughout the entire season, we’ve had numerous discussions on this topic. Occasionally, changes need to be made due to these circumstances. However, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge its harsh reality.

Since you’ve experienced the game, you understand the significance of each character’s perspective regarding Joel’s situation, and how it influences their decisions moving forward. Consequently, it was essential for us to maintain the audience’s involvement and shared mindset as well.

Why did they kill Joel?

In my perspective as a devoted fan, Joel’s demise serves as a pivotal moment in The Last of Us’ narrative journey. Expressing the harshness and futility of revenge without depicting the vicious cycle directly presents a unique challenge. Through Joel’s actions against Abby’s father, followed by Abby avenging him, and Ellie potentially seeking retribution against Abby – that’s the essence of the story we’re exploring.

Apart from this, Mazin further shared with The Hollywood Reporter: “This is the conclusion – we sever all bonds, all significant relationships, including those with our loved ones and family. Navigating through such loss is a uniquely human struggle.

It struck me as incredibly moving that this young woman, who came into the world surrounded by blood and without a family, ended up being given an opportunity for this extraordinary experience by being entrusted to someone.

The story I’m telling shatters the most precious relationship – the strong bond between a parent and child. I find this heart-wrenching scenario crucial to portray, not because it will cause distress. Instead, we create stories precisely to explore such emotional depths.

In a relatively secure setting, we delve into feelings and experiences common to us all, and later reflect on how we handle or respond to such situations.

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2025-04-21 12:51