Explore Joel’s tragic end in The Last of Us Season 2, with creator insights and future teases for emotional depth.

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What made Joel’s death so shocking?
The latest episode of The Last of Us season 2 left fans reeling as Joel met a brutal fate.
Abby’s revenge struck hard, turning a moment of triumph into tragedy.
This twist was pulled straight from the 2020 video game, yet it hit differently on screen.
Why did Abby seek vengeance?
Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, lashed out for her father’s death from season 1.
She cornered Joel with a golf club, then delivered a fatal stab while Ellie watched in horror.
The scene unfolded in raw, unflinching detail, blending action with emotional gut-punch.
Viewers unfamiliar with the games gasped, but loyalists saw the echoes of the source material.
How are the creators handling the backlash?
Neil Druckmann, the game’s creator, has already weathered storms from the game’s release five years ago.
He calls it an “important beat” in the story, essential for deeper themes.
Craig Mazin adds that it hurts because we all loved Joel, and Ellie’s grief mirrors our own.
Still, they promise it’s not the end—more pain and growth lie ahead.
What’s next for Ellie and the series?
Ellie vows bloody revenge on Abby, setting up intense conflicts for the rest of the season.
Mazin teases plenty of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s chemistry in upcoming episodes.
Expect surprises that build on season 1’s depth, with new layers to their bond.
The show keeps delivering hard emotions, proving it’s more than just survival.