Warning: This content contains significant spoilers for Season 2, Episode 2 of The Last of Us, as well as for the video game The Last of Us Part II. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid these plot details.
In the gripping second episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” Abby’s character, played by Kaitlyn Dever, made a heart-wrenching move that mirrored Joel Miller’s (Pedro Pascal) death in The Last of Us Part II video game. While the series excelled in many aspects of handling this significant season 2 death, some fans might find that an essential part of Abby’s character diminished some of the original game’s most impactful elements.
Among the most jaw-dropping instances in video game lore, Abby’s slaying of Joel stands out, sparking excitement among series enthusiasts since the announcement of the TV adaptation. While adaptations often introduce significant variations, there are several plot adjustments in The Last of Us season 2. Although the major narrative milestones remain consistent, there’s a continuous rearrangement of events and subtle tweaks to characters that have rippling effects. These modifications aren’t necessarily negative, but I feel they lessened the impact of Joel’s demise.
Abby’s Monologue Detracted From The Shock Of Joel’s Capture
They Broke The Golden Rule: Show Don’t Tell
Initially, I’d like to express that Kaitlyn Dever as Abby is simply outstanding in her role. Her acting skills are remarkable, and she effectively portrays the essence of Abby from the game. However, I have reservations concerning the scriptwriting of season 2, episode 2, where she delivers a lengthy monologue after holding Joel at gunpoint.
In comparison to how Joel’s death unfolds in the game, the game’s version of this scene swiftly transitions from an abrupt shotgun blast to a brief dialogue exchange followed by Joel being beaten with a golf club. It happens abruptly; it’s shocking; and there’s no sense of ceremony involved.
In the video game, Joel’s death scene was unpredictable, leaving 2020 players puzzled about Abby’s actions. All we knew was that a new character emerged and our beloved game hero was brutally killed. If Abby had paused to explain her intentions and feelings at that moment, it might have been considerate for TV viewers. However, it diminished the thrilling element that made the sequel of this video game such a distinct piece of art.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Revealed Abby’s Motivation Too Early
The TV Series Weakens One Of The Game’s Strongest Narrative Choices
In The Last of Us Part II, initially, the player follows Ellie for a significant portion of the game without knowing much about Abby. Later on, the game switches to Abby’s point of view, forcing players to confront the humanness of the individual who killed Joel, the character that Ellie had been following earlier. In The Last of Us Season 2, Abby is introduced straight after the Saint Mary’s Hospital Firefly massacre in Salt Lake City, making it clear from the start who she is and her intentions.
It’s quite surprising that Joel was killed in the next episode, as major character deaths are rarely seen in the second episodes of TV seasons. Yet, Abby’s motivations being swiftly unveiled immediately elicits a sense of empathy with her ambitions. While we may end up sympathizing with Abby, it’s this delay in full understanding that makes The Last of Us Part II stand out. Revealing too much too early takes away the chance for new viewers to feel the emotional turmoil of the game, lessening the impact and potentially diluting the final outcome.
Joel’s Death & Ellie’s Reaction Were Still Powerful & Poignant
The Violence Was As Brutal As Could Be
As a movie reviewer, I must say that Pedro Pascal delivers an unforgettable performance in this production, and his character’s demise is both brutal and impactful. Witnessing such intensity, even on the small screen, leaves an indelible mark. Although some aspects of Abby’s storyline felt underdeveloped, the Joel and Ellie narrative more than made up for it. The scenes following Ellie’s arrival are reminiscent of the original game, and they retain their emotional punch just as effectively.
Watching Ellie implore her adoptive father to rise never fails to be impactful. The poignant moment of her clinging to Joel’s body adds an extra layer of emotion to the scene, making it one of the most powerful in the TV series thus far. Although I don’t always align with HBO’s decisions for “The Last of Us,” there’s no questioning that Joel’s demise will linger in the memories of television enthusiasts for a considerable time.
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2025-04-22 05:27