Minority Mindset

In “The Last of Us” Season 2, there’s a potential exploration of the pitfalls of seeking vengeance. However, Isabela Merced encourages viewers not to feel pressured to anticipate or align with the characters’ ethical teachings; it’s alright to simply enjoy the story without trying to outsmart its moral messages.

The departure of Pedro Pascal from the show has left many in disarray and questioning how “The Last of Us” can continue without him. However, fear not, as he will reappear in other forms throughout the season, but his consistent presence is now a thing of the past. Although losing Joel is a significant loss for the series, it seems that “The Last of Us” doesn’t seem too phased by the repercussions. The destruction and aftermath provide excellent resources for showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to fuel a narrative driven by Bella Ramsey’s character, who has demonstrated their ability to lead the series effectively on their own. If Season 2, Episode 3 is any indication of what lies ahead, there remains something worth living for among these mourning characters.

In the popular TV series, it’s clear that Abby is the character generating the most conversation, similar to the buzz surrounding The Last of Us Part II video game in 2020. However, unlike before, there’s a valid explanation for why Abby kills Joel. Conversely, Seth, a character who gained instant disfavor among fans due to his open homophobia, lacked any justification for his actions. An intricate moral quandary arises when Ellie aligns with Seth regarding the execution of Abby and her companions in Seattle. This situation presents a challenging dilemma about who should be granted forgiveness, and how small concessions can escalate into something significant over time.

After addressing Ted Black’s past in New York, the storyline has taken a significant turn, now heavily emphasizing the bond between Stuart and Ted. Naturally, the series Suits LA wouldn’t be whole without occasional flashbacks, so even though Ted’s initial torments have been addressed, the show still employs strange flashbacks to further develop the characters. Simultaneously, every other relationship within the show seems to be falling apart.

The third episode of “The Last of Us” starts with a deeply sorrowful scene. Sitting by his brother’s lifeless body, Tommy addresses the flawed man he knew so well, asking him to convey greetings to Sarah, Joel’s deceased daughter whom he has reunited with in death. This moment is incredibly poignant and serves as a powerful blow, following closely on the heels of Joel’s gruesome demise and our recognition that “The Last of Us” as we understood it no longer exists. However, the choice of tempo throughout episode 3 is intriguing, giving the impression that the series itself seems unsure about its future direction, much like us viewers.

The third season of “Dark Winds” on AMC’s mystery series delves deeper into enigmas and intergenerational wounds, this time with a chilling twist as it weaves Navajo legends into horror narratives. As Detective Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) hunts for a missing Native teenager following his friend’s murder, he encounters a remorseless killer disguised as a beast, all while grappling with a challenging conversation with his wife Emma (Deanna Allison). At the same time, Bernadette’s (Jessica Matten) duties with the border patrol take a dangerous turn, pulling her into the intricate network of a rancher dealing in drugs and human trafficking who has many officers under his control.