The Last of Us Season-Premiere Recap: Welcome to Wyoming

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In the beginning scene of The Last of Us‘s second season (previously the last scene of the first), Ellie (Bella Ramsey) asks Joel (Pedro Pascal), “Can you promise me that every word about Fireflies was true?” To which Joel responds, “I do.” As they prepare to journey to Jackson, Wyoming, without a word, Ellie seems lost in thought. However, the expression on her face implies she trusts Joel, who has been like a father to her and guided her through the devastated United States infected by the Cordyceps pandemic. Much is at stake with this trust, as any collapse could alter their relationship drastically.

In “Future Days,” the opening episode of our second season, though set five years after the initial events, it’s clear from the start that the past will be a significant factor. The first scene sets this tone, but the second really drives the point home. As I converse with Ellie, a heavy moment unfolds in Salt Lake City, where the survivors of the Firefly massacre I had orchestrated are laying their dead to rest and trying to make sense of what transpired. Could it be true that the tales circulating about the stranger who plowed through our community were searching for a girl immune to Cordyceps? With everything we’ve lost, does it even matter now, given that we must navigate our future without the organization that had been our lifeline and without all those dear to us who are no longer here?

For one individual, this course of action is indeed plausible. The character Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, hasn’t forgotten that Joel was the one who took her father, a surgeon and scientist, away from her. He was the man who believed he could find a cure for the Cordyceps infection at the expense of Ellie’s life. Although the wisest course might be to head towards Seattle, where a man named Isaac has established some sort of organization, Abby is adamant that they first locate Joel, despite only having a physical description and the fact that he’s described as good-looking for a murderer. Abby’s companions, including the seemingly sensitive Owen (Spencer Lord), understand her motivation but don’t think this is a sound strategy. As a compromise, Owen proposes they head to Seattle first and devise a plan from there. It remains unclear if Owen and the others are fully committed to helping Abby seek revenge, but she agrees. While Abby hasn’t abandoned the idea of retribution, she knows it will have to be postponed. However, when she does kill Joel, she already has a method in mind: “Gradually.

It’s surprising that Abby had intended to wait five years before executing her plan, yet after the credits, we discover that Ellie and Joel are both alive and thriving in Jackson. Granted, they’re not without their struggles, but Ellie has undeniably become more resilient. Initially, she is seen practicing hand-to-hand combat, and at 19, she appears to be handling her sparring partner quite well, despite Jesse (Young Mazino), her friend and trainer, offering constructive criticism on her methods. When Jesse mentions that they went easy on her to avoid explaining any potential injuries to Joel, Ellie becomes angry. It seems there’s some tension brewing between the two.

Despite its circumstances, Jackson appears charming. If you were to reside in a revamped post-apocalyptic American city, it’s challenging to envision one more appealing than Jackson. However, maintaining its functionality and growth to accommodate more residents requires significant effort. And who else but Joel, an experienced contractor, could serve as the project manager to keep Jackson thriving? Joel also seems healthy, though age has undoubtedly taken its toll on him. His hands are rigid, and he wears glasses, but he warmly welcomes a visitor with a cheerful “Hey, kiddo.

In the usual manner, he would greet Ellie, but instead, it’s Dina (Isabela Merced) who is present. As we’ll find out later, she’s a close friend of Ellie’s and shares a good rapport with Joel as well. However, Dina isn’t here to discuss breakers; she has a different question on her mind. The question is about the reason behind Ellie’s anger towards Joel. Unfortunately, Joel doesn’t have an answer he can share with Dina (or perhaps even acknowledge within himself). After all, she’s just 19. It’s evident that there’s tension between Ellie and Joel, and they seem to have developed a father-daughter relationship. As Joel expounds on this situation, Dina makes an observation: Joel is in therapy. He initially denies it, then confesses, and finally asks Dina to keep it confidential.

In a separate setting, I find myself engaged in an unusual treatment regimen, partnered with Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna). Armed with a sniper rifle, we’re eliminating the undead menace. However, my newfound responsibilities have their boundaries. Despite joining patrols, Joel has requested Tommy to reduce my tasks and guard the entrance instead. Not surprisingly, this isn’t sitting well with me. I flatly refuse the assignment and sarcastically jest about my supposed Cordyceps immunity, irritating Tommy in the process. Tommy asserts that we’re cut from the same cloth. I retort, if we are indeed identical, he should realize he’s not prevailing in this battle. He isn’t. (In a more casual and conversational tone) In another part of the world, I’m participating in an unusual therapy session with Joel’s brother Tommy. We’re using a sniper rifle to take out some zombies, but my tasks have their limits. Though I’ve been on patrol, Joel has asked Tommy to lighten my load and guard the gate instead. predictably, this doesn’t sit well with me, so I mockingly mention my secret Cordyceps immunity, annoying Tommy in the process. Tommy tells me that we’re like two peas in a pod. I reply, if that’s true, he should know he’s not winning this fight. He isn’t. (In a more informal tone) Somewhere else, I’m hanging out with Joel’s brother Tommy, doing some weird therapy stuff. We’re using a sniper rifle to off some zombies, but my work has its limits. Even though I’ve been on patrol, Joel wants Tommy to have me watch the gate instead. Not surprisingly, this doesn’t make me happy, so I give Tommy a hard time about my supposed Cordyceps immunity, ticking him off in the process. Tommy tells me that we’re like twins. I tell him, if that’s true, he should know he’s not winning this fight. He isn’t.

It appears that Joel is facing an issue regarding adhering to Maria’s schedule, as she is one of Jackson’s leaders and Tommy’s wife. The reason for her demands is the necessity to expand Jackson to accommodate refugees. However, Joel disagrees with her proposals for border restrictions, but his enthusiasm seems lacking. In reality, Joel is a complex individual who shows great affection, evident in his role as a loving uncle to Benjamin. Reminding him of this aspect, Maria says, “Remember, you were once a refugee yourself.” This fact is not forgotten by Joel.

Could therapy possibly help him connect with his softer personality? That’s a possibility, but in Gail (Catherine O’Hara), he encounters a tough therapist. She doesn’t shy away from starting the session with a drink or indulging herself beforehand. Joel compensates her with mediocre marijuana, which appears to be acceptable for Gail. Despite her impressive therapeutic skills, she often self-medicates, perhaps as a means of coping. This can be attributed to the fact that it’s her birthday and her first without Eugene, her husband of 41 years.

In the upcoming narrative, it will become clear that the event in question heavily involves Joel, who for unspecified reasons, took the life of Eugene. Although this act might appear justified, Gail has never recovered from this incident, yet she’s consented to aid Joel with his issues concerning Ellie. Joel finds Gail’s aloofness and bluntness puzzling. Gail attempts to present a tough facade, contending that Ellie is behaving like any typical 19-year-old who yearns for independence from their parents. Gail also perceives that Joel is withholding something from her. For Gail to assist Joel, he must disclose it, just as she openly expresses her lingering resentment towards Joel for his actions. All Joel manages to say is that he “rescued” her. To Gail, this seems an unusual secret to conceal. She cannot yet comprehend that he’s alluding to both his most significant accomplishment and his greatest remorse.

In her self-declared garage residence, Ellie readies herself for a patrol when an unscheduled visit from Dina occurs. The camaraderie between them, reminiscent of longtime friends, is evident, but as Dina approaches to aid Ellie in getting ready for the patrol, a hint of discomfort flickers across Ellie’s expression. Just like with Joel, an unvoiced tension has started to darken their bond, although it’s of a completely distinct nature.

After receiving patrol orders from Joel, Ellie resumes her sarcastic demeanor. On their journey, Dina playfully nudges Ellie about the dance planned for that night and questions whether she intends to bring her former partner, Kat (Noah Lamanna), who is also part of this patrol. Intrigued, Dina proposes the idea of them attending the dance together, as she’s now single following a breakup with Jesse (again). However, before Ellie can respond, they encounter a pressing matter: The remnants of an infected attack outside a supermarket where several infected corpses and a bear carcass lie. Disregarding protocol, Dina and Ellie decide to investigate the source of the disturbance.

Outside, Ellie and Dina listen for signs of infected individuals to gauge the number they might run into. They spot two, which isn’t perfect, but proceed nonetheless. Ellie identifies one as a casualty, then bursts through the ceiling and into the store without a visible escape route – not an ideal situation! To make things even more challenging, Ellie encounters a type of infected that no one has ever encountered before, one capable of hiding and strategizing. Ellie manages to overcome it, but this new development is concerning. Despite some skepticism about the details of what happened, the town council acknowledges their concerns.

Behind closed doors, Ellie faces additional worries. Bitten by an infected creature, she must now conceal a second bite that reveals her immunity to those unaware. To mask this revealing sign, she resorts to encircling the area with scars, creating a disguise for the telltale toothmarks.

Before the dance, Joel decides to check up on Ellie beforehand. However, he receives an icy reception from her, despite Joel offering to fix her guitar, which has a unique moth pattern on its neck. While Joel may struggle to heal their relationship, there are certain things he can still address.

At the dance, I found myself watching Dina dance with an intriguing mix of admiration and confusion. That’s when Dina, perhaps playfully, insinuated that my partner was hers. We might have been under the influence, but the air between us changed palpably. “Every eye in this room is on you,” I whispered to her. She replied with a shrug, “Perhaps they’re envious.” To make things clearer, she leaned in and kissed me. The moment was brief, but it left an impact.

However, our little exchange didn’t go unnoticed by Seth, an elder of the community. He disapprovingly warned us that it was a family event before hurling a derogatory remark at us. This didn’t sit well with Joel, who reacted defensively and threw a punch at Seth. To my surprise, this action left me feeling embarrassed rather than grateful. Joel seemed puzzled by my reaction, and the distance between us grew a bit wider.

The silent reunion between them when Ellie comes home serves as a confirmation of this fact, and it’s clear that there will be repercussions from this event in the future. Similarly, the last images of the episode – a vine growing in one of the damaged pipes we saw earlier, and the appearance of two recognizable characters, Owen and Abby, who observe Jackson from afar – are also likely to have significant implications for what’s to come.

In a striking and foreshadowing manner, “Future Days” introduces a new norm for the series, centering around Jackson, though it appears so at first glance. This may remind you of the intricate introduction in the initial season, which later took an unexpected turn when Joel and Ellie embarked on their journey. For now, this episode presents us with a captivating portrayal of survivors striving to form a utopian society, managing it rather effectively, despite occasional challenges and disputes. There are indeed dangers lurking and disagreements arising, but they’ve managed to create a place where its inhabitants can find moments of happiness as they rebuild.

Simultaneously, the episode underscores the significant transformations that have occurred over the five years since the previous season. Ellie has matured, Joel has aged and assumed a leadership role within the community. They’ve grown apart for reasons yet to be revealed, but their bond continues to be pivotal in their lives. It remains to be seen whether this relationship can endure the perils that lie ahead.

Infectious Bites

On Ellie’s wall hangs a poster of The White Stripes, serving as a nostalgic nod to when pop culture peaked around 2003. Yet, Ellie appears to be nurturing distinct musical preferences. She’s fond of Nirvana and delves deep into their early days with the Sub Pop label, crafting her personal playlist from that era, while also harboring a broader affinity for guitars in general.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’ve always admired the timeless fashion sense of Ellie. Despite the changing times, one constant in her style remains unaltered – her affection for Chuck Taylors. Dina often teases her about this, but let’s face it, canvas Chucks aren’t exactly winter-friendly footwear, even before the apocalypse hit.

In the series, references are made to Curtis and Viper, Joel’s preferred action franchise that Ellie enjoys when she isn’t upset with Joel. This nostalgic nod harks back to the mindless entertainment prevalent before the apocalypse. However, this season, there seems to be a more profound exploration of the repercussions of seeking revenge hidden beneath its surface.

What’s the name for a grizzly’s ribs? That person surely shares humor with Ellie, as they can come up with such clever puns like ‘Bear-B-Que’.

It’s great to have Robert John Burke portraying the role of Seth. Known for his extensive acting career, he has a unique background – he’s not only starred in films by Hal Hartley but also played RoboCop in RoboCop 3.

It’s enjoyable experiencing a time when top-notch shows like “The Last of Us” and “The Studio” are showcasing exceptional acting from Catherine O’Hara in distinct ways.

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2025-04-14 05:56