Pedro Pascal’s captivating portrayal of Joel Miller in The Last of Us deeply resonated with audiences, especially with his flawed yet relatable character. Fans of the video game were acutely aware that the heart-wrenching moment of saying goodbye to Joel would eventually be depicted in the TV adaptation. This pivotal event catalyzes Ellie’s revenge-fueled journey in the game TLOU Part 2. While those following the show know when Joel meets his tragic end, many are curious about the specific episode. Let’s delve into when exactly Joel dies in The Last of Us TV series.
Spoiler Warning:
This post includes spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2 video game and Season 2 TV series, so proceed with caution.
In Which Episode of The Last of Us Does Joel Die?

In the gripping narrative of The Last of Us TV show, Joel Miller meets his fate in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley.” This intense episode showcases Joel (Pedro Pascal), a brave survivalist, facing his end at the hands of Abby.
From the outset, Joel bore the weight of his past to protect those he loved, especially Ellie. Initially tasked with delivering her to the Fireflies, his perspective shifted as he began to see reflections of his deceased daughter, Sarah, in her. After the traumatic loss at the outbreak’s onset, Ellie became a beacon of hope for Joel.
Fans familiar with the game anticipated the heart-wrenching death, yet the timing in the second episode surprised many. Given the character’s immense popularity, viewers had hoped this moment would come later in the HBO series.
However, it’s essential to remember that the second game primarily centers on Ellie’s quest, making Joel’s extended survival less feasible. In the game, Joel’s dark fate occurs within the first couple of hours. The TV series, however, granted viewers more time with Pedro Pascal before this pivotal moment unfolds.
TLOU Season 2 Episode 2 – Ellie’s Revengeful Journey Now Begins

Abby is not a malicious killer; she is a daughter seeking justice for her father, Jerry Anderson, who was killed by Joel. Jerry, a surgeon, aimed to create a cure for the Cordyceps virus, needing Ellie’s immunity to do so. Joel’s intervention, however, led to a violent confrontation that left Jerry dead and Joel unrepentant in the moment.
Remarkably, Abby could have eliminated Dina and Ellie easily but chose instead to incapacitate Dina and escape after killing Joel, leaving Ellie with a vendetta. As the episode unfolds, fans see Ellie vow, “I’m gonna kill you.” While Abby may underestimate this promise, those familiar with the game understand its serious implications — Ellie is on the hunt, setting the stage for a darker narrative ahead.
What episode does Joel die in The Last of Us TV series? Joel dies in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley.” This episode reveals his unexpected fate, propelling Ellie into a quest for vengeance.
Why does Joel have to die in The Last of Us? Joel’s death is critical for Ellie’s character development and motivates her revenge throughout the series.
How does Abby view Joel in The Last of Us? Abby sees Joel as her enemy, responsible for the death of her father, and thus a target in her quest for justice.
Why does Ellie seek revenge in The Last of Us Part 2? Ellie’s desire for revenge stems from the deep bond she formed with Joel, making his murder a personal tragedy and a driving force for her character.
The impactful storytelling drives home themes of loss and vengeance amidst chaos, enriching the viewing experience. If you want to explore more about this gripping series and related content, check out Moyens I/O for more insights and discussions.