You Won’t Believe What The Last of Us Show Did to Abby’s Story

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As a dedicated movie critic, I must warn you about some significant spoilers for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. In this gripping episode, Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, and showrunner Craig Mazin share insights into the modifications made to the game, specifically focusing on The Last of Us. On the 20th of April, HBO brought one of the most impactful and heart-wrenching scenes from the video games to life, as Abby mercilessly slaughters Joel (Pedro Pascal) in retaliation for her father’s death, with Ellie (Bella Ramsey) powerlessly watching.

When it came to adapting the scene from The Last of Us Part II, some key adjustments were incorporated into the narrative, particularly in the way Abby’s backstory is portrayed.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dever and Mazin discussed the modifications made to the game in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, such as Abby’s dream sequence that initiates the episode, as well as a monologue penned by Mazin for Abby, which she recites before killing Joel. You can find their detailed explanations below: (This version aims to simplify the original text and make it more conversational in tone.)

In simpler terms, Dever explains that the character’s emotions perfectly convey what happens next in the scene. She desperately yearns for her previous life and wishes the current circumstances weren’t as they are.

Mazin is saying that the character is essentially focusing on envisioning her rage and pain, but also recognizing her rightness mentally. What she’s trying to make clear is that his actions were wrong. Period. No discussion. No debate. Nothing else. Mazin appreciates how Pedro brought this acceptance to life in his portrayal. The truth is, what he did mirrors what she’s doing now – we often harm those we love most deeply. Joel has a unique experience compared to Ellie and Abby, which we will delve deeper into during the season: the experience of loving a child, which differs from being a child who loves a parent.

What The Last Of Us Season 2, Episode 2 Game Changes Mean For The Show

They Attempt To Humanize Abby

In the beginning of The Last of Us season 2, it became evident that the series was adopting a slightly altered storytelling style compared to the game. Instead of keeping Abby’s backstory hidden for quite some time, as in the game, the HBO adaptation chooses to evoke sympathy for Abby sooner by incorporating extra scenes. In the initial episode, immediately following the attack on Firefly Hospital, Abby expresses her desire to kill Joel. This is one of the ways the series deviates from the original. Another departure is the dream sequence that introduces episode 2, where an older Abby forewarns her younger self about what lies ahead in the room where her father was just killed.

In the creation of season 2, episode 2, Mazin incorporated an exclusive monologue for Abby that isn’t featured in “The Last of Us Part II“. Prior to Abby executing Joel, she expresses all her accumulated hurt and rage, thereby adding depth to a scene that the game leaves somewhat unclear. This soliloquy underscores Abby’s perspective, suggesting that she believes her actions are entirely justified – a parallel that becomes quite evident. In essence, Abby is mimicking Joel’s actions – taking lives in defense of those she cherishes.

Our Take On The Last Of Us Season 2, Episode 2 Game Changes

They Improve On The Game Once Again

In a seamless blend, HBO’s show “The Last of Us” skillfully balances being incredibly loyal to its original content, while enhancing it where needed. The second episode of season 2 serves as a recent demonstration of this approach. By clarifying Abby’s motivations, the audience can relate to her more deeply, making Joel’s eventual death by her hand even more poignant and impactful. HBO’s “The Last of Us” continues to flesh out details and solidify its position as one of the most successful video game adaptations ever produced.

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2025-04-22 00:37