Through the Valley: Recap of The Last of Us Season Two

<em>Warning: Spoilers Ahead for </em>The Last of Us Season Two, Episodes One and Two

HBO’s The Last of Us has firmly established its commitment to the source material, the acclaimed video games, in its inaugural season. This trend continues into season two, which pushes the boundaries of its narrative to new extremes. In the second episode, viewers witness Tommy and Maria leading the resilient community of Jackson Hole against an unprecedented onslaught of Infected. This scene showcases a scale of chaos that has yet to be depicted in either the show or the games. The sheer intensity of this battle evokes memories of grand conflicts seen in Game of Thrones or the legendary siege of Helm’s Deep depicted in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. It portrays both the courageous spirit of the defenders and the harrowing losses they endure, culminating in a hard-fought victory for the heroes.

Alongside this grand-scale confrontation, the episode also delves into the profoundly intimate and brutal acts of violence, particularly as Joel’s past transgressions finally catch up with him. His demise at the hands of Abby and her former Firefly associates from Seattle delivers a gut-wrenching blow, even for those familiar with the narrative arc. This moment is not merely a plot twist; it serves as a stark reminder of the twisted sense of “justice” that permeates the world Joel and Abby inhabit.

It became apparent within the first five minutes of the season premiere that Abby’s journey would culminate in this moment, yet the speed at which it unfolds is shocking. While players of the video game may recognize the parallels, the HBO adaptation has raised questions about how Craig Mazin would approach the pivotal events of the second game and the circumstances surrounding Joel’s death. Many speculated whether the show would withhold definitive confirmation of Joel’s fate until the season’s climax or delay revealing Abby’s motivations until a later episode. However, by the end of these two episodes, viewers learn that Abby’s father was the doctor whom Joel killed at the conclusion of season one in a desperate attempt to save Ellie. This revelation adds layers of complexity to Abby’s disturbing quest for vengeance, positioning her actions in a light that viewers can more easily comprehend. In contrast, the video game gradually reveals this information, casting Abby as a more traditional “villain,” which in turn makes Ellie’s own thirst for revenge resonate more profoundly with players.

However, what succeeds in a video game might not translate seamlessly to a more passive viewing experience. While I recognize that there could have been alternative storytelling approaches that would postpone the full reveal of Abby’s motivations, the execution in this adaptation did not detract from my enjoyment. Additionally, the early introduction of Abby’s crew and her relentless pursuit of Joel at the start of the season premiere did not bother me personally. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that many gamers felt this revelation stripped away some of the mystery and altered the pacing in a way that did not resonate with them, and I can understand that perspective.

For those unfamiliar with the games, the sudden death of such a significant character in just the second episode must have been quite shocking, despite the foreshadowing. This is particularly poignant considering Joel went to great lengths to save Abby from impending doom. In an alternate narrative, one might envision this act blunting her desire for vengeance, or at least compelling her to reconsider the torture of a defenseless Joel. Yet, her obsession with revenge is so consuming that it horrifies even her allies. The moment when Ellie discovers Dina unconscious and is forced to witness Abby deliver the final, brutal blow is a devastating culmination of events. This heart-wrenching scenario is compounded when we remember that their last interaction was marked by Ellie’s harsh rejection of Joel during the previous night’s dance.

This decision is a bold move for such a prominent series, yet narratively, it seems inevitable. Pedro Pascal has become a household name, and The Last of Us seemed poised to be his defining performance. While Joel’s death certainly impacts his character arc, it does not erase the significance of his role. Even if flashbacks feature him throughout this season and the next, it will never replicate his presence leading the storyline. The decision to part ways with such a commercially appealing and beloved actor must have been a difficult one for HBO, although it’s likely the network anticipated this outcome from the outset of negotiations. This strategic choice mirrors the shocking death of Sean Bean’s Ned Stark, which subverted audience expectations regarding who would continue to guide the narrative moving forward. From this point on, the storytelling mantle will be passed to Bella Ramsey for the remainder of the season.

I must commend Mazin and director Mark Mylod for their skillful handling of the multiple storylines and characters featured in this episode. Kaitlyn Dever is given her first significant screen time, effectively capturing Abby’s barely-contained ferocity, which pays homage to the original game, despite her physicality not mirroring that of Abby in the game. The chilling interactions between her, Joel, and Dina are incredibly intense, particularly as she corners Joel; credit is due to Pascal and Isabela Merced for their dynamic portrayal of emotions as they navigate Abby’s escape from the Infected, only to experience betrayal.

Meanwhile, Ramsey shares significant screen time with Young Mazino’s character Jesse as they embark on patrols, desperately searching for Joel. Back in Jackson, Gabrielle Luna and Rutina Wesley portray Tommy and Maria, who valiantly defend their town from the Infected. The episode weaves together a multitude of narrative threads, and the fact that it encompasses the largest battle ever depicted on the show, alongside Joel’s capture and subsequent death, without feeling cluttered is a testament to the exceptional talents of the writers, directors, and cast.

Regarding that intense Infected battle, I initially felt skeptical seeing snippets in the trailers for this season, but the actual execution was nothing short of exhilarating. I was captivated by the meticulous preparations undertaken by Jackson, including the strategic placement of oil barrels and the flamethrower brigade, which was strategically positioned amidst snipers on rooftops. However, once the Infected breached the defenses, all semblance of order disintegrated, creating a chaotic scene that left me questioning the survival of the town. While it seemed unlikely that the entire settlement would fall, the sequence was a compelling response to previous criticisms regarding the limited Infected encounters in season one. The emotional weight of the disaster impacting Jackson, combined with the personal loss of one of its most vital citizens, enriched the narrative with an additional layer of grief.

Infected Threat Level: 11/10

The creative team behind the series has promised that season two will feature significantly more Infected than its predecessor—let’s see if they deliver on that promise.

Tommy’s heroic confrontation with a Bloater using a flamethrower in front of a Mailboxes Etc. store? The jaw-dropping spectacle of barrels of oil igniting an entire field of Infected? The spine-chilling moment when “live” Infected, previously hidden beneath a field of frozen ones, spring forth to chase Abby directly into Joel’s path? And let’s not forget the brave rescue by Jackson’s guard dogs that worked to fend off the horde threatening to overwhelm the town. This episode showcased the most thrilling action sequences we’ve yet to witness from the show, far surpassing anything seen in the games. It will be a formidable challenge to top this epic confrontation.