The second episode of The Last of Us Season 2, titled Through The Valley, contains a heartbreaking sequence that echoes one of the most gut-wrenching moments from the video game. As Abby searches for Joel, she encounters a horde of infected and is unexpectedly rescued by the very person she intends to kill. In an unexpected moment, Dina calls out to Joel, immediately catching Abby off-guard, which prompts her to devise a plan to capture him. While fans of the game had braced themselves for a tragic death, few anticipated the timing of Joel’s demise. So, how does Joel meet his end in The Last of Us? Let’s dive in to uncover the details.
Spoiler Warning:
This post contains spoilers for both The Last of Us TV series and video game, so proceed with caution.
Is Joel Really Dead in The Last of Us Season 2?
Indeed, Joel is dead in TLOU Season 2. Initially, Abby stumbles upon him while being ambushed by infected. It’s crucial to note that Abby doesn’t recognize Joel until Dina inadvertently calls his name.
Feigning vulnerability, Abby convinces Dina and Joel to follow her to meet her group. However, once they arrive, Abby swiftly unveils her true intentions.
While Joel tries to connect with Tommy through a handheld transceiver, Abby’s group takes Dina hostage, leading Joel to suspect something is amiss. His previous encounters with various survivalist groups lead him to believe they’re merely another band of survivors. In a moment of misplaced trust, he asserts, “You wanna rob us? Fine, take what you want.” The gravity of the situation hits when Abby confesses that Joel is responsible for her father’s death, a tragic event from the Fireflies HQ in Salt Lake City.
Joel realizes too late that Abby intends him harm; she shoots him in the leg before brutally assaulting him with a golf club. Tragically, this marks the end of Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel, as he meets his fate in a horrifying manner—Abby kills him in front of Ellie by thrusting the broken golf club into his neck. This scene, while intensely dramatic, contrasts with how it is depicted in the video game.
How Does Joel Die in the TLOU Part 2 Game?
When it comes to video game adaptations, significant changes in narrative are often expected, and The Last of Us is no exception. Despite largely staying true to the original story arc, the TV adaptation adds layers of emotional depth.
In the game, Joel’s death occurs within 2-3 hours of gameplay, whereas the HBO series provides an extended build-up, allowing viewers to enjoy more screen time with Joel. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Joel is not accompanied by Dina in the game; he is traveling with his brother, Tommy, when they encounter Abby’s group.
Similar to the series, Abby reveals her intentions by shooting Joel in the leg, followed by the brutal assault with the golf club. Despite her arriving at the scene, Ellie is unable to save him, and Joel succumbs to the horrific injuries inflicted by Abby.
How did you interpret the harrowing scene in the latest episode of TLOU Season 2? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Is Joel’s death in The Last of Us Season 2 a pivotal moment for the series?
Absolutely; it creates a significant emotional pivot in the storyline, affecting each character’s journey moving forward.
Does the show stay true to the game’s story regarding Joel’s fate?
Yes, the show mirrors key elements from the game while adding its own emotional layers and character dynamics.
How does Abby’s encounter with Joel differ in the game compared to the series?
In the game, Joel is with Tommy, which alters the circumstances of how he meets Abby compared to the series plot where he is with Dina.
What impact does Joel’s death have on Ellie in the series?
Joel’s death profoundly impacts Ellie’s character arc and sets the stage for her motivations and actions in the subsequent episodes.
Want to explore more about the intricate narratives and character developments in The Last of Us? Continue your journey with us at Moyens I/O.