The Last of Us Season 2: Joel’s Exit Comes Too Early

Season 2 of The Last of Us was, in my opinion, a major step down from the first season. While it started off strong, particularly with the first two episodes, it quickly lost momentum after Joel's death. Those early episodes had everything I loved about the show—intense action, suspenseful encounters with clickers, and emotionally rich character dynamics. The pacing felt right, and the tone was consistent with the bleak yet compelling atmosphere established in Season 1.

Joel’s death in Episode 2 felt abrupt and ill-timed. I understand the show is following the source material closely, and his death occurs early in The Last of Us Part II, but what works in a game doesn’t always translate well to television. Joel was such a central figure, and removing him so early left a narrative vacuum that, for me, the rest of the season struggled to fill. His bond with Ellie was the emotional backbone of the show, and once that was severed, the series lacked the same emotional gravity.

Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, gives a strong performance overall and has some genuinely powerful scenes, but the writing for her character this season wasn’t always consistent. At times, Ellie came off as abrasive in ways that didn’t feel earned or in line with her emotional arc. The show leaned heavily into her grief and rage, which is understandable, but it didn’t offer enough contrast or development to make those emotions as compelling as they could have been.

Abby’s introduction, on the other hand, was handled well. She’s portrayed as a menacing and physically imposing presence, and her motivations are made clear early on. She’s set up to be an intriguing antagonist and foil to Ellie. Unfortunately, after Joel’s death, much of the tension and momentum built around her character fizzled out. The show introduces new characters and plotlines, but very few are as engaging or memorable as those in the first season.

Overall, Season 2 had a few standout moments and solid performances, but it didn’t maintain the same level of storytelling or emotional depth that made Season 1 so gripping. After Episode 2, it felt aimless and, at times, boring. It’s not a terrible season, but compared to what came before, it’s a noticeable letdown.