Episode 2 of Season 2 of “The Last of Us” is now available. After a few hours since its release, it’s time to discuss and reflect on the episode. I regard this as a masterclass for several reasons. Firstly, it features a significant number of infected characters not present in the original video game, along with an intense attack scenario. Additionally, Tommy’s character takes center stage, showcasing his formidable presence, and Gabriel Luna delivers a captivating performance. There is also a well-known but nerve-wracking sequence that everyone anticipates. It’s time to dive into the details and analyze the episode.
Release on April 21, 2025
Duration: 56 min – Directed by: Mark Mylod
The last shot of Episode 1 concluded with a cordyceps stalk emerging from a drainpipe directly in Jackson, setting the stage for impending chaos within the city, depicted as an impregnable fortress. This sequence does not exist in the video game but was specially created for the TV series and seamlessly integrates into the narrative, reinforcing another specific scene… But we’ll return to that shortly. For now, let’s revisit the beginning of Episode 2, which also starts with a powerful sequence familiar to players—the moment Abby ascends the famous corridor leading to the operating room. This sequence occurs later in the game but allows Episode 2 to reintroduce Abby’s character and the trauma she experienced years earlier.
ON THE GREEN
Abby wakes up and realizes it was just a nightmare. This scene then cuts to the introductory sequence of Abby from the game when we first played as her. She is with her friends in a cabin located several tens of kilometers from Jackson. This prompts discussion about actress Kaytlin Dever’s appearance, which differs significantly from Abby’s muscular build in the video game. While I have always emphasized that performance takes precedence over physical resemblance, Abby’s bodybuilder aspect is an integral part of her character, defining her personality and her perceived invincibility. After all, the game aimed to present a completely different character from Ellie – one capable of eliminating infected solely through brute strength, even sending concrete blocks flying. The reason behind Kaytlin Dever’s decision not to bulk up for the role is unknown; it could be due to various factors such as lack of motivation, conflicting filming schedules, or difficulty in gaining weight quickly. Officially, we do not know the specifics. However, this difference creates a discrepancy, particularly noticeable in her scene with Joel – I will address that later…
In all cases, the series avoids the direct confrontation between Abby and the infected in the snow that served as a tutorial in the game, as this was the first instance of taking control of Abby. Here, the showrunners opt for an immediate pursuit leading to the now-iconic scene at the barbed wire fence, where tension is heightened compared to the video game version. In the series, viewers see fingers attempting to grasp Abby, and notably a close-up shot of a hand prepared to mutilate itself in order to reach its prey. The visual intensity is palpable even when discussing it. Subsequently, there is a scene where Abby struggles with an infected that has managed to follow her closely behind; it requires Joel’s intervention for Abby to escape safely.
MULLIGAN PLAYED
From that moment onward, my heart tightened in anticipation because if these sequences exist, then what follows is inevitable. This realization confirmed that the series adheres to its predetermined path; the notorious pivotal scene was about to unfold. But how? In what manner? Would it mirror the execution we experienced in the video game? Or would there be deviations? It’s a valid question when observing that the show isn’t hesitant to make significant alterations. For instance, here Joel saves Abby not alongside his brother Tommy but with Dina instead, significantly altering the dynamics. Meanwhile, Tommy is preoccupied protecting Jackson from an unexpected surge of infected during a snowstorm. This parallel, where each brother must fight for survival, I find intriguing; there’s a mirror effect, and one can’t help but wonder: given what’s happening in Jackson, will Tommy be unable to save Joel? Joel, on the other hand, is left to fend for himself this time with Dina by his side. Does he stand a chance? Could Dina potentially face the same fate as in the game? These are questions I pondered, and honestly, they seemed plausible. However, the series remained true to the game’s logic, disposing of Dina via an injection that puts her to sleep while Joel meets his demise under Abby’s blows. His death closely resembles the video game’s version, complete with the iconic golf club prominently displayed by the camera due to its sharp and impactful nature.
Overall, the experience in the episode closely mirrors the video game, though there are some differences. In the episode, there is indeed the use of a pump shotgun to Joel’s knee, followed by Abby needing to tend to him to keep him alive or at least conscious. However, there are additional club blows to Joel’s already shattered knee that do not occur in the original game. Similarly, when Ellie arrives, Abby does not use a golf club but instead uses her fists against Joel. While Joel’s face is battered and bruised during this confrontation, what ultimately finishes him off is not a golf club hit to his temple, but rather a piece of the broken golf club that Abby lodges in Joel’s neck.
The scene is harsh, quite graphic, and indeed shocking. However, I find that the corresponding scene in the video game remains slightly more impactful, perhaps because it caught everyone off guard at the time. Nevertheless, the series aims to evoke a different emotion during the moment when Ellie joins Joel’s body, removes the golf club fragment, takes his hands, and holds him close. This tender moment is absent from the game since, in the game, Ellie receives a kick to the face that knocks her out. Additionally, there is the heart-wrenching image of Jesse, Dina, and Ellie returning to Jackson with Joel’s body wrapped in fabric and dragged on the ground by a horse. Of course, this scene is part of the emotional impact the series intends to have on viewers.
AIR SHOT & BACKSPIN
Certainly, Season 2 adheres to this crucial moment in narrative development but enhances it with an attack by infected within Jackson, escalating the drama. As Joel’s life ends on one front, others succumb to the assault of these highly agitated zombies, who breach Jackson’s wooden barricades despite Tommy’s flawless defense and Gabriel Luna’s portrayal of intense action throughout. Additionally, we must address the confrontation between Tommy and a colossal Bloater, which he provokes to protect Maria from an attack. This scene is tense, with a flamethrower providing striking imagery but limiting Tommy’s mobility. The part where Tommy attempts to escape and becomes trapped among buildings and stores echoes the ‘No Return’ mode introduced in the PS5 remastered version of “The Last of Us Part 2.”
In conclusion, this is a masterful episode that Mark Mylod has managed to elevate. Given his track record of directing significant episodes in both “Game of Thrones” and “Succession,” it comes as no surprise.
While we’ve been diving deep into the intricacies of “The Last of Us” Season 2, it’s worth taking a moment to explore another recent release that didn’t quite catch the limelight as expected. Sophie Laurent over at Players for Life takes a critical look at “Fort Solis,” a sci-fi horror game featuring powerhouse voice actors Troy Baker and Roger Clark. Published on August 24, 2023, her review delves into why this highly anticipated title fell short of expectations despite its stellar cast. From slow pacing to underwhelming technical execution, Sophie provides insightful commentary on what went wrong with “Fort Solis.” If you’re interested in learning more about this space thriller’s shortcomings and the reasons behind its lukewarm reception, be sure to check out her detailed critique Critical: Icy Bath for Space Thriller Featuring Troy Baker and Roger Clark. If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror games that push the boundaries of what’s possible with modern gaming technology, be sure to check out Sophie Laurent’s latest post on “Fort Solis: 14 Minutes of Gameplay for New Spatial Horror Game Coming to PS5 and PC.” Published on August 3, 2023, this exciting piece delves into the debut gameplay footage of Fallen Leaf Studio’s upcoming title. Inspired by classics like Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol, Fort Solis promises a chilling adventure set in space with Roger Clark starring as engineer Jack Leary. With stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals and gripping narrative elements, it’s an experience not to be missed! Fort Solis: 14 Minutes of Gameplay for New Spatial Horror Game Coming to PS5 and PC
