HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has delivered a seismic twist that left fans reeling: the brutal death of Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. In Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” Joel meets his end at the hands of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This moment, while anticipated by players of the original game, has ignited intense discussions and emotions among viewers.
A Faithful Yet Intensified Adaptation
The series closely mirrors the controversial plot point from The Last of Us Part II, where Joel is killed early in the story. However, the show amplifies the brutality of the scene. Abby not only shoots Joel but also beats him with a golf club until it breaks, ultimately stabbing him in the neck with the broken end. This graphic portrayal leaves no ambiguity about Joel’s fate, delivering a gut-wrenching experience for the audience.
Pedro Pascal’s Emotional Farewell
Pedro Pascal, who brought depth and nuance to Joel’s character, shared his feelings about filming this pivotal scene. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal admitted he was in “active denial” about Joel’s impending death, despite knowing it was part of the storyline from the beginning. He described the filming process as emotionally intense and praised the cast and crew, particularly Kaitlyn Dever’s performance as Abby.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Shock and Debate
The fanbase’s response has been a blend of shock, grief, and debate. While some viewers appreciated the show’s commitment to the source material, others felt the loss of Joel was too abrupt and devastating. The portrayal of Abby has also been a point of contention. IGN noted that changes to Abby’s character in the series may have weakened the impact of this shocking moment.
The Road Ahead: Ellie’s Journey and Joel’s Legacy
With Joel’s death, the narrative shifts focus to Ellie, setting the stage for a profound exploration of grief, revenge, and the complexities of human emotion. Showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed that Joel will continue to appear through non-linear storytelling, allowing the character’s presence to linger in the series.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Narrative Choice That Redefines the Series
The decision to depict Joel’s death so early and graphically in Season 2 is a bold narrative choice that redefines The Last of Us. It challenges viewers to grapple with loss and the consequences of past actions, setting a darker, more introspective tone for the series moving forward. As the story unfolds, fans can anticipate a deep dive into Ellie’s psyche and the moral complexities that lie ahead.
