The Heartbreaking Last of Us Season 2 Finale Changes Everything About a Famous Death

by

Over the years since its launch in 2013, creative director Neil Druckmann has proven adept at crafting poignant, heart-wrenching scenes. The post-apocalyptic horror survival game tells the story of Joel Miller, a father who had lost his daughter two decades ago and then took on the responsibility of caring for a troubled teenager.

In collaboration with Druckmann, who left audiences breathless with his intense storytelling and unexpected twists, Craig Mazin proved to be an ideal companion. Known for his gripping writing on shows like HBO’s Chernobyl, Mazin elevated Druckmann’s work to new heights of emotional depth. The Season 2 finale, “Convergence,” transformed a well-known scene from the game into an even more poignant moment.

The Aquarium Was the Site of One of Ellie’s Worst Acts

The situation reached its climax, the long-awaited confrontation everyone anticipated. Following a series of attempts by Ellie to hold Abby accountable for Joel’s death, Ellie finally felt she had made some progress. In the heart of the night during a heavy Seattle downpour, Ellie tracked down an aquarium, where she assumed Abby was hiding. To her surprise, Abby wasn’t there, but two of her associates were present instead. Owen and Mel were engaged in a heated disagreement when Ellie entered, demanding to know Abby’s location. Even as his life ebbed away, Owen remained faithful to Abby, and when he tried to take Ellie down, she struck first.

In the series, Ellie shoots Owen and unintentionally hits Mel instead, causing her fatal injuries. Struggling with her last moments, Mel tries to save her unborn child using her medical skills. This scene in the show is similar to its counterpart in the game but with a significant difference: instead of a gory death scene, Craig Mazin emphasizes the emotional turmoil and trauma that unfolds.

In this rephrased version: Mel urgently asked Ellie to employ her knife and perform a cesarean section on her, fearing the child would run out of oxygen. However, as Mel’s health deteriorated, Ellie was left grappling with the gravity of her request. Untrained in such procedures, she was unable to carry out the task, and soon afterward, Mel passed away. This situation starkly contrasts with the violent conclusions portrayed in the games. Despite the difference in circumstances, both instances underscored Ellie’s involvement and the weighty consequences of her actions, as the possibility of saving the baby only served to accentuate the crime she had just perpetrated.

Ellie acknowledged she might’ve prevented a tragedy by acting differently, but her thirst for retribution led her down this path. Despite returning home, she left Abby behind – a choice made in the face of deep grief. Yet, this quiet sorrow, contrasting the game’s violent climax, will forever remain with Ellie. The realization that she played a part in a child’s death weighed heavily on her conscience.

Mel’s Death Reinforces the Thesis of The Last of Us

The Last of Us wasn’t destined to be a light-hearted television show. In its video game format, it reached the zenith of storytelling prowess. Its narrative lacked optional missions; instead, it delivered an unrelenting dose of emotional turmoil in a post-apocalyptic setting. At its heart, the poignant tale centered around a parent’s love for their child. Players were swiftly plunged into the deepest sorrow one could fathom. On Outbreak Day, coincidentally Joel’s birthday, the father was forced to shield his daughter from an unjust execution by the military.

For over four decades, he carried the burden of his pain until he encountered Ellie, a fiery teenager whose well-being he would put above everything else. The game’s conclusion hinted that Joel was willing to betray her trust, even if it involved sacrificing her in a surgery with global implications. He brutally attacked an entire hospital to save her from a procedure that could have saved the world. The idea of sacrifice and survival permeated throughout The Last of Us, which continued in its second season as well. This theme was also evident in Mel’s character until her demise. Despite Ellie being the one who took Mel’s life, it made little difference to Mel at the end.

She urgently asked Ellie to rescue her kid, knowing she wouldn’t be there to witness it. Yet again, Ellie found herself in a situation that showcased the selfless actions of parenthood, devoid of any personal emotional perspective. If she were to become a parent, he wished she could surpass his own efforts in this regard. The profound love a parent bears for their child served as the driving force behind the story, and soon, Ellie would experience this powerful emotion herself.

Ellie’s pregnancy symbolized that Dina was preparing to become a parent. At some point, she would have to put others first and make sacrifices for her child’s well-being. However, at present, Ellie found herself in the most self-centered phase of her life. Her primary focus was tracking down Abby, not out of concern for Joel, but because she couldn’t move forward without resolving this matter. Mel’s death prompted Ellie to reevaluate her position and possibly even return to Jackson, although she sought no reward. Naturally, everything changed when Abby caught up with them, effectively setting the course for Ellie’s future. Moreover, Mel’s demise not only influenced Ellie’s journey but also underscored the sadness inherent in Ellie’s own narrative.

Mel Is One of the Most Tragic Characters In The Last of Us

Mel may not have fully understood Dina’s heartbreaking past or Ellie’s vengeful journey, but it’s clear that her story concluded in a sad manner. While some viewers saw her solely as an extension of Abby, she was an individual with her own character and reasons for her actions. A part of the Fireflies, Mel was among the fortunate few who survived Joel’s brutal attack on the hospital.

Initially opposed to Abby’s violent methods as a medical professional, Mel found herself accompanying her on a mission to eliminate Joel, an act she felt was more about duty than choice. As one of the few remaining Fireflies, Mel recognized the need for justice, but she never agreed with the high price that was being paid. When Abby endangered Dina, Mel spoke out against it and even restrained her to prevent harm. This was the last time viewers saw Mel until the season finale, where she reappeared to once more challenge Abby’s viewpoint. While the details of their conversation remain unseen until Season 3, it is clear that Mel never supported Abby’s actions.

Abby brought nothing but misery upon herself and ultimately influenced her own destiny negatively. Even Ellie didn’t intend to harm Mel, who was solely concerned about her child’s life. Unintentionally, Mel’s death occurred as a tragic consequence when Owen was killed, marking a sad ending for her tale. If it weren’t for the vicious cycle of violence surrounding her, Mel would have been able to raise her child peacefully.

Mel found herself in unfortunate circumstances by being in the wrong location at an inopportune moment. She didn’t need to be present during Joel’s downfall, and she unintentionally got caught up in the Abby-Ellie conflict when she visited the aquarium that particular evening. Mel was a kind soul who always aimed to assist others, but her life was prematurely ended. Although she was not a significant character at the time of her passing, her role will be reevaluated and given more emphasis in the upcoming season, much like many other characters.

As a film critic, I must say that the upcoming season of “The Last of Us” will certainly shake things up. After an intense and emotionally-charged quest for vengeance by Ellie, the new season takes a surprising turn by focusing on the character who left many viewers with mixed feelings over seven episodes. The finale of this season leaves us in Abby’s shoes, three days before the heartbreaking events surrounding Mel’s death. It’s going to be an intriguing exploration of her perspective and motivations.

In this plot twist, you’ll witness more of Abby’s group, who suffered at Ellie’s hand, taking center stage. As the story unfolds, Mel’s animosity towards Abby will become apparent, revealing the distinct differences between these two strong female characters. Additionally, the villainous character responsible for Joel’s demise will show a less menacing side. Sadly, fans must endure a delay before the next season, but when it premieres, brace yourselves for more emotional turmoil.

Read More

2025-06-02 04:13