Joel’s Death: Better In The Show OR The Game?

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Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us season 2 and the original game.

In the second season of “The Last of Us,” the demise of Joel, also a key point in the game, was portrayed. The TV adaptation excelled and fell short in various aspects compared to the original narrative. The heartrending scene of Joel’s death was depicted in episode 2 of season 2, an event that gamers have anticipated since the beginning of season 1. In both the video game and the series, Joel’s death has been consistent, with Abby, a new character introduced in “The Last of Us” season 2, aiming for revenge against Joel for his killing of the Fireflies in Salt Lake City.

In the finale of The Last of Us season 1, Joel’s destructive rampage was depicted, marking the final mission in the 2013 video game. Given its significant role as a pivotal moment in both versions of the story, it’s inevitable that comparisons are drawn between this scene and Joel’s demise in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. Generally speaking, these scenes share many similarities. However, there are notable variations in the television show that some viewers might argue enhance the scene compared to the game, and vice versa.

Show Is Better: Dina Was Present For Joel’s Death Instead Of Tommy

Which Gives Dina Better Motivation For The Show’s Future

Initially, I’d like to discuss how the television adaptation of “The Last of Us” portrayed Joel’s demise in a more impactful manner. A notable difference between the series and the game in season 2, episode 2 is that Isabela Merced’s character, Dina, was out on patrol with Joel instead of Tommy. In the video game, it’s Tommy and Joel who rescue Abby together, leading to Tommy being restrained and unconscious while Joel is killed. However, in the show, Dina takes Tommy’s place during this scene, offering a more compelling narrative as it provides Dina with added incentive to journey to Seattle.

In the television adaptation of “The Last of Us,” the relationship between Joel and Dina deepens beyond its portrayal in the game. While in the game, Dina primarily joins Ellie on her quest out of loyalty, the show depicts a more complex bond between them, encompassing mutual affection and Dina’s love for Joel. This emotional connection intensifies when Dina witnesses Joel’s death, strengthening her desire for revenge, which does not interfere with Tommy’s character development. Since Tommy regards Joel as his brother, he would be justifiably angry in both scenarios.

Show Is Better: Abby’s Group Were Better Depicted

The Entire Group Was Given More Humanity

One notable improvement in the narrative of The Last of Us season 2 compared to the original is that it delves deeper into Abby’s group. Instead of portraying them as solely ruthless characters, as they were when Joel met his end in the game, the series presents them with more human qualities. This is particularly evident in Mel, who interacts kindly with Dina, displays remorse, and even challenges Abby on several occasions, giving the group a more compassionate image.

In contrast to The Last of Us Part II, where Abby’s group is given some humanizing aspects but not extensively explored, the HBO series The Last of Us devotes more attention to the characters in her group, making them appear more relatable and humane. While The Last of Us Part II primarily revolves around Abby’s quest for vengeance against Joel, the game swiftly and unexpectedly confronts players with Joel’s death, which may make Abby’s friends seem less empathetic compared to those in the series.

Show Is Better: Ellie’s Reaction After Joel’s Death

The Show Ends With A Few Heartbreaking Shots

In the sequel of “The Last of Us,” titled “The Last of Us Part II,” I find myself in a situation where Ellie receives a brutal kick to the face, moments after Joel’s demise, rendering her unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, I find myself in Jackson. The second season of “The Last of Us” enhances this narrative by delving into the immediate aftermath of Joel’s death, providing a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal. One such moment sees me crawling towards Joel and lying beside him, a scene that tugs at one’s heartstrings. Another shot captures me, tearfully looking back over my horse as Joel’s lifeless body is taken back to Jackson. This poignant image underscores the harsh reality of his death, made even more impactful by an exceptional emotional performance delivered by Bella Ramsey.

Show Is Better: Joel Trying To Get Up

Making His Death Even More Tragic

The distinction you’re referring to might be somewhat subtle, but in the TV series, the way Joel tries to rise from death is more noticeable compared to the game version. In both instances, Ellie urges Joel to get up, which he usually does, and interestingly, in the game, Joel slightly twitches his hand as a hint that he’s attempting to comply with her words. The second episode of The Last of Us season 2 showcases Joel’s effort to rise more evidently.

Although Joel doesn’t quite manage to rise and defend Abby and her companions, Pedro Pascal brilliantly portrays the internal strife within him. Straining his neck slightly and attempting to shove his hand against the ground, he fails. This scene in the TV series eloquently conveys how desperately Joel is striving to get up for Ellie’s sake, subtly surpassing the game’s efforts to illustrate the same tormented aspect of paternal love.

Game Is Better: Joel’s Death Was More Shocking In The Last Of Us Game

The TV Show Foreshadowed It More

It’s possible that my understanding of Joel’s death in “The Last of Us” being more shocking than its portrayal in season 2 could stem from the fact that I had played the game first. In the game, you start off playing as Abby, learn very little about her background, and then, after a few hours of regular gameplay, Joel is brutally killed in a brief scene. The perpetrators, Abby and her group, remain enigmatic, only to reappear again several gameplay hours later. This sudden, unexpected death could have been more impactful because the player forms a strong connection with Joel during the gameplay experience.

In contrast to The Last of Us game, where Abby’s background and motivations were left shrouded in mystery for extended periods, thereby enhancing Ellie’s quest for revenge, the second season of The Last of Us has chosen a different approach by providing more insights into Abby earlier on. This change results in lessening the initial shock factor associated with Joel’s death, even though it still managed to surprise viewers significantly.

Game Is Better: Joel’s Death Was More Brutal In The Last Of Us Part II

Abby Came Across As More Ruthless

In line with the previous argument, the depiction of Joel’s death in the game was particularly harsh. Although I don’t typically appreciate excessive violence in media, I understand that Joel’s demise served a purpose. The severity of his death underscored the message effectively. For much of the game, the message conveyed was clear: Abby and her group were heartless, merciless killers who arrived unexpectedly, brutally killed Joel without provocation, and left Ellie and Jackson in disarray. The way Abby beat Joel with a golf club reinforced this image.

As a die-hard movie buff, I must say that the second season of “The Last of Us” took an unexpected turn with the golf club scene. While the show portrayed Abby using the golf club on Joel’s injured leg instead of his head, she initially attacked him with her fists, most of which were not shown on screen. This was followed by her using half of the golf club to stab him. Strangely enough, this depiction felt less brutal than a direct blow from the golf club. Perhaps it’s because Abby appears more muscular in the game, or perhaps it’s just the way it was executed in the series, but either way, the portrayal of Joel’s death in “The Last of Us Part II” made for a much harder watch and added an extra layer of emotional intensity to the storyline.

Game Is Better: The Atmosphere Of Joel’s Death

Both In Tone & Location

In summary, the earlier points imply that the ambiance surrounding Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II is intensified. The depiction is strikingly dark and haunting, primarily because the scene is so unexpectedly shocking and brutal. Furthermore, the setting – a dimly lit basement room inside a lodge, with only a window covered in snow offering any illumination – contributes to this intensity. This atmosphere not only heightens the emotional impact of the moment but also underscores Ellie’s subsequent PTSD struggles throughout the narrative.

In The Last of Us season 2, I felt let down by how the creators portrayed Joel’s demise as a more serene scene instead of a tense and confined one like in the game. The death unfolds in a spacious room with a vibrant fireplace and a large bay window flooding the scene with light, which diminishes the heavy, suffocating ambiance surrounding Joel’s passing in the original version, making the TV adaptation seem less ominous and suspenseful.

Game Is Better: Joel’s Final Line & Abby Not Having A Speech

The Dialog Was Briefer

In conclusion, I believe that the game “The Last of Us” portrayed Joel’s final moments more effectively through his last words and Abby’s monologue. In the series, Abby explains her reasons for wanting to kill Joel extensively, which somewhat diminishes the initial shock of his death. In the game, Joel responds to Abby with a blunt “Just shut up and do it already,” effectively silencing her.

In the game, before I could even begin to speak, Joel interrupted me with, “Might as well skip your prepared speech and let’s get this over with.” This approach in the narrative maintains the raw, shocking portrayal of my character killing Joel without lengthy explanations or motivational backstory. In comparison, Joel’s final line in the game version of ‘The Last of Us’ is more impactful than its TV series counterpart.

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2025-05-03 16:08