The Last of Us Just SHOCKED Everyone! (Here’s Why It Makes Sense)

by

As a dedicated admirer of The Last of Us, I was well-aware that Joel Miller’s (Pedro Pascal) demise was predestined, given his tragic end in the video game version. In Episode 2 of Season 2, titled “Through the Valley,” this heartrending event unfolded true to the original narrative, as dictated by the canon. The second season of this widely acclaimed HBO production follows the events of The Last of Us Part II, the sequel to the video game series that never fails to surprise with its unforeseen twists, much like the first installment and Season 1 of the TV show.

In the style of video games, Joel is killed at the start by Abby Anderson (played by Kaitlyn Dever). This violent demise was foreshadowed as Abby was set on revenge because of Joel’s actions: he had killed her father and saved Ellie (Bella Ramsey) from a medical procedure in the final episode of Season 1, “Look for the Light.

As a passionate cinephile reminiscing about the gripping tale unfolded in the game, I recall the harrowing decision Joel faced: though the procedure would’ve taken Ellie’s life, it held potential for a cure against the zombie plague, with the Fireflies credited as its creators. The imminent peril to Ellie spurred Joel into a deadly rampage. Ever since the game’s release in 2020, discussions have swirled among fans over whether Joel was the villain in this narrative, and the season 2 premiere, titled “Future Days,” subtly hinted at this moral dilemma. Now, newcomers to the story will join in on the debate and choose their allegiance as Ellie sets forth on a journey marked by sorrow and vengeance, with Joel’s absence behind her.

Joel Is Considered the Antagonist of ‘The Last of Us Part II’ From One Point of View

In the sequel of The Last of Us video game saga, the perspective of the protagonist Joel being portrayed as a villain is delved into, particularly from Abby’s standpoint. If hints about Season 2 are any indication, this theme will also be examined in the HBO series adaptation. In stories set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, it’s not uncommon for people to adopt a “survive or perish” mentality.

Joel, the main character from the first game and series, is no exception to being capable of corruption. In fact, he ended up killing all Fireflies who were planning to sacrifice Ellie’s life, including Abby’s father. However, it’s important to understand that Joel viewed these actions as protecting someone dear to him – Ellie. He felt compelled to prioritize her safety above all else due to their bond and because he had lost his own daughter, Sarah (Nico Parker). In essence, saving Ellie was Joel’s way of preventing a tragic repeat of the past.

From Abby’s point of view, Joel’s narrative presents a contrasting account

While Joel perceived himself as making the appropriate choices, at least from his own standpoint, Abby views his actions as self-centered and inhumane. In the eyes of viewers through Abby’s storyline, Joel appears in a less favorable light due to her belief that his actions during the hospital massacre in Season 1 finale were brutal and unjustified.

As a passionate cinephile, I find it intriguing when shows offer multiple perspectives, allowing me to peer into each character’s actions through different lenses. It’s thought-provoking and encourages us to ponder how we would react in similar situations. In the season 2 premiere, titled “Future Days,” there are already hints that we’ll delve deeper into Joel’s complex psyche, perhaps even scrutinizing his darker side and questioning the lengths he went to protect Ellie.

Joel’s Character Has Been the Cause of Discourse Among ‘The Last of Us’ Fans

Joel’s character’s demise in the TV series has stirred up discussions that had been dormant since the second part of the game was released for consoles, attracting a fresh wave of fans. The early death of Joel might not have been unexpected for gamers familiar with the original plot, but viewers solely invested in the show were taken aback, as they may have presumed Abby’s quest for revenge would unfold across Season 2 and possibly extend into Season 3. However, this prediction didn’t come to fruition, as the showrunners chose to stay true to the past narrative, despite the decision causing significant controversy among fans.

In shows like Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, it’s no secret that major characters can be eliminated unexpectedly. The same applies to The Last of Us series, where the long hiatus between Seasons 1 and 2 has served as a stark reminder of this brutal reality.

The remnants of Joel’s past are hinted at in both the game and series, suggesting that he did whatever was essential for survival after Sarah’s demise during the apocalypse. Given such a history, it’s not surprising that retribution would eventually come calling, and it turned out to be from a former Firefly. Given his background, it’s no surprise that Joel’s fate eventually took a dark turn. And Pascal, who many are familiar with, has previously portrayed the role of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, a character who also met an excruciating end.

The contentious discussion revolves around who was in the right and wrong, whose actions were justified versus unjustifiable. Now it’s Ellie’s time to avenge Joel’s death by pursuing Abby, thereby complicating the situation further. Viewers will evaluate each character’s deeds to determine their stance on who was correct: Joel taking lives of innocents to protect Ellie and discarding a potential cure; Abby seeking retribution for her father’s death and killing Joel; and Ellie possibly taking lives in her pursuit of Abby. Joel’s demise raises numerous queries, and viewers will now delve into Ellie’s quest for vengeance. The Last of Us Season 2 is available on Max.

Read More

2025-04-21 06:02