The Shocking Truth Behind Joel’s Brutal Death in The Last of Us Season 2 Revealed!

ATTENTION: This tale includes plot twists from the second episode of Season 2 of “The Last of Us,” currently available to stream on Max.

Every viewer who was once a gamer for “The Last of Us” found themselves wondering the same major query concerning the second season: When will Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, meet his end?

In the second episode of the current season, titled “Through the Valley,” we finally get an answer to that lingering question. As a fierce snowstorm hits Jackson, a regular patrol takes a tragic twist: After Joel rescues Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) from a group of infected, she guides him and Dina (Isabela Merced) straight into a lethal trap.

In the wake of my dad’s death at Joel’s hands in the final episode of last season, I decide to take matters into my own hands. With a shotgun, I wound him in the leg, and then, with a golf club, I deliver a merciless beating. On another front, Jackson is grappling with their own predicament as a horde of infected bursts through their defenses.

In the end, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) pursues Joel to the secluded ski lodge, only to suffer injuries at the hands of Abby’s group. As she looks on in fear, Abby fatally strikes Joel, ending his life.

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the creators behind ‘The Last of Us’, discussed their upcoming episode with EbMaster, revealing some major alterations from the game and the heart-wrenching scene that left them both emotional.

Joel’s death happens very early in the game, but there was speculation that it wouldn’t occur until later this season in the TV series. Why was this the right moment?

Craig Mazin: Every choice was on the table, as I recall.

Neil Druckmann: Essentially, we had to reacclimate ourselves to the narrative. In the game, there’s a significant period before this pivotal moment, but we wanted it placed early enough since it triggers our story’s main events. So yes, we examined every possible scenario, but as the season progressed, delaying it felt like we were prolonging rather than diving straight into the core of our tale.

I: I understand the concern about causing distress. It’s not our intention. Once people become aware of it, they might start to feel uneasy. Those unaware will eventually discover it, as word spreads that it hasn’t occurred yet. Our initial thought was to ensure that when we implement this, it seamlessly fits into the narrative and isn’t merely a manipulative tactic on our part to upset others.

Joel’s final moments are set against the backdrop of a massive horde of infected descending upon Jackson. Why did you want to add that element to this part of the story?

Druckmann: In our game, Jackson faces threats from infected or raiders. We emphasized this structurally because it allows us to create tension by switching between scenes, something we can’t do in the game. Moreover, Jackson is a significant character and his safety matters for the storyline. This means not only are we mourning the loss of Jackson, but also many others. The town’s security is now at risk. So, as we move forward, we needed to convey this dire situation. To do that, we crafted an incredibly intense siege of Jackson, serving as a reminder of the challenges ahead.

One scene that really captivated me was when Joel, accompanied by Abby and Dina, witnesses Jackson from afar, engulfed in flames. This triggers him to head there. Abby reassures him that their companions will engage in combat, and they can acquire weapons for the mission. His primary worry is for those individuals and their community. Interestingly, Ellie follows the same trail, sees the same sight, yet chooses to search for Joel instead. This depiction of what ‘community’ means to different people plays a significant role in the narrative.

The patrol groups are structured differently in the show: Joel is with Dina, Ellie is with Jesse (Young Mazino) and Tommy (Gabriel Luna) is back in Jackson. Why did you change around where these characters are for this pivotal moment?

Neil Druckmann explained that they aimed to delve deeper into the characters than what was portrayed in the game, particularly focusing on Dina’s relationship with Joel beyond just her connection as his surrogate daughter. In the post-apocalyptic Jackson settlement, Dina grew closer to Joel and served as another protege he could guide and instruct. She was another orphan under his care. However, it is worth noting that Ellie and Dina’s dynamic on the show has evolved beyond what was depicted in the game. Their friendship has developed into something new, as they share a kiss at one point, leaving Ellie uncertain about its implications. There is still more to explore regarding these characters’ relationships.

Abby’s brutal beating of Joel is harrowing in any medium, but it’s shown in gorier detail in this episode than in the show. Did you ever consider pulling some of those punches?

Druckmann: We don’t hold back in the game, but the live-action adaptation takes it a step further into brutality. Throughout the season, we discussed this a lot. There are instances where we must adjust our approach due to this, but showing the harshness is crucial. The audience needs to understand the impact on Joel, and these choices will affect their decisions later. To achieve this, we couldn’t shy away from showing the same level of brutality to the audience, as it helps keep them in sync with the characters’ mindset.

It deeply saddens me to witness a mighty individual fall from grace. As a child, I recall an animated adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” where Aslan had his mane shaved, creating a very emotional scene that made me cry. In this scenario, Joel experiences a similar descent that feels incredibly distressing. Despite his struggle to rise from the floor, he almost does so at Ellie’s request. This situation is heart-wrenching. We do not intend to cause harm; instead, we are with Ellie as she endures an excruciating experience—grief and sorrow that will one day touch us all. It’s an inevitable part of life.

You mention Joel almost getting up. There’s a moment where Pedro Pascal lifts his head slightly, and it seems as though Joel just might actually get up. What was behind that?

Mazin: He listens to her, and he recognizes her presence. Yet, despite his will, he’s unable to act. If there’s anyone in the world who could prompt him to accomplish the unthinkable, it would be Ellie urging him to rise. This passage suggests that he is conscious of her being there, and was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of her. [Mazin feels tears welling up] And I must admit, I’m getting quite emotional.

As I reflect on this, I find myself silently wishing, “I hope he’ll rise again.” Even as authors, our hearts yearn for Joel to stand up once more. He is a character that we deeply care about.

Mazin: Her face is the last thing he sees.

Well, now I’m crying, too.

Mazin said, “Here’s the headline for our interview. During the conversation, I couldn’t help but cry. It was truly awful. Let me clarify, I’m going through a tough time just like everyone else.”

Or,

In the interview, Mazin found himself tearing up at the sight of the headline. He admitted it was terrible. To be clear, he’s experiencing difficulty, like many others.

Since we’re already crying, let’s talk about the new moment when Ellie crawls toward Joel’s body and shares one final moment with him. Was that always something you wanted to add?

From the start, draft one, Ellie has been hurt badly, almost fatally so. She’s not crawling towards him just for a farewell; she’s going there to be with him in death. That’s her wish, and it happens when she grasps his hand. We’ve witnessed her behave this way before, remarkably portrayed by Bella Ramsey.

The episode ends with Ashley Johnson’s rendition of “Through the Valley.” Why did you choose that song?

To begin with, it’s important to acknowledge Neil’s contribution since the song is an integral part of the game world. Often, my role involves selecting what elements to incorporate. Given that Ashley portrayed Ellie’s mother, there’s a lingering presence that feels ethereal. In the final scene, we see little Ellie struggling to breathe next to her father figure, and at that moment, we hear the voice of her mother. It’s a moving scene. At times, parallel realities overlap. I can’t find another way to put it. We don’t delve too deeply into metaphysical concepts, but on occasion, they intersect. This is one such instance because this experience is now common ground for all players. Essentially, we’re suggesting that everyone who has played the game and those yet to do so have shared this emotional journey. The lyrics are poignant, Ashley’s voice is enchanting, and I couldn’t conceive of a more fitting conclusion.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-21 05:17