The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Shocks Fans with Joel’s Death and Dark Twist for Ellie

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Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, “Through the Valley”

Although “Through the Valley,” the second episode of The Last of Us season 2, appears to primarily focus on Joel’s death, it delves into much deeper themes. The first episode of the season may have been misleading, filled with hints but a seemingly slow pace; now, its purpose becomes clearer. Even if you haven’t encountered spoilers or played the game, Joel’s demise and Pedro Pascal’s departure aren’t entirely unexpected. However, what truly resonates is the strategic timing of this impactful scene that strikes a chord with viewers.

Joel’s demise in episode 2 is a surprising and jarring event, occurring at an unusual point during the series – killing off such a cherished character this early on feels almost random. This plot twist is intended to throw us off guard, and it succeeds. The suddenness of his death makes it difficult for the full weight of our grief to be felt, and it seems that for Ellie (Bella Ramsey), seeking revenge will prove an easier path than dealing with her loss. In the aftermath of “Through the Valley,” the remaining storyline pieces have fallen into place, and I doubt that Ellie will quietly accept Joel’s death.

In “The Last of Us” and “Through the Valley,” Joel and Ellie may not share many scenes, but they are crucial components in the larger narrative puzzle. One of the most compelling aspects of this series is its exploration of the apocalypse and how it integrates various elements of human history into the emerging order. The harrowing siege experienced by Jackson is intense, scary, and hard to look away from. “Through the Valley” provides the action that fans of the series have come to expect, with Kaitlyn Dever’s thrilling escape from the horde of infected leaving us on the edge of our seats.

Joel Might Be Gone, But Ellie’s Going To Keep Paying For His Actions In The Last Of Us Season 2

Abby Got Her Revenge, But This Is Only The Beginning

So far, Pascal has been the standout character in “The Last of Us”. I’m not sure if Ramsey can shoulder the narrative on his own. With Pascal’s departure, newcomers will need to fill in the gaps, and the interwoven narratives of Ellie and Abby will become more prominent. Meanwhile, Dever hasn’t entirely convinced me that she can bring the complex character of Abby to life. Abby’s role is demanding, especially given her actions towards Joel, which have made us dislike her so intensely that it’s challenging not to let that cloud our perception of Dever’s performance.

In a challenging role that would test any actor, Dever skillfully portrays a character grappling with grief, anger, and disregard for her own humanity, while Pascal’s performance in the final scenes of the show is steady and convincing, reflecting Joel’s unwavering stance and his acceptance that things had always been destined to end this way after he escaped from the hospital. The last five years have been a borrowed time for Ellie, a fact she acknowledges if she’s truthful with herself. Even in the lawless world of “The Last of Us”, no crime goes unnoticed.

In “Through the Valley,” it becomes more evident than ever that Joel’s actions have a high cost, and even though he’s deceased, the repayment won’t be excused. Sadly, as in reality, it is the children, the coming generation, who will bear the burden of Joel’s debt. Ellie spent the entirety of season 1 learning from Joel, both the good and the bad, and she continues to live in a state of unending sorrow. The terror and powerlessness of Joel’s last moments will linger with her for a prolonged period.

In the narrative, Joel’s life seems to have come at a heavy cost for the town, leaving an irreplaceable void behind. The characters and storyline are deeply affected by his departure, and despite Jackson surviving, things will never return to normal. Fortunately, The Last of Us offers a rich emotional depth that few contemporary series can match, so it’s unlikely to recklessly fill this void. The show acknowledges that grief is an integral part of the story and recognizes that it has the power to transform us into something darker.

In terms of themes, The Last of Us season 2 doesn’t deviate too much from the original, but what we’re curious about now is whether Ellie will transform into a monster. She’s trying to halt the cycle of violence, yet it seems that the series hasn’t provided many characters with an escape route from this vicious circle. The harshness of the story’s world shapes the characters in ways they can’t escape. Ellie must decide if she wants to follow in Joel and Abby’s footsteps, and the only way to confront such individuals is to emulate them. Her relationships with Tommy (Gabriel Luna), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino) will be her salvation.

The Last Of Us Paves The Way For Ellie’s Future By Hinting At Joel’s Past

His Death Doesn’t Complete All The Unfinished Business Of His Life

I’m confident that Pascal will be shown in flashbacks, providing poignant scenes that will tug at our heartstrings. As I eagerly anticipate the future of The Last of Us, I can’t help but ponder the part Catherine O’Hara’s character, Gail, will play. It seems unusual to introduce her and establish her complicated relationship with Joel, only for him to perish, which suggests that there might be more to Gail’s story in The Last of Us. Perhaps the series has a bigger plan for her and the unveiling of what Joel did to her husband. This setup also adds to the shock of his untimely death, demonstrating the many unresolved issues and past actions that we often leave behind.

In the same vein as the horde of infected that overtook Jackson and the discovery of cordyceps within the pipes, secrets buried by Ellie and Joel are no longer hidden and are threatening to break the town’s resistance. Ellie has been less cautious about concealing her immunity compared to what is necessary, and the kind-hearted individuals she has grown fond of in Jackson may be more inclined to persuade her to utilize this ability for altruistic purposes than Joel was. The dynamics of The Last of Us have undergone a sudden shift, but Ellie’s destiny lies in uncovering the past of Joel.

New episodes of The Last of Us season 2 air weekly on Sundays at 9 PM EST on Max and HBO.

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2025-04-21 20:37