The latest episode of The Last of Us has been the talk of the internet, with fans describing it as a heart-wrenching adaptation of one of the game’s most devastating twists.
The HBO series, adapted from the critically acclaimed video game, has kept audiences on edge since its premiere in January 2023.
In this post-apocalyptic narrative, developed by Naughty Dog, the world is 20 years into a pandemic driven by a fungal infection that transforms people into ‘zombies,’ leading to the fall of civilization.
The plot centers around Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, and 14-year-old Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey. Together, they journey across the United States with the aim of developing a cure, after uncovering Ellie’s immunity to the infection.
While many gamers anticipated the grim twist approaching in the storyline, numerous viewers were unprepared for the tragic conclusion of the second episode in season two.
Warning: This article includes spoilers for The Last of Us.
Set in Jackson, Wyoming, audiences watched in shock as the beloved duo, who had formed a father-daughter bond in the first season, faced dire circumstances.
The true devastation unfolded when a large group of the infected attacked the town. Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, seized this chaotic moment to exact vengeance on Joel by brutally attacking him with a golf club amidst a fierce blizzard.
The ordeal concluded when Abby stabbed Joel in the neck with a broken golf club, as Ellie watched in horror, pleading desperately for him to “get up.”
Fans, heartbroken by Joel’s death, have expressed their shock but praised the episode for its “outstanding performance.”
Following the episode’s airing, Pedro Pascal and Kaitlyn Dever shared a photo from the set on Instagram.
The actors posed together with a snowy backdrop, with Pascal captioning the image: “Blizzard Buddies. Thank you, scene partner. You little miracle. @kaitlyndever @thelastofus @hbo @streamonmax #Canada.”
Dever posted the same picture, writing: “My best snow buddy buddy buddy,” alongside heart emojis.
Fans responded to the photo, urging others to not “bully” Dever for the scene, recognizing her as an “incredible actress” who portrayed Abby with depth.
One fan hoped the 28-year-old actress would receive an Emmy, despite admitting they still “hate” the character Abby for her actions against Joel.
Another fan commented on the episode’s emotional impact, stating, “What a brutally epic and emotional episode, both played so incredibly. Congrats Miss Dever!”
Additional remarks praised Pascal for supporting Dever, suggesting he posted the photo to prevent any backlash against her. “And don’t worry, we love her,” a fan added.
Some viewers were still reeling from the episode, with one joking, “HOW DARE YOU POST THIS AFTER THE S*** WE WENT THRU.”
Many comments showed reluctance to accept Joel’s death, with multiple users repeating, “JOEL GET UP.”
Others criticized the timing of HBO’s release, which coincided with Easter Sunday, calling it “diabolical.”
“Thanks for hurting us again Pedro,” one fan noted, needing a week to recover from the episode just as they did with the game. “I’ll never recover,” echoed another.
The Last of Us season 2 is available on HBO in the US and on Sky and Now TV.