Every Last of Us Season 2 Episode Ranked: Highlights, Flaws & Surprising Moments

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The series has concluded for now, and we might have to wait a couple more years until Season 3 begins. However, Season 2 was filled with unforgettable episodes that truly showcased television at its best. From an infected skirmish at Jackson in the backdrop of Joel’s demise to Joel emotionally expressing his love for Ellie, this season is one for the history books.

In Season 2, Abby, a complex character, emerged with expectations for a larger role in Season 3. To lay the groundwork for her storyline, The Last of Us delved into the conflict between the WLF and the Seraphites, leaving many unanswered questions to keep viewers speculating during the off-season. It was Ellie who found herself entangled in this struggle, transforming from a content young woman residing in Jackson to a grieved and vengeful individual over the span of seven episodes.

Episode 7, “Convergence”

CBR Rating: 6/10

At the end, it is where Ellie encounters the aftermath of her vengeful journey. With Jesse in Seattle, he teams up with Ellie to save Tommy from whatever predicament he’s in, allowing them all to return home. However, Ellie becomes distracted when she deciphers Nora’s code for Abby’s whereabouts, leading to a lethal confrontation involving a pregnant Mel and Owen. In due course, Abby crosses paths with Ellie again and ends Jesse’s life.

(Note: I have attempted to maintain the original flow of the sentence while making it more readable and natural.)

Rather than camouflaging its flaws like other episodes did, this finale instead brings them to light more prominently. For instance, “Convergence” skims over pivotal instances that shape Ellie’s moral decisions, but lingers on scenes where tension is most intense. Admirably, the episode creates a suspenseful cliffhanger for the next season by showcasing Abby’s perspective in a flashback.

Episode 5, “Feel Her Love”

CBR Rating: 7/10

Ellie reaches a low ebb, with very little affection being exchanged or sensed. Previously, Ellie unleashed a beast within herself to protect herself against dreadful individuals. However, now she does it mainly out of personal gratification and an urgent need for clarification. In many ways, she’s no different from her own adversaries.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Feel Her Love” truly packs a punch during its final minutes, escalating the plot significantly. Jesse’s timely arrival saves Ellie and Dina from a chilling stalker attack, and Ellie’s desperate actions to extract information from Nora in the hospital scene make The Last of Us feel incredibly tense and intense. However, before these dramatic moments, the episode spends a good deal of time delving into the daily struggles of Ellie and Dina as they navigate through a war-torn landscape, creating an atmosphere that’s both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling.

Episode 4, “Day One”

CBR Rating: 8/10

The first scene doesn’t feature Ellie and Dina, contrary to their introduction in Seattle for this narrative arc. Instead, the episode introduces Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac from the game “The Last of Us Part II.” Here, we delve into Isaac’s past within the WLF and see him in present-day power, where he is shown to be a ruthless leader who tortures a Seraphite while delivering an intimidating monologue about his culinary skills. The complex portrayal of Isaac builds anticipation for his storyline in Season 3.

In the episode titled “Day One,” Ellie and Dina reach a significant point in their relationship. After an intense sequence involving an infected subway station, they reveal intimate secrets to one another – Dina shares she is pregnant, while Ellie discloses her immunity. This heartfelt moment marks the beginning of their romantic bond, adding a touch of sweetness amidst the gloominess of the series.

Episode 3, “The Path”

CBR Rating: 9/10

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the third episode of this series serves as a much-needed respite after the intense emotional rollercoaster ride of the second installment. The narrative, three months following Joel’s demise, delves into Ellie grappling with her sorrow in a way that feels all too real. In an attempt to find closure, she suggests a journey to Seattle, aiming to confront Abby and her companions. However, when events don’t unfold as planned, Ellie and Dina venture out on their own, only to discover that Seattle is more inhabited than they had initially anticipated.

Episode ‘The Path’ from ‘The Last of Us’ is one of the more leisurely paced episodes this season, yet it serves a definite purpose. In this installment, we witness each character grappling with not just Joel’s demise, but also the traumatic events that occurred in Jackson. By taking its time to portray these unique reactions to loss, the series underscores the diversity of human grief. The most poignant moments include Ellie’s emotional breakdown at Joel’s home and Tommy’s touching farewell to his brother, encapsulating the profound sorrow that permeates this episode.

Episode 1, “Future Days”

CBR Rating: 9/10

The second season commenced by blending drama and excitement as depicted in the opening episode. This initial installment presents the audience to Abby and her team who are grieving over the Fireflies that Joel had killed at the end of the previous season. In response, Abby vows to track down Joel and exact a painful revenge for his actions. By the passage of five years, Joel remains alive in Jackson, but there’s tension in his relationship with Ellie.

Season 2’s opening episode subtly lays the groundwork for numerous intriguing developments to unfold. The town of Jackson appears authentic and ordinary, hinting at potential danger lurking ahead. Questions are raised about Joel’s role in Eugene’s demise, Ellie’s knowledge regarding the Fireflies, and the emergence of a new type of infected – the stalker. This episode also introduces significant characters such as Dina and Jesse, who become integral to Ellie’s journey as the story unfolds.

Episode 2, “Through the Valley”

CBR Rating: 9/10

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that “Through the Valley,” though almost flawless and a remarkable piece of television, doesn’t quite top the list as my favorite episode from The Last of Us Season 2. This gripping episode left its mark on fans worldwide by taking Joel’s life in an excruciatingly brutal manner at Abby’s hands. Simultaneously, Tommy guided Jackson through an infected assault like no other we had seen before.

Despite Abby’s dialogue in her conversation with Joel being quite straightforward, thus taking away some of the mystery, Joel’s demise was a startling twist for the show. Bella Ramsey’s response to this event gave goosebumps to every spectator, and the tension persisted until the credits rolled when “Through the Valley” by Ashley Johnson echoed over the closing scene. This episode is likely to linger in viewers’ minds long after the series concludes.

Episode 6, “The Price”

CBR Rating: 10/10

Among all episodes, only one surpassed “Through the Valley,” and that was the second-to-last episode of Season 2, titled “The Price.” It shares similarities with Bill and Frank’s episode in Season 1, but it provides deeper insight into the consequences of Joel and Ellie’s relationship. This episode is set on Ellie’s birthday spanning five years from Season 1 to Season 2. Gradually, Joel realizes that his deception comes at a heavy price, one he is prepared to bear.

The Price” stands as an exemplary demonstration of the exceptional writing found within The Last of Us series. While the infectious and apocalyptic scenes serve as delightful additions throughout, it is the relationships that truly define this narrative. In Episode 6, we delve deeply into Joel’s generational trauma, a burden he inherited from his father (portrayed brilliantly by Tony Dalton), which he grapples with in his interactions with Ellie. The heartfelt, personal scenes shared between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are what make watching The Last of Us a compelling drama experience, even as we mourn the absence of Joel’s physical presence.

You can now stream The Last of Us Season 2 on Max, which will soon be known as HBO Max. Development for a third season is currently underway.

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2025-05-28 19:26