Why The Last of Us Season 3 Should Skip Following the Game’s Structure

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I can’t help but be thrilled about delving deeper into Abby’s story in The Last of Us season 3! However, the decision to follow the game’s narrative structure might prove challenging for the HBO series. The third season renewal happened before the second season had even premiered, leaving us unsure about the exact timeline for its return. Given that the finale of The Last of Us season 2 hinted at Abby taking the spotlight in the subsequent chapter, it seems the show is mirroring the game’s plot development.

Kaitlyn Dever was part of the cast for The Last of Us season 2, portraying Abby, a character who ultimately took the life of Pedro Pascal’s Joel. In the earlier stages of the show, Ellie, Dina, and other Jackson residents were more prominent. However, as the story progressed in line with the game structure from The Last of Us Part II, Abby became the central character, potentially setting the stage for her to take center stage in season 3, though this may come with additional risks.

The Last Of Us Season 3 Will Follow Abby’s Time In Seattle

The Show Is Switching To Abby’s POV

In “Day One” scene of the second season of The Last of Us, when Abby confronted Ellie and her group in the theater hideout, it strongly hints that the upcoming third season is likely to center around Abby’s story as seen in The Last of Us Part II. Just like the game switches its playable character from Ellie to Abby during a shared timeframe, it appears that The Last of Us season 3 will delve deeper into Dever’s character and her experiences while Ellie and Dina were in Seattle.

Following the demise of Joel in episode 2 of The Last of Us season 2, Abby wasn’t seen again until the final sequence of the finale. We understood that Abby and her band of WLF soldiers had returned to Seattle, but instead of alternating between Ellie and Abby’s stories, the show opted to mimic the game’s storyline structure. While season 2 brought Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac into the picture and disclosed the endings for Nora, Owen, and Mel, Abby’s involvement in Seattle during the escalating conflict between the WLF and Seraphites will be a major point of emphasis in season 3.

Based On The Game, I’m Eager To See Abby’s Story Play Out In The Last Of Us Show

Abby’s Story Takes A Few Interesting Turns In The Sequel Game

Ever since “The Last of Us Part II” came out in 2020, the portrayal of character Abby has stirred debate within the series. The upset stemmed from her being the one who killed Joel, but the controversy deepened as she became a main playable character, roughly halfway through the game’s narrative, taking on Joel’s killer role. However, once past the emotional turmoil surrounding Joel, I found Abby’s perspective an engaging means to delve into her backstory and understand her reasons for killing Joel. This exploration also brought forth similarities between Abby and Ellie, which I’m eager to explore further in the upcoming show.

I’m equally excited about several scenes from the upcoming sequel game that will come to life in real-time. Abby’s tale will provide deeper insights into the Wars between the WLF and the Scars. We’ll also gain a clearer picture of her group dynamics, meet new characters like Lev, and potentially witness the intriguing Rat King, rumored to be the most exotic infected variant in season 3 of The Last of Us.

Focusing Too Much On Abby In Season 3 Could Hurt The Last Of Us

More Abby Means Less Ellie & Dina In Season 3

Shifting focus to Abby’s tale in season 2 of “The Last of Us” is crucial, but transitioning to her perspective in season 3 comes with significant risk. Since Ellie and Dina were established as the primary characters in season 2, it could be season 4 before we revisit them as the central figures of the series again. Unlike the games, where a shift in viewpoint might span just a few hours’ worth of narrative, adhering to the game’s structure means that resolving certain storylines may take several more seasons.

Regardless of whether season 3 revisits the theater ambush sequence, Ellie and Dina may have significantly smaller roles in the upcoming season, which could be disappointing given Isabela Merced’s captivating performance in The Last of Us season 2. After following Ellie’s quest for vengeance and her deepening bond with Dina, a shift to focus more on Abby might not resonate with many viewers, especially those who have expressed concerns about the pace of season 2. Additionally, Abby faces criticism from The Last of Us audience due to her role in the death of fan-favorite character Joel.

Why The Last Of Us Should Have Combined Ellie & Abby’s Seattle Story

TLOU Could Have Avoided Key Pacing Issues In Season 2

In a more natural and easier-to-read manner: If you were divided about the shift in lead characters during season 2 of “The Last of Us”, it is important to note that season 3 will bring another change, focusing on Abby’s story. Although Abby could be considered the “hero” of her story, it may be challenging for viewers to embrace this immediately, as an entire season focused on Abby might not be as effective as gradually revealing her perspective within the narrative. Instead, “The Last of Us” could have adopted a different approach by weaving together Ellie and Abby’s stories in Seattle, switching perspectives between them, rather than following one character exclusively.

By adopting a combined approach for The Last of Us season 2, not only could they have addressed the pacing issues even with a shorter season, but it would have also mitigated some of the criticism towards Abby and the WLF. Reducing Abby’s screen time might have led to less satisfaction regarding the WLF, Isaac, and the Seraphites, as the storyline appeared incomplete. Furthermore, this structure dilutes the impact of The Last of Us season 2’s cliffhanger in the theater, since viewers may not witness the rest of Ellie and Abby’s confrontation until late into season 3 or even beyond.

What The Last Of Us Showrunners Have Said About Season 3’s Plans

The Show’s Creators Are Keeping Season 3 Details Under Wraps

Regarding the potential for The Last of Us season 3, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have yet to explicitly confirm it as Abby’s story. At a recent press conference, they were vague when asked about adhering to the game’s structure by focusing on Abby’s perspective in season 3. Mazin humorously stated that he wouldn’t give a direct answer, but also hinted with this statement:

It’s clear that Kaitlyn Dever, Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, and many other characters who are deceased in the story will continue to make an impact, as their stories are far from over.

It seems challenging to imagine that The Last of Us season 3 could explore Abby’s Seattle narrative without centering heavily on Dever’s character, given that season 2 already covered Ellie and her Jackson allies’ story during those crucial three days. Now, the main focus shifts to Abby’s location and understanding more about the WLF’s conflict with the Scars. While there are valid points to separate Ellie and Abby’s tales, considering the extended production periods in live-action today, it’s hard to justify maintaining the same narrative structure.

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2025-06-04 20:08